Problems in conserving biodiversity in Vietnam and measures to tackle
them were discussed at a workshop in Hanoi on November 24.
The
event was organised by the National Assembly’s Committee for Science,
Technology and Environment in coordination with the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment and the United Nations Development Programme.
Speaking at the workshop, Phan Xuan Dung, Chairman of the NA’s
Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, said Vietnam is among
countries with the highest biodiversity in the world.
The
country has promulgated a number of laws and undertaken many programmes
on biodiversity management and protection, he said, adding that there is
a strong need for more ecologically sound actions in the context of
climate change and the emerging trend of green development.
During the event, most participants agreed that solutions sustaining the
biodiversity have to focus on protecting the forest, enhancing public
awareness-raising campaigns as well as tightening the cooperation among
relevant agencies to prevent poaching and wildlife illegal trade.
Vietnam is home to 164 special-purpose forests with 2.2 million ha of
protected area, featuring 21,179 animal and 15,986 plant species, and
3,000 microorganism and fungi.
The nation has two World
Natural Heritage sites, Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park,
as well as World Biosphere reserves like Cat Ba Island, Cat Tien
National Park, and Can Gio Mangrove Forest.-VNA