Vice National Assembly Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong at the hearing (Photo: VNA)In her speech at the discussion on maritime economicresources at the annual hearing of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and theUnited Nations in New York on February 13, the Vice Chairwoman said thatVietnam has paid special attention to the development of sea-based economy inline with the protection of marine environment.
She noted Vietnam is a coastal state, with an importantposition in the international waterway, adding that the country is alsovulnerable to climate change, including sea level rise.
She held that protecting maritime resources and environmentis the shared responsibility of many countries, especially those owningfinancial strength and advanced technology.
Amidst the imbalance of sea exploitation and environmentprotection that leads to serious consequences affecting sustainabledevelopment, Vice Chairwoman Phong underlined that peace and security is theprerequisite condition for sustainable growth.
At the hearing, titled “A World of Blue: Preserving theoceans, safeguarding the planet, ensuring human well-being in the context ofthe 2030 Agenda,” she also made a number of proposals to ensure the harmony ofsea resources exploitation and environmental protection, including the fullimplementation of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) toensure security and safety at sea as well as the settlement of disputes throughpeaceful measures in line with international law.
She also stressed the need to abide by the UN Food andAgriculture Organisation’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries as well asother fisheries regulations in the world in which coastal states are signaturemembers.
It is necessary to strengthen the building of trust through enhancingtransparence in environmental information in waters beyond nationaljurisdiction right of countries and in disputed areas.
The Vice Chairwoman suggested continuing to complete legaldocuments and to strengthen State management on seas and islands.
She also urged parliaments to increase the supervision overgovernments’ implementation of policies in tourism, fishing and mining tominimise the impacts of the sectors on the marine environment and oceans.
It is also crucial to encourage people, especially fishermen,to follow regulations on preserving sea environment during their fishing andaquatic farming activities.
At the same time, she also proposed increasing international cooperation and technicalassistance to improve coastal developing countries’ capacity in responding toclimate change and boosting sustainable growth of the maritime economy.
Vice Chairwoman Phong also urged the IPU and parliaments ofcountries to conduct regular reviews on the implementation of their commitmentsand initiatives adopted at the hearing as well as at the upcoming conference onseas and oceans to evaluate outcomes as well as shortcomings for timelysolutions.-VNA
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