Minister Dang Quoc Khanh chaired a working session with the international environmental experts and scientists on March 7th.

On March 7th, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh, along with the leadership of specialized agencies and scientists from the ministry, received with over 30 scientists from various countries around the world in the field of the environment. Both sides discussed about environmental protection in Vietnam, as well as building joint projects that could be widely disseminated globally.
Minister Dang Quoc Khanh congratulated the outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Environmental Pollution, Remediation, and Management (ICEPORM 4) held in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh from March 3rd to 7th, 2024, with over 100 scientists from 15 countries across 5 continents, including North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, discussing topics such as environmental pollution, environmental toxicology, environmental monitoring and treatment, ecological risk assessment, and environmental impact.

During the discussions, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh urged the delegation and scientists to facilitate cooperation with Vietnam in specific areas.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh expressed hope that with the results of this international conference, cooperation between international scientists and Vietnam would make significant progress in environmental protection and sustainable development.
According to Minister Dang Quoc Khanh, the 2020 Environmental Protection Law is currently being implemented to timely institutionalize the Party's directions, the State's policies. Vietnam's environmental institutional reform is approaching international environmental legal policies, meeting the requirements of international integration. Minister Dang Quoc Khanh emphasized that the highest goal is to improve environmental quality, protect public health, balance ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and achieve sustainable economic development.
During the discussions, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh urged the delegation and scientists to facilitate cooperation with Vietnam in specific areas such as: studying international experiences in environmental toxicology to support Vietnam in developing methodologies for environmental quality standards systems, environmental technical standards, especially emission standards; researching methods for determining heavy metal pollution, hazardous waste discharge into water bodies (rivers, lakes, seas), ecosystems; training, research, and determining environmental capacity in Vietnam; sharing advanced environmental technologies for environmental treatment (Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP).

International scientists participated in discussions during the working session.

Representing the scientists, Prof. Hoang Chung Tham (Auburn University, USA) said that the goal of the ICEPORM 4 conference is to gather international environmental scientists and Vietnam to share and discuss research results, address environmental pollution issues, thereby finding solutions to environmental pollution in countries worldwide, including Vietnam. The conference also aims to enhance international cooperation in research and training young environmental scientists.
Regarding the proposals from the MONRE, scientists are ready to accompany Vietnam, share practical experiences, scientific research, advanced environmental technologies for environmental treatment, and allocate resources, as welll as call for partners to support Vietnam in environmental education and training at all levels, including basic education.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh took photos with the international environmental scientists.

Scientists said that they have survey programs to show that young people today are very interested in the environment and environmental protection. However, their knowledge is mostly gained from mass media, while education has not been widely accessed. Therefore, international environmental scientists suggested the need for monitoring and assessment programs to understand the carrying capacity and current environmental conditions. This is an international issue, but each country needs to investigate and synthesize to develop its own solutions.
Furthermore, there is a need to use media more effectively to change people's perspectives on the environment, and ultimately, towards the future, there is a need for research and innovation to produce environmentally friendly products. Scientists believed that it is necessary to enhance education combined with scientific research to provide solutions tailored to the local conditions in Vietnam.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh hoped to strengthen partnership between international environmental scientists and Vietnam.

Acknowledging these constructive opinions, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh agreed with the scientists that environmental pollution is a global challenge, and environmental protection is a shared responsibility not only of nations but also of individuals. Therefore, strong collaboration among countries and all relevant stakeholders is essential. The Minister emphasized the need for the collective efforts of scientists, policymakers, businesses, and citizens to swiftly and effectively address current environmental challenges.
For the ICEPORM scientists, the Pollution Control Department and the Department of Climate Change were tasked to strengthen cooperation for joint projects on environmental protection and climate change adaptation. The Minister expressed his hopes for the strengthening partnership between international environmental scientists and Vietnam.