On November 20, the Department of Fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) coordinated with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to organize the "2024 Fisheries Environmental Protection Conference" to evaluate the results of environmental protection in fisheries activities from the central to local levels, and discuss with stakeholders on solutions to effectively implement the goals set out in the Environmental Protection Project in Fisheries Activities for the period 2021 - 2030.
At the same time, determine the direction and priority for environmental management and protection in the fisheries sector in the coming time.
According to the Department of Fisheries, after more than 2 years of implementing the Project, some initial positive results have been recorded. Provinces and cities across the country have issued plans and documents directing the implementation of specific activities of the Project in accordance with local conditions.
International organizations have coordinated with specialized management agencies to develop programs and projects integrating contents related to environmental protection and biodiversity in fisheries activities, contributing to promoting resources for the sustainable development of the industry...
According to the Department of Fisheries, in the context of climate change and rising sea levels that are increasingly difficult to predict, especially in the Mekong Delta, in addition to the achieved results, solving environmental problems in fisheries activities still faces many limitations as well as difficulties and challenges, such as:
Investigation and assessment of waste generated from aquaculture production activities have not been carried out comprehensively to determine the correct role and level of impacts on the environment, thus there have not been many mitigation measures. The system and equipment for waste treatment from aquaculture activities have not received proper investment and attention, especially on a small scale.
The application of environmental quality management measures and economic tools still has many problems, is difficult to apply in practice and cannot keep up with the rapid development of production.
Natural aquatic resources have not been investigated and evaluated as a basis for planning to serve effective management and use.
Circular economic and green economic models in the seafood value chain are still in the initial development stage and have not yet become the driving force to create sustainable development strength for the entire chain.
Resources (financial and human) for environmental protection activities in fisheries activities are still limited.
2025 will be the time to summarize 3 years of implementing Project 911, and at the same time reward organizations and individuals who have made many contributions in the implementation of the Project.
Therefore, in the coming time, to promote the effectiveness of environmental protection in the fisheries sector, relevant parties need to continue to implement a number of priority tasks, focusing on a number of contents:
Developing and replicating green models, circular economy; smart production models adapting to climate change, reducing emissions; environmentally friendly ecological models.
Good management of environmental quality (water, waste, etc.) in aquaculture production activities, reducing post-harvest loss of aquatic products.
Closely monitor environmental protection activities at fishing ports and on fishing vessels.
Raise awareness of the environmental responsibility of the seafood industry, including reducing ocean plastic waste.
Socialize environmental protection work, especially the participation of fishing communities and businesses in the fields of farming, exploitation, processing, logistics services...
In recent years, the Party and Government have paid attention to directing and promulgating many policies related to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector such as Resolution 36/NQ-TW in 2018 on the Strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy to 2030 and vision to 2045; Decision No. 339/QD-TTg dated March 11, 2021 of the Government on the Strategy for development of Vietnam's fisheries to 2030, vision to 2045...
In particular, to address environmental issues in the fisheries sector, the Prime Minister approved Decision No. 911/QD-TTg dated July 29, 2022 on the Environmental Protection Project in Fisheries Activities for the 2021-2030 period with the goal of controlling and preventing pollution in fisheries activities; preventing and resolving environmental incidents.
In addition, protecting and developing aquatic resources and habitats, contributing to preventing biodiversity loss. Thereby, improving the capacity to adapt to climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions; building and developing circular economic models, green economy in aquaculture activities to protect the environment and develop the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.
