Protecting the marine environment is a crucial task of all ministries and localities, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said while attending a meeting in the northern province of Nam Dinh on June 8 in response to Vietnam Sea and Island Week and World Oceans Day 2016.

He urged the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) to coordinate with relevant ministries to promote scientific research and build strategies for maritime sustainable development as well as for the protection of national sovereignty and security.

It is necessary to attract financial resources to develop the sea-based economy, which is expected to contribute around 53-55 percent to gross domestic product (GDP) and 60 percent to the country’s export turnover by 2020, he said.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaking at the meeting

The Government encourages organisations and individuals to increase investment and apply advanced science and technology to make effective use of sea and island resources and improve local livelihoods, he added.

He requested the MoNRE along with relevant ministries and localities review nationwide projects that discharge waste to the sea while ensuring effective implementation of legal regulations on environmental protection and punishing violators.

The PM confirmed that Vietnam supports countries that have benefits in the East Sea making actions contributing to peace, stability, security and safety of navigation and aviation, as well as sea environment protection.

Vietnam asked involved parties to settle differences and disputes via peaceful means and in respect of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

The country also called for increasing trust between nations, avoiding the use or threat to use force, and creating a Code of Conduct in the East Sea, he stressed.

The annual Vietnam Sea and Island Week from June 1-8 aims to raise public awareness of the significant role of sea and islands in nation building and safeguarding.

This year’s message focuses on sustainable protection, exploitation and development of marine natural resources.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha said the week is intended to popularise the Party and State’s policy, law and viewpoint to resolutely defend national independence and sovereignty, territorial integrity, firmly protect border, sea and island sovereignty, especially over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spartly) archipelagos.

A number of activities took place during the event such as a bicycle parade, cleaning up beaches, and planting trees.

Source: VNA