Participants talk on the sidelines of SOM 2 and related meetings (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – A workshop on developing themethodology for measuring and realising the sustainability of cities in theAPEC region took place in Hanoi on May 13 as part of the APEC 2017 SecondSenior Officials Meeting (SOM2) and related meetings.
The event aims to help cities in APEC economies solve the environmental issuescaused by rapid economic growth and urbanisation.
Participants discussed the development of sustainable cities, especiallyresources circulation and waste management, as well as shared their economies’experience in environmental protection.
According to Phan Thi Hien, deputy head of the Environmental ProtectionDivision under the Da Nang Department of Natural Resources and Environment, herlocality has taken effective measures to protect the environment, mobilisingthe engagement of local residents, tourists and organisations in the action.
To prepare for the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, Da Nang will try itsbest to create a clean environment so as to promote the image of a futureenvironmental city to the international community, especially tourists, shesaid.
Sharing Singapore’s experience in this field, Dr. Malone Lee Lai Choo, Directorof the Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities of the School of Design &Environment under the National University of Singapore, said that her countryhas tried to make improvements in the environment for almost 40-50 years.
“We have cleaned up rivers and seriously implemented environmental laws andregulations to ensure polluters can be aware of their actions’ impacts,” shesaid, adding that Singapore has also developed waste management and stopped dumpingwastes.
Sheemphasised the importance of the engagement of the residents and thepartnership between the government, businesses and people in improving theenvironment.-VNA
VNA
