Minister Dang Quoc Khanh delivered the opening remarks at the conference

Attendees included MONRE’s Deputy Ministers: Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa, Mr. Tran Quy Kien, and Mr. Le Cong Thanh; leaders from MONRE’s affiliated units; and leaders from the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment of various provinces and centrally governed cities.

Proactive and flexible leadership

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh underscored that the conference was a pivotal opportunity for the sector to reflect on its accomplishments, identify areas for improvement, and outline strategic priorities and tasks for the remaining months of the year. This approach is intended to ensure that the ministry meets its political objectives and sectoral goals effectively.

Reviewing the achievements of MONRE in the first six months of 2024, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh noted that the sector has closely adhered to Central Committee Resolutions, National Assembly decisions, and Government directives. The ministry has made significant progress in managing state activities efficiently.

Several critical outcomes have been achieved, notably in institutional and policy development. These include presenting the National Assembly with the Land Law and other related laws for early enforcement from August 1, 2024, to resolve existing issues; completing implementation guidelines for the 2023 Water Resources Law; presenting the Geological and Mineral Law project to the National Assembly; and drafting the National Marine Spatial Plan, an unprecedented and challenging task that will provide essential legal groundwork for sustainable marine spatial management.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh also acknowledged that these successes were due to the sector’s dedicated efforts and rigorous leadership. MONRE officials and leaders of the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment have proactively managed practical issues and implemented comprehensive solutions.

Legislative and policy advancements

Regarding the implementation of the 2023 Water Resources Law, MONRE has submitted an implementation plan for Government approval and completed and presented two decrees to guide the Law’s enforcement. Additionally, three circulars have been issued according to authority, and administrative procedures have been published as required to ensure the Law’s enforcement starting from July 1, 2024.

Moreover, MONRE has finalized and submitted to the Government for the XV National Assembly’s consideration the draft Geological and Mineral Law during the 7th session of the XV National Assembly. The Ministry is also focused on reviewing, evaluating, and drafting amendments to Decrees No. 08/2022/ND-CP and No. 06/2022/ND-CP, with an emphasis on decentralization to localities and simplifying administrative procedures to effectively implement the 2020 Environmental Protection Law.

Local departments have proposed and presented legal documents related to natural resources and environmental management to provincial People’s Councils and People’s Committees, contributing to a more cohesive and unified legal system in the field.

Strengthening administrative reforms and digitalization

The Ministry has strongly pursued administrative reforms, reducing processing times both at the central and local levels. Digital transformation and database development within MONRE have been a focus, enhancing state management efficiency, public service provision, and administrative procedure resolution for citizens and businesses.

The Ministry has actively proposed and implemented solutions to ensure key economic inputs such as land, production, water resources, and meteorological data are available for socio-economic development, national defense, and foreign affairs.

Mr. Pham Tan Tuyen, Chief of the Ministry Office, noted that the sector’s approach, focused on local needs and timely responses to practical issues, has been effective. This includes increasing collaboration with political and social organizations to manage and use resources effectively, address climate change, and implement fair energy transitions.

At the conference, reports included discussions on the implementation of the 2024 Land Law, the 2023 Water Resources Law, and the 2020 Environmental Protection Law. Local departments presented innovations in land management, such as connecting with the national population database, and discussed issues like marine and island resource management, construction material availability, and water resource management.

Clear goals and effective execution

In his closing remarks, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh praised the sector's achievements and highlighted the significant workload for the remainder of 2024. He urged a candid acknowledgment of existing challenges and limitations and emphasized the need for the sector to maintain its focus on the principles of discipline, responsibility, proactivity, timeliness, innovation, and sustainable effectiveness.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh acknowledged that the notable achievements were made possible by the efforts and dedication of the entire sector

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh outlined specific tasks for the rest of the year, including implementing the Politburo’s Resolution on climate change adaptation, accelerating national and sectoral planning, and organizing the implementation of the 2024 Land Law, the 2023 Water Resources Law, and related regulations. The Ministry is also expected to continue simplifying administrative procedures, enhancing inspection mechanisms, and strengthening regional and international cooperation in areas such as climate change and biodiversity conservation.

With La Niña conditions expected to develop between July and August 2024, the Minister advised the Meteorological and Hydrological Department to monitor extreme weather events and provide early warnings to minimize damage. He also stressed the importance of building and integrating land data systems at both local and national levels.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh expressed confidence that with collective effort, unity, and commitment, MONRE would overcome challenges and successfully complete its political tasks for the remainder of 2024.

Ngoc Huyen (NRE Magazine)