Beijing, once among the most polluted cities globally, has significantly improved its air quality over the past two decades, with its experience possibly providing Hanoi with valuable insights into the severe air pollution that the Vietnamese capital is enduring.
In Vietnam, management of wildlife diseases has garnered attention from both the State and the public. This is evident through a comprehensive system of regulations addressing diseases that can be transmitted from wildlife to humans spanning a range of documents, from laws to decrees and circulars. However, despite these efforts, the practical implementation of wildlife disease management still encounters numerous challenges and shortcomings.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed a decision this month to fully retain Tien Hai Nature Reserve, in a rare example of environmental protection winning over development in the Southeast Asian country. Located in the northern coastal province of Thai Binh, the reserve gained attention in 2023 after the provincial government announced a plan to remove protection from almost 90% of the area. This would have reduced the reserve area from 12,500 to 1,230 hectares (nearly 31,000 to just over 3,000 acres) to open up space for a proposed residential, resort and golf course complex called the Con Vanh Ecological Urban Area.
On the special flight, Vietnam Airlines conducted various activities to raise awareness and promote environmental protection among passengers. The passengers were also presented with a special gift: a plush toy representing the critically endangered white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) - one of the world’s rarest primate species. This gesture aligns with the "Contribute Leaves to the Forests - For a Green and Sustainable Vietnam" campaign.
Mr. Trinh Le Nguyen, Director of People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature), shared grim news with the media, stressing that Vietnam has lost many once-pristine natural areas, often regarded as 'paradises on earth'. This transformation serves as a costly lesson about human responsibility. “Forests have been cut down for agricultural land, and unsustainable resource exploitation has drastically reduced biodiversity, disrupted ecosystems and degraded the environment,” he said.
Less than three months after the initiative was launched on World Environment Day (June 5) this year, the project achieved its goal of planting 25 out of the total 50 hectares planned.
In a collaborative effort to combat deforestation and restore critical habitat, several organizations joined forces to launch the "Regreening Forest 2024" initiative. Held on June 2nd in Van Ho commune, Son La province, the event marks a significant step towards a long-term goal of restoring 500 hectares of forest along the ecological corridor connecting Hoa Binh and Son La provinces.
On March 8, 2024, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) of South Africa released a draft National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES) for public comment. The consultation period was initially set for two weeks but later extended to April 5, 2024.
In order to create an open space for discussion and explore directions in the trend of sustainable development within the business community, Forbes Vietnam is organizing the THE GREEN GROWTH FUTURE development conference. The conference gathers experts and leaders from businesses leading the market to discuss current topics on low-carbon economies, climate change mitigation, and the path toward sustainable development. PanNature Members: Use code REF for a 30% discount (apply for the standard ticket)
PanNature actively supports community-led conservation efforts, and our participation in the 5th ICCA Southeast Asia Regional Assembly (March 3rd-8th, 2024) exemplifies this commitment. The Assembly brought together passionate individuals from across Southeast Asia, united in their mission to protect nature and empower indigenous communities.