Can Tho signed a cooperation agreement to release animals and protect aquatic resources.

Can Tho Department of Agriculture and Environment and Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Can Tho City signed a Memorandum of Understanding on releasing, regenerating and protecting aquatic resources.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City in coordination with the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Can Tho City organized a signing ceremony of a joint Memorandum of Understanding on the field of releasing, regenerating and protecting aquatic resources in the city. This is a concrete step to concretize the coordination policy between the agricultural sector and the Buddhist Sangha in environmental protection, ecological restoration and spreading the spirit of humanity in the Buddhist community.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Can Tho City signed a Memorandum of Understanding on releasing, regenerating and protecting aquatic resources. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

Mr. Tran Hoang Dung, Head of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance of Can Tho City, said: The signing was carried out on the basis of inheriting the memorandums of understanding on cooperation between the Directorate of Fisheries (now the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance) and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the results of effective coordination between the two sides in the period of 2022-2025.

The program's goal is to raise awareness and sense of responsibility among monks, Buddhists and people in releasing, regenerating and protecting aquatic resources. At the same time, it prevents the spread of invasive alien species, encourages the release of native and rare aquatic species, and contributes to the conservation of biodiversity.

According to Ms. Quach Thi Thanh Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, the signing of the Joint Memorandum of Understanding is not only a professional activity but also has profound spiritual value.

Releasing animals in accordance with the law, the right species, and the right environment is a way to show compassion, kindness, and responsibility of humans towards nature. Releasing animals to restore aquatic resources not only has religious significance but is also a practical action contributing to environmental protection, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity of the Can Tho river region.

“From the spirit of 'proper animal release', Can Tho is gradually building a green animal release model, both nurturing compassion in religious life and contributing to preserving aquatic resources and developing a sustainable ecological city - where people and nature develop in harmony,” Ms. Binh emphasized.

Releasing animals in accordance with the law, the right species, and the right environment is a way to show compassion, kindness, and human responsibility towards nature. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

In fact, in recent years, Can Tho City has organized many fish breeding events to regenerate aquatic products on occasions such as the Traditional Day of the Vietnamese Fisheries Industry (April 1) and Vu Lan Festival (July of the lunar calendar). Hundreds of thousands of fish fry of various types such as catfish, snakehead fish, perch, silver carp, carp, etc. have been released into natural rivers and canals. These activities not only supplement aquatic resources but also arouse the spirit of "green release" towards knowledgeable, scientific and sustainable release.

According to the content of the Memorandum of Understanding, the two sides will coordinate propaganda, training and organization of practical activities such as: Propagating the Party's policies and State laws on conservation and protection of aquatic resources. Guiding monks, nuns and Buddhists to distinguish between invasive alien aquatic species and native species that are encouraged to be released.

Integrate propaganda content into sermons, retreats, and Buddhist activities. Organize technical training courses on releasing fish, experience sharing seminars, and annual large-scale fish release ceremonies.

Two major annual events are the Aquatic Resources Regeneration Release Ceremony on April 1st hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City and the Release Ceremony in the 7th lunar month organized by the Buddhist Sangha of Can Tho City. In which, the specialized sector will guide the selection of breeds, locations, and check water quality to ensure the release activities achieve the highest ecological efficiency.

Every year in Can Tho City, hundreds of thousands of fish fry of various kinds such as catfish, snakehead fish, perch, silver carp, and carp are released into natural rivers and canals. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

In addition, the program also includes emulation and reward content to honor collectives, individuals, and Buddhist establishments that do well in green animal release and protect the ecological environment. Funding for the activities will be mobilized from legal socialized resources of organizations, businesses, and Buddhists.

According to Most Venerable Thich Binh Tam, Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Can Tho City, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is a continuation of the spirit of "releasing life with compassion - protecting life" of Buddhism, while at the same time linking religious beliefs with civic responsibility in environmental protection.

“Previously, many animal release activities were spontaneous, releasing the wrong species that were not suitable for the natural habitat. Now, thanks to the coordination of the agricultural sector, these activities will be guided scientifically, more practically and meaningfully,” the Venerable shared.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/can-tho-ky-ket-hop-tac-tha-giong-phong-sinh-bao-ve-nguon-loi-thuy-san-d782394.html