APEC partnership fostered for disaster risk reduction
Solutions were proposed to strengthen the partnership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum for natural disaster response and reduction to ensure a sustainable community.
Co-Chair of the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group Wei-Sen Li speaks at the workshop. (Source: VNA)
Solutions were proposed to strengthen the partnership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum for natural disaster response and reduction to ensure a sustainable community during a workshop that wrapped up on September 19 in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh.
The two-day workshop, with the participation of around 100 domestic and international experts, underlined community-based measures, assistance to APEC member countries, particularly the developing ones to improve their awareness and capability of preventing and reducing natural calamity risks.
Participants stressed that communities should be equipped with information and knowledge on natural disaster risks, how to cope with disasters as well as how to forecast and prepare for possible risks.
They agreed that APEC should contribute more to regional and sub-regional cooperative mechanisms in the field, such as the ASEAN coordinating centre for humanitarian aid and disaster management, as well as to global initiatives, including the United Nations’ Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (Sendai Framework) and the 21st Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Conference on Climate Change slated for Paris, France, later this year.
The workshop adopted reports to be submitted to the ninth APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting on disaster risk management, the 27th APEC Ministers Responsible for Economics and Foreign Affairs Meeting and the 23rd APEC Summit to take place in Philippines in November this year.
The APEC workshop on community-based disaster risk management, jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee, is one of the 80 initiatives proposed by Vietnam in preparation for the country’s hosting of the 25th APEC Summit and related activities in 2017.-VNA
Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son has assured Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Jerril G. Santos that Vietnam will continue working closely with the Philippines to ensure a successful APEC Year 2015.
Community-based disaster risk management was the focus of a workshop in the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, which opened in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
Its Forest Protection Sub-department has applied various specialised software and information technologies in forest management and protection and fire prevention.
In 2005, Nghe An had 570 captive bears, the largest number in Vietnam. Thanks to efforts by local authorities, forest rangers, and rescue forces, the number has fallen to just 15.
A national plan sets clear goals to be achieved by 2030, including the completion of climate-resilient infrastructure and improved capacity for disaster prevention and adaptation.
Co-Chair of the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group Wei-Sen Li speaks at the workshop. (Source: VNA)
