The country’s youth have a key part to play in the sustainable exploitation and use of natural resources as a contribution to biodiversity conservation nationwide.

At a roundtable discussion on youth with a key focus
on nature conservation and biodiversity

The Vietnam Environment Administration under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with related units, on June 5 organised cycling rallies in response to World Oceans Day, Vietnam Sea and Island Week, World Environment Day, and the Month of Action for the Environment in 2020.

On the same day, the Vietnam Biodiversity Photo Contest 2020 was launched, in addition to a roundtable discussion on youth being held with a key focus on nature conservation and biodiversity as part of a range of activities for the cause of environmental protection.

During a speech at a ceremony to introduce the Biodiversity Photo Contest 2020, Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan, deputy director of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said, "Vietnam is in the top list of countries with the richest biodiversity in the world.

However, this abundant and diverse resource will not last forever unless we understand and act practically to protect it. This contest aims to spread love for nature and pride in biodiversity among the community, thereby incentivising people to join hands in preserving nature and protecting biodiversity.”

The contest serves as an activity of the ABS Project implemented by the Vietnam Environment Administration under the auspices of the Global Environment Facility through the United Nations Development Program.

The project has been in operation since 2016, with the goal of contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity nationwide through the strengthening of the national capacity to implement the Nagoya Protocol. This is done in order to access genetic resources and to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits that come from genetic resources.

Cycling rallies in response to a range of events regarding environmental protection

Immediately following the conclusion of the photo contest’s launching ceremony, a roundtable discussion on youth took place with the aim of discussing ways to preserve nature and biodiversity.

Upon discussion the facts of conservation, Prof. Dang Huy Huynh, ASEAN Biodiversity Hero, said, "Vietnam is regarded as a region with a high biodiversity value while it is suffering great pressure of biodiversity in terms of population and socio-economic development.

Therefore, in order for conservation of nature and biodiversity to achieve success, it requires the participation of the community by stepping up communication activities, raising public awareness about environmental protection, and promoting international co-operation and law enforcement.”

During the discussion, Nhan also gave an insight into this year’s priorities issued by the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity. Some of the plans include devising a National Strategy on Biodiversity to go through to 2030, along with orientations ahead to 2040.

Moreover, some of the plans include integrating the content of biodiversity conservation management into the amended Law on Environmental Protection, this will be initiated in order to work towards forming a comprehensive legal and policy system that is suitable for the conservation of nature and biodiversity.

Asso. Prof. Le Xuan Canh outlined his beliefs that young people are set to play a crucial role in spreading information and allowing citizens to become better informed, therefore raising greater awareness regarding the importance of biodiversity for human survival, along with sustainable development to make contributions to the nation’s biodiversity conservation efforts.