Environment

Vietnam shares experience in oil spill preparedness and response

Vietnam has shared its experience in oil spill preparedness and response, highlighting the importance of developing oil spill contingency plans at provincial and local levels.
Vietnam shares experience in oil spill preparedness and response ảnh 1Participant speaks at the seminar. (Source: VNA)

Da Nang (VNA) - Vietnam has shared its experience in oil spill preparedness and response, highlighting the importance of developing oil spill contingency plans at provincial and local levels along the need to develop local government capacities in this field.

At a seminar held within the framework of the 5th East Asian Seas Congress in the central city of Da Nang from November 16-21, representatives of Vietnam, other member countries of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and international organisations also discussed recent developments in oil spill preparedness and response.

The seminar updated participants on trends in oil spills from tankers, best practices in developing effective response strategies and contingency plans, developments in the compensation regime for oil spills and industry collaboration through the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA).

Despite increasing transport of oil at sea, a study conducted by the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) found a decreasing trend in oil spills from tankers. However, Jessika Fuessel of ITOPF stressed that even small oil spills can still cause serious environmental damage and economic losses.

It was noted that response operations for oil spill incidents at sea involving two or more countries is complicated and challenging, particularly if these countries have different response polices and techniques.

Presentations and discussions at the seminar provided valuable information to countries in attendance to review and update their national contingency plans and develop a strategic action plan for the Gulf of Thailand.

As an international cooperation mechanism, PEMSEA was established in 1994 on the basis of agreement between parties regarding the East Asian seas, including 12 countries, private sectors, research and education institutes, international and financial organisations, and donors. PEMSEA is also a regional coordination mechanism to implement the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).

The nations involved in PEMSEA comprise Cambodia, China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Timor Leste, Thailand and Vietnam.-VNA

VNA
#oil spill#contingency plans#East Asian Seas Congress#PEMSEA#IPIECA#ITOPF#environmental damage#economic losses.
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Vietnam to host 5th East Asian Seas Congress

Vietnam to host 5th East Asian Seas Congress

Vietnam will host for the first time the 5th East Asian Seas Congress themed “Global targets, local benefits – Setting the sustainable development agenda for the seas of East Asia beyond 2015”.

See more

Kon Plong district in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum (Photo: VNA)

3.7 magnitude earthquake hits Kon Tum

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake hit Kon Plong district in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum on October 23 evening, according to the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning Centre under the Institute of Geophysics.

Nha Trang Bay covers nearly 250 km2 and is one of the 16 marine protected areas in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Nha Trang bay marine ecosystem records positive recovery

The marine ecosystem of the Nha Trang bay in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa has gradually shown positive recovery after more than 1.5 years implementing concerted solutions under a masterplan to preserve and restore coral reefs there.

At the ENV's press conference on October 22. (Photo: VNA)

ENV helps Vietnam do away with bear farming

The Education for Nature – Vietnam (ENV), Vietnam’s first non-governmental organisation focused on wildlife conservation, organised a press conference on October 22 to review its efforts over the past two decades to end bear farming for bile in the country.

Plastic bottles arranged to create a beautiful ceiling lighting system. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam promoting circular economy through waste, packaging recycling

Sorting, collecting, and recycling packaging is one of the solutions that not only helps regenerate products but also effectively reduces environmental pollution, heard a conference on circular economy held within the framework of the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City on October 22.

Reviving 'Green Belt' in south-central region

Reviving 'Green Belt' in south-central region

Mangrove forests are a unique and rare ecosystem that form in coastal areas and river estuaries that are influenced by tidal effects. Occupying just over 1% of Vietnam’s total forest area (14.4 million ha), yet they play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of climate change.

UNDP recommends Can Tho establish river waste collection system

UNDP recommends Can Tho establish river waste collection system

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho generates approximately 650 tons of waste daily. While the garbage collection rate is relatively high at 85%, the city continues to struggle with waste management that ends up in waterways, floating markets, rivers, and lakes.

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN, speak at the debate. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam raises suggestions at UNGA’s environmental, climate debate

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN, on October 16 recommended several issues that the organisation and its member states should prioritise and promote in the coming time, at a meeting hosted by the Economic and Financial Committee of the UN General Assembly (UNGA)’s 77th Session.

Representatives from ministries, agencies and organisations at the launch of the ASEAN Eco-Schools Vietnam Award 2024. (Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn)

ASEAN Eco-schools Award launched in Vietnam

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in coordination with the Office of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) in Vietnam and relevant units, held a ceremony on October 14 to launch the ASEAN Eco-Schools Vietnam Award 2024.

The National Forestry Planning for the 2021 – 2030 period, with a vision to 2050 sets a target of forest coverage rate of 42-43%. (Photo: VNA)

National Forestry Planning announced

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has set a target of reaching a stable national forest cover rate of 42-43%, focusing on improving forest quality by 2030.

Delegates at second AZEC Leaders' Meeting (Photo: VNA)

PM urges drastic action for net-zero emission in Asia

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged countries to take more drastic actions, with stronger will and determination, to tackle climate change, aiming for net-zero emissions across Asia as soon as possible.

Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam observes International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development coordinated with the United Nations (UN) representative agencies in Vietnam and the Thua Thien-Hue provincial People's Committee on October 11 held a ceremony in response to the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and ASEAN Day for Disaster Management in Hue city.

A view of the K50 Waterfall (Hang En Waterfall) in the Kon Ka Kinh National Park in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. (Photo: VNA)

Network to connect ASEAN Heritage Parks in Vietnam

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) is developing a network to connect ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) in Vietnam, as part of activities in implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, with a vision for 2050.

At the event (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s forestry sector leads in achieving net negative emissions

Forestry is now the only sector capable of achieving net negative emissions, thanks to the Government's forestry development policies, including the closure of natural forests, forest protection and development, coupled with international sponsorship, said Director of the Forestry Department Tran Quang Bao.

An entrepreneur pitches his ideas to the panel of experts at the workshop. (Photo: VNA)

Forest programme boosts local businesses

Vietnam has increased forest coverage from 23% in 1994 to more than 45% today, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to forestation, according to Alexis Corblin, Regional Technical Advisor of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

PM Pham Minh Chinh chairs the meeting (Photo: VNA)

PM urges drastic action for green transition

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 2 called for stronger determination and more drastic action to combat climate change, stressing that green transformation, energy transition, and greenhouse gas emission reduction are inevitable and irreversible trends.