Quang Binh (VNS/VNA) - Vietnamese and foreign experts have gatheredat a recent workshop in the central province of Quang Binh to discuss themaster plan for sustainable exploitation and use of coastal resources from 2021to 2030, with a vision to 2045.

The workshop was co-organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resourcesand Environment (MONRE), the People's Committee of Quang Binh province, theUnited Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi.

Representatives of the Government, provinces and coastal cities from Quang Ninhto Phu Yen, international organisations, experts, and representatives ofseveral units under the Ministry and Department of Seas and Islands of Vietnam,attended the workshop.

Le Minh Ngan, deputy minister of natural resources and environment, said:"As a coastal country with a long coastline and many islands, facing thechallenges of environmental pollution, the decline of marine resources, and theimpact of climate change, Vietnam has actively developed and implementedpolicies and laws on management of seas and islands and enhancing internationalcooperation over the past few years."

"The master plan on sustainable exploitation and use of coastal resourcesfor 2021-30, with a vision to 2045, is a multi-sectoral, difficult, and complexplanning, prepared for the first time in Vietnam using the spatial synthesismethod," he said.

He said he hoped that: "Through the workshop, active exchanges anddiscussions, the responsibilities of the participants will clarify the contentsof the plan, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, and solutions toattract and strongly promote the implementation of the plan in practice, aswell as the future management and supervision of the implementation of theplan."

The objective of the master plan is to sustainably develop the coastal zone byenhancing the efficiency of resource management, exploitation, and utilisationwithin an integrated management framework, while proactively adapting toclimate change and sea level rise.

It also aims to enhance the lifestyles and living conditions of the coastalcommunities in conjunction with the conservation and development of natural,ecological, and cultural qualities, maintain social order and guaranteenational defence and security.

In her opening remarks at the workshop, Mette Moglestue, deputy head of missionof the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi, said: “Norway’s experiences with theintegrated marine management approach shows that it is possible to develop aprosperous ocean-based economy simultaneously and to keep our oceans clean andhealthy. Good marine spatial planning is key to this. Therefore, Norway ishappy to co-organise this workshop with UNDP and Vietnamese counterparts and toshare our experience and expertise in this regard."

Patrick Haverman, UNDP deputy resident representative in Vietnam, said:"Sustainable management of coastal and marine areas is a crucial tool for Vietnam'sdevelopment of a blue sea economy, promoting the growth of new sectors toenhance income and create new jobs. Particularly, coastal planning and openmarine spatial planning have the chance to capitalise on the vast potential ofmarine wind energy as an essential renewable energy source for achieving Vietnam'sclimate objectives.

“Coastal planning will also help ensure optimal and coordinated developmentbetween sectors in the exploitation and use of Vietnam's coastal resources, theconservation of nature and biodiversity, preservation of cultural and historicalvalues, and improvement of climate resilience,” he said./.