Meeting marks World Oceans Day, Vietnam Sea and Island Week

The meeting was organised in both in-person and online formats, connecting more than 500 venues across the country.

Addressing the event, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha said that our oceans are currently facing unprecedented risks due to the impacts of climate change, sea level rise, unsustainable extraction of resources, environmental pollution and destruction of marine ecosystems.

He cited United Nations’ warnings that 90% of big fish populations are depleted and 50% of coral reefs are destroyed. Plastic pollution has been discovered at the deepest point of the ocean, and humans are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished.

Therefore, ‘Revitalisation: collective action for the ocean’ was chosen as the theme for World Oceans Day 2022, emphasising the urgent need to join hands together to revitalise the oceans, rebuild marine ecosystems, preserve natural resources, and protect the marine environment, thereby creating sustainable future for humans and the environment.

The Vietnam Sea and Island Week 2022 focuses on the theme “sustainable development of sea-based economy in association with preservation of biodiversity and marine ecosystems”, aiming to address the challenges and limitations in developing the marine economy of Vietnam.