The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) and central coastal Khanh Hoa province’s People’s Committee launched the Vietnam Sea and Islands Week and the Action Month for the Environment on June 10, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The event was held in response to the World Oceans Day (June 8) and World Environment Day (June 5).

The State-run news agency quoted MoNRE Minister Dang Quoc Khanh as saying at the launching ceremony that the World Environment Day 2024, with theme “Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience,” calls on everyone to join hands towards the goals of land restoration, desertification combat, and drought resilience, so as to limit the negative impacts of climate change, protect natural ecology, and improve livelihoods and national food security.

According to the minister, over 11.8 million hectares of land, or 35.74% of Vietnam’s total natural area, are affected by degradation, posing a risk of desertification. 

This situation is increasing and will have a major impact on the country's agricultural sector, he said.

The minister called on ministries, sectors, agencies, organizations, local authorities, businesses, and all people to take practical actions to solve drought and desertification, and protect the environment.

He proposed stricter control of waste from construction, industry and agriculture to ensure that waste must be treated according to environmental standards before being discharged.

The minister also emphasized the importance of protecting the marine environment, especially inshore waters, properly settling land-based pollution sources, minimizing plastic waste, prioritizing investment in scientific and technological research, and developing high-quality human resources for the maritime sector.