Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of NaturalResources and Environment has issued a document, calling for response to the WorldWetlands Day 2023, celebrated annually on February 2.

World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awarenessabout the vital role of wetlands in the life of the people and its importance to the planet. This day also marks thedate of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2,1971, in theIranian city of Ramsar.

This year’s theme is “It’s Time for WetlandsRestoration” which highlights the urgent need to prioritise wetlandrestoration.

With high biodiversity, wetlands in Vietnam haveplayed an important role in the agriculture-based economy as well associo-economic activities.

In the document, the ministry urged communicationactivities to promote values and significance of wetlands, and called on peopleto commit to protecting and using wetlands sustainably.

The activities would be celebrations, competitions,exhibitions and drives in line with the theme of World Wetlands Day 2023,according to the document.

Decree No. 109/2003/ND-CP was the first legaldocument directly stipulating the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands,contributing to the effective implementation of Vietnam's commitments as amember country of the Ramsar Convention.

The Prime Minister approved Decision No. 1975/QD-TTgin November 2021 regarding the issuance of a national action plan on the conservationand sustainable use of wetlands for 2021-2030.

Vietnam expects to complete a survey of wetlandsnationwide and build a database on the wetlands by 2025, and effectively controlimportant wetlands and further promote eco-tourism by 2030.

To that end, the country will work to perfectrelevant policies and legal documents, improve the efficiency of wetland management,diversify resources for the sustainable use and preservation of wetlands, stepup the information work, enhance research studies and boost international cooperationin this regard.

Vietnam became a member of the Convention onWetlands, known as the Ramsar Convention, in 1989. So far, nine wetlands in thecountry have been recognised as Ramsar sites – wetlands of internationalimportance, namely Xuan Thuy National Park – important bird sanctuary, Bau SauWetlands and Seasonal Floodplains – habitat of Siamese crocodiles, Ba BeNational Park – green jade of northeastern mountains, Tram Chim National Park, MuiCa Mau National Park – three sides bordering the sea, Con Dao National Park –first maritime Ramsar site in Vietnam, Lang Sen Wetlands Reserve, U Minh ThuongNational Park, and Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve – habitat of biggest langurcommunity in Vietnam./.