Discussing this issue, Dr. Tran Van Mieu, Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection, stated that placing environmental protection at the center of development strategies represents a significant shift in thinking, aligning with practical requirements and global trends.
From a shift in mindset to the improvement of environmental institutions.
According to the analysis of Dr. Tran Van Mieu, Vice President of the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and Environment, professionals and scientists in the field of environment can clearly feel the positive changes in the Party's thinking and policies on environmental protection and nature conservation throughout nearly four decades of reform. This transformation is not easy, but it is inevitable in the context of increasingly evident challenges of environmental pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, which directly impact socio-economic development and people's lives.
The first notable achievement is the consistent and unwavering leadership of the Party. Through numerous important resolutions and directives, the Party has clearly defined environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation as requirements inseparable from socio-economic development, which cannot be disregarded or overlooked. The concept of harmonious development between economy, society, and nature is increasingly emphasized, gradually replacing the "sacrificing the environment for growth" mindset that existed in the past.
Based on that, the State has institutionalized the Party's leadership through an increasingly完善 system of policies and laws. Dr. Tran Van Mieu argues that the Law on Environmental Protection, through its various promulgations and amendments, has created an important legal framework for environmental protection; it not only stipulates the responsibilities and obligations of organizations and individuals, but also includes policies to encourage, support, and motivate the participation of the entire society in nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate change adaptation.
Another point noted by Dr. Tran Van Mieu is that the Party's resolutions and the current legal system have clearly institutionalized the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, political and social organizations, and professional and social organizations in environmental protection. He believes that mobilizing the participation of the entire political system and society has created a strong ripple effect, contributing to the gradual implementation of environmental policies and guidelines.
Alongside this is the increasingly prominent role of the community. In both urban and rural areas, environmental protection has become an important aspect of building civilized cities and developing new rural areas. Communities not only participate through specific activities such as maintaining environmental hygiene and improving the landscape, but are also gradually forming an awareness that considers environmental protection as a part of daily life.
According to Dr. Tran Van Mieu, the participation of all segments of the population, from youth, workers, intellectuals, and businesspeople to religious communities, has contributed to creating an important social foundation for environmental protection. Through various channels, values of harmonious interaction with nature, protection of landscapes and life are disseminated, thereby gradually raising the awareness and responsibility of each individual towards the shared living environment.
Based on these changes, Dr. Tran Van Mieu believes that thinking about environmental protection in Vietnam has made significant progress, from awareness to action, from policy to institution and practice. This is an important foundation for meeting the increasingly high demands for quality growth and sustainability in the next development phase.
The environment becomes the foundation for development.
From a strategic perspective, Dr. Tran Van Mieu emphasized a noteworthy new point in the draft document for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam: the identification of environmental protection as no longer a secondary task, but gradually becoming a foundation for the country's sustainable development in the coming period. This approach reflects a fundamental adjustment in development thinking, in line with global trends and the practical requirements facing Vietnam.
Based on international experience, he analyzed that sustainable development today is viewed as being based on three inseparable pillars: economy, society, and environment. These three pillars need to be developed harmoniously, because if only economic growth is focused on while neglecting social and environmental factors, then that development will be difficult to sustain in the long term. In this context, the environment is increasingly playing a fundamental role, ensuring both economic development and social stability.
In the context of deep integration, environmental standards, green development, and traceability are becoming mandatory requirements for many major markets. If products do not meet these standards, access to international markets will be limited, leading to a risk of declining competitiveness of the economy. Therefore, environmental protection is not only a responsibility but also directly creates value for economic development.
According to Dr. Tran Van Mieu, the environment plays a particularly important role not only in production but also in service industries, especially tourism. The goal of attracting tens of millions of international tourists annually can only be achieved when the living environment, landscape, and urban and rural spaces are truly green, clean, beautiful, and safe. A polluted environment and degraded landscape will directly affect the attractiveness of a destination and the national image.
From a policy perspective, Dr. Tran Van Mieu believes that the Party and State's affirmation of not sacrificing the environment for short-term economic growth is a crucial commitment, demonstrating responsibility for the long-term interests of the country and future generations. Policies and laws, along with international commitments on green development and emission reduction, show a determination to make the environment the foundation for sustainable development.
In the process of implementing these policies, the role of social organizations and communities is placed at a crucial position. Environmental protection laws clearly stipulate the responsibilities of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the community in participating in, monitoring, and providing social feedback. This creates a basis for people not only to be beneficiaries but also to become active participants.
In particular, the expert noted the role of the business community and entrepreneurs. With the goal of developing millions of businesses in the near future, this is a force with great potential in terms of resources, knowledge, and the ability to spread. When businesses proactively participate in green transformation, digital transformation, and the development of a circular economy, these values will spread strongly throughout the community and society as a whole.
In addition, the role of citizens in communities, schools, the armed forces, and religious organizations is crucial. When citizens are raised, involved in discussions, monitoring, and directly benefiting from the results of environmental protection, their participation will be more voluntary and sustainable.
The spirit of "the people know, the people discuss, the people act, the people inspect and supervise, and the people benefit" is a guiding principle in environmental protection and nature conservation. When the living environment is improved, the people will become an active force in preserving the environment and responding to climate change.
From a long-term perspective, the Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection believes that, aiming for Vietnam to become a developed country with a safe and healthy living environment by 2045, the effective implementation of the Party's policies and resolutions on environmental protection needs to continue to be carried out synchronously, with the participation of the entire society. This is an important foundation for ensuring sustainable growth, leading to the prosperity and happiness of the people.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/bao-ve-moi-truong-la-dong-luc-cho-phat-trien-ben-vung-20260115075133867.htm
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