Natural resources

Strengthening water security: Lessons from Israel and opportunities for Vietnam - Israel cooperation

Water security is a growing concern for Vietnam due to climate change, rising demand, and pollution. Over-extraction and degradation threaten sustainability, with rapid development adding pressure. To address this, Vietnam is enhancing water management and international cooperation. Israel, a leader in water resilience, has transformed its arid land through desalination, wastewater treatment, and precision irrigation. Israeli Ambassador Yaron Mayer emphasized that Israel’s expertise offers valuable lessons and cooperation opportunities for Vietnam.

Vietnam at COP16: Advancing global commitments on biodiversity

From February 25 to 27, 2025, the continuation session of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) took place in Rome, Italy, with the participation of the Vietnamese delegation led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference focused on discussions regarding financial mechanisms, monitoring frameworks, and strategies for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and resource mobilization, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling global biodiversity commitments.

Innovative rainwater harvesting: Japan’s flood prevention lessons for Vietnam’s urban areas

On February 10 in Hanoi, a workshop titled "Plastic underground storage tanks: Innovative rainwater harvesting - Solution for urban flood control - Groundwater recharge and water reuse" was held with the participation of nearly 50 delegates from various fields. The event was co-organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and other partners. Experts shared Japan’s experience in applying underground water storage technologies to mitigate flooding, replenish groundwater, and promote urban water reuse. Discussions also explored strategies to accelerate the widespread adoption of these technologies in Vietnam.

Quang Binh: New land snail species discovered in Son Doong cave

According to information from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, a research team from the Vietnam National Museum of Nature has recently discovered a new species of land snail named Calybium plicatus sp. nov in Sơn Đoòng Cave. This is the first recorded species of this genus of terrestrial gastropods in Vietnam.

Sharing experiences on models and solutions for sustainable management of ASEAN Heritage Parks

On October 31, the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Sharing experiences and effective models for sustainable management of ASEAN Heritage Parks” (AHPs) in Con Dao.

Strengthening commitments to biodiversity conservation at COP16: Towards a global alliance for peace with nature

The high-level segment of COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), organized by the United Nations, opened on October 29, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, with the participation of senior leaders and representatives from over 190 countries to address pressing environmental issues, especially biodiversity conservation. This year’s conference aims to foster international cooperation under the theme ‘Peace with Nature,’ calling for harmonious and sustainable coexistence between humanity and the environment, while tackling interconnected environmental crises. The Vietnamese delegation, led by representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, is actively participating in the conference to promote international commitments to biodiversity conservation and share initiatives toward sustainable development.

Cooperation among Vietnam’s ASEAN Heritage Parks to enhance nature conservation effectiveness

On September 25, the Department of International Cooperation (under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) organized a workshop titled "Assessing the management, conservation, and sustainable development of biodiversity and ecosystems in Vietnam’s ASEAN Heritage Parks."

Lang Son Geopark recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark

On September 8th, as part of the 8th International Conference of the Asia-Pacific UNESCO Global Geoparks Network held in Cao Bang City, Cao Bang Province, the UNESCO Global Geopark Council convened, evaluated, and voted to recognize Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Vietnam's biodiversity triumphs: Cuc Phuong and Quang Nam lead the way

Vietnam continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. At the 2024 World Travel Awards, both Cuc Phuong National Park and the Quang Nam Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism were honored for their outstanding contributions. These awards not only celebrate Vietnam’s natural beauty but also underscore the country’s commitment to integrating environmental stewardship into its tourism strategies.

Travel+Leisure: Quang Binh among world's most beautiful destinations

Quang Binh has recently been named one of the 13 most beautiful destinations in the world by the renowned American travel magazine Travel+Leisure. Known as a paradise of caves, Quang Binh is further distinguished by Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the region's stunning natural resources and biodiversity.

Pittas in Vietnam: Magnificent flying colors

The Environmental Protection Law 2020 took effect from the beginning of 2022, ushering in new policies for biodiversity conservation. The government has issued Decision 149/QĐ-TTg approving the National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, with a vision to 2050. These are crucial legal foundations to enhance the effective management of biodiversity resources, including efforts to communication about the protecting wild birds from extinction.

EU ministers approve landmark Nature Restoration Law amid controversy

In a significant move for environmental conservation, EU environment ministers approved the Nature Restoration Law, aimed at reversing biodiversity loss across Europe. The law mandates the restoration of at least 20% of the EU's degraded land and sea areas by 2030 and sets progressive targets extending to 2050.

81% decline in migratory fish due to habitat loss

A study warns of a catastrophic global decline in migratory fish populations, which have plummeted by over 80% since 1970. This dramatic drop, primarily due to dams, mining, water diversion, pollution, and habitat loss, threatens both humans and ecosystems. The findings call for stronger monitoring and enhanced efforts in river protection and restoration.

Venezuela enters glacier-free era as last ice field shrinks

Rising temperatures have made Venezuela the first country in modern history to lose all its glaciers. By 2011, five glaciers had vanished, leaving only the Humboldt glacier, also known as La Corona, in the Sierra Nevada National Park. This final glacier has now melted so significantly that scientists have reclassified it as an ice field.

Exploration reveals 22 new caves in Quang Binh

The British Cave Research Association (BCRA), in collaboration with the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park's Management Board, has announced the discovery of 22 new caves in Quang Binh province, central Vietnam.

Legalization of regulations related to the use of reclaimed land along rivers and coastlines

Reclaimed land is land that has become barren or newly formed due to the deposition of silt. Reclaimed land along rivers and coastlines falls within the jurisdiction of the respective commune, ward, or town, and is managed by the People's Committee of that commune.

Improving policies and enhancing land management and land use effectiveness

Recently, the Government issued Resolution No. 37/NQ-CP on March 17, 2023, which releases the Government's Action Program for implementing Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW dated June 16, 2022 of the fifth Central Party Committee meeting of the XIIIth Party Congress on the continued renovation, improvement of institutions and policies, and enhancement of land management and land use effectiveness.

Deputy minister Le Minh Ngan: The draft national marine spatial planning must achieve high consensus throughout society

"The establishment of the national marine spatial planning is a difficult and complex task, being carried out for the first time in Vietnam. Therefore, seeking opinions from relevant agencies, experts, scientists, and administrators is considered as a way to 'pave the way' for overcoming obstacles to ensure the quality of planning and to achieve a high level of consensus throughout society."