“Viet Nam News Politics & LawsViệt Nam willing to join int’l efforts in protecting sea environmentUpdate: February, 14/2017
“Vice National Assembly Chairwoman Tòng Thị Phóng delivers a speech at the discussion on maritime economic resources at the annual hearing of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations in New York. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Hữu HoàngViet Nam NewsNEW YORK – Việt Nam is willing to join hands with the international community in efforts to protect the marine environment while exploiting economic resources in a reasonable and effective manner in combination with the safeguarding of peace, security and sustainable growth of the country, said Vice National Assembly Chairwoman Tòng Thị Phóng. In her speech at the discussion on maritime economic resources at the annual hearing of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations in New York on Monday, the Vice Chairwoman said that Việt Nam had paid special attention to the development of sea-based economy in line with the protection of marine environment.
She noted Việt Nam is a coastal state, with an important position in the international waterway, adding that the country is also vulnerable to climate change, including sea level rise. She held that protecting maritime resources and environment is the shared responsibility of many countries, especially those owning financial strength and advanced technology. Amidst the imbalance of sea exploitation and environment protection that leads to serious consequences affecting sustainable development, Vice Chairwoman Phóng underlined that peace and security is the prerequisite condition for sustainable growth.
At the hearing, titled “A World of Blue: Preserving the oceans, safeguarding the planet, ensuring human well-being in the context of the 2030 Agenda,” she also made a number of proposals to ensure the harmony of sea resources exploitation and environmental protection, including the full implementation of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to ensure security and safety at sea as well as the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law. ”