Gov’t Ratifies Sea Reserve Planning until 2020

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung issued the Decision No. 742/QD-TTG dated May 26, 2010 to approve of the sea reserve planning for the period until 2010. The plan is aimed to build a maritime reserve system to protect ecological systems, marine living organs of economic and scientific value, to contribute to seaborne economic development, improve livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.

 

Vietnam will set up and operate 16 maritime reserves in the 2010 - 2015 period, including Dao Tran, Co To, Bach Long Vi, Cat Ba, Hon Me, Con Co, Hai Van - Son Tra Cu Lao Cham, Son Ly, Nam Yet, Nha Trang Bay, Nui Chua, Phu Quy, Hon Cau, Con Dao and Phu Quoc). By 2015, at least 0.24 percent of Vietnam's water area will be rated marine reserve and about 30 percent of maritime reserve is strictly protected.

 

The country will consider expansions of existing sea reserves or set up and operate new reserves in the period from 2016 to 2020.

 

Domestic and international investors, scientists and institutions are encouraged to take part in developing sea reserves while coastal and island communities will be encouraged to join management activities.

 

The total investment for this plan is estimated at VND460 billion, including VND300 billion for the 2011 - 2015 period and VND160 billion for the 2016-2020 period.

Thanh Yen