Socio-economic development and the overexploitation of natural resources have caused environmental problems in Vietnam, heard a symposium in Hanoi on July 29.
Hanoi (VNA) – Socio-economic development andthe overexploitation of natural resources have caused environmental problems inVietnam, heard a symposium in Hanoi on July 29.
Director General of the Vietnam Environment Administration(VEA) Nguyen Van Tai noted that the rapid development of science-technology in the country over the past five years has led to the formation of many complicated, large-scaleindustrial complexes, challenging environmental protection efforts.
Although the environmental quality has improved, pollutions still remain in some areas, especially river basins,industrial parks, rural areas and craft villages, he said, pointing out complexdevelopments of deforestation, poaching and wildlife trafficking.
Over the past years, Vietnam has also worked to strengthen policies and laws on environmental protection, and integrated theminto socialist-orientated market economy institutions, the official went on.
He highlighted the 2020 Law on EnvironmentalProtection which officially took effect on January 1, 2022, withbreakthrough policies and solutions aiming to raise environmental quality,protect people’s health, balance the ecosystem, preserve bio-diversity, andensure sustainable economic development.
At the symposium (Photo: VNA)
Apart from promoting the operations of environmentalorganisations at both central and grassroots levels, the country has stepped upscientific-technological applications and enhance international cooperation inthis regard, he added.
Participants focused their discussions on such issuesas environmental impacts on investment activities, natural conservation, and solidwaste management towards the circular economy.
The opinions raised at the event will be collectedand submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment by the VEAto complete the report on environmental protection in 2016-2022 andorientations for 2022-2025, which will be presented at the 5th national environmental conference slated for August 4./.
The Vietnam Environment Protection Fund (VEPF) has contributed importantly to protecting the environment and reducing pollution over the past 20 years.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha on July 6 presented a "For the Cause of Natural Resources and Environment" insignia to British Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward in recognition of his contributions to the sector.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
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.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
At the symposium (Photo: VNA) 
