Practical effective activities urged to mark World Water Day
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has asked other ministries, agencies, sectors, localities, and organisations to take practical and effective activities to mark the World Water Day (March 22), the World Meteorological Day (March 23), and the Earth Hour 2023 (March 25).
This year, the World Water Day’s theme is “Accelerating Change” which aims to raise awareness and provide education about the global water crisis.(Photo: baovemoitruong.org.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry oꦦf Natural Resources and Environment has asked other ministries, agencies, sectors, localities, and organisations to take practical and effective activities to mark the World Water Day (March 22), the World MeteorologicalDay (March 23), and the Earth Hour 2023 (March 25).
Thisyear, the World Water Day’s theme is “Accelerating Change” which aims to raiseawareness and provide education about the global water crisis. Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Day is themed “The future of Weather, Climate, andWater across Generation” and the Earth Hour 2023 “The Biggest Hour forEarth” emphasises the stronger changes that the world need to take to ensureglobal goals on environmental preservation and biodiversity. A campaign to respond to the Earth Hour 2023 will be launched across Vietnam from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. onMarch 25, sending out a message of saving energy, protecting theenvironment, and adapting to the threat of climate change. Duringthe Earth Hour campaign, citizens nationwide are encouraged to take a simplebut meaningful act of turning off lights and other unnecessary devices in theirhomes and at their workplaces. EarthHour is an initiative launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is thelargest social event globally. So far it has been observed in 7,000 cities andtowns across 172 countries and territories globally.
Vietnamfirst joined the Earth Hour campaign in 2009. Last year, the country saved309,000 kWh of electricity, equivalent to 576.1 million VND (over 24,400 USD)./.
The theme of this year’s World Water Day (March 22) is “Groundwater”, which directs attention towards the hidden water resource that has always been critically important but not fully recognised in sustainable development policymaking.
People and social organisations should be the most important actors in ensuring the success of climate change adaptation process and realising Vietnam’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh and Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Antti Kurvinen co-chaired a seminar in Hanoi on October 11 discussing solutions to respond to climate change.
The Government has issued a decree detailing the implementation of the Law on Water Resources, with regulations on granting water resource-related licences.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has called for the organisation of practical activities to respond to Earth Hour 2023 in Vietnam from 8:30p.m to 9:30p.m on March 25 with a message of saving energy, protecting the environment and coping with climate change.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
This year, the World Water Day’s theme is “Accelerating Change” which aims to raise awareness and provide education about the global water crisis.(Photo: baovemoitruong.org.vn) 
