Restricting the conversion of agricultural land into industrial, urban, and golf course land

At the seminar, representatives of consulting units presented summary reports on the current status and changes in land use; environmental protection; resource exploitation and use, nature conservation and biodiversity...

Restriction on conversion of agricultural land into industrial land for golf course image 1 — Seminar scene

From the shortcomings and limitations pointed out, the consulting units have proposed development plans for each field in the natural resources and environment sector. In the land sector, the plan for land allocation and zoning by functional area and land type has been presented to each district-level administrative unit of Hanoi Capital for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

Regarding land funds for agricultural production, priority should be given to developing key industries that can generate rapid growth; ensuring stability of rice-growing land area, maintaining and protecting existing forest areas, developing forests and forestry production according to approved planning; minimizing the conversion of agricultural land for two rice crops to develop industrial parks, golf courses, urban areas, etc.

Regarding the plan for nature and biodiversity conservation, the consulting unit set a specific target that by 2030, 100% of the capital's endemic, precious and rare species of scientific and economic value will be effectively conserved in nature reserves, biodiversity conservation facilities and important wetlands. 100% of the area of special-use forests, protective forests, important wetlands and typical ecosystems throughout the capital city of Hanoi will be included in the exploitation and conservation strategy at different levels.

Regarding the environmental protection plan for Hanoi Capital, the consulting unit proposed that by 2030, the goal is to prevent the increasing trend of pollution and environmental degradation; proactively prevent and effectively control pollution sources; and gradually restore and improve the quality of surface water, underground water, and air.

Notably, it is proposed to thoroughly handle facilities causing environmental pollution, urgent environmental issues and environmental hotspots in the capital city of Hanoi.

Giving comments on the development plan for the fields of the natural resources and environment sector (TN&MT) of the Capital, Dr. Hoang Duong Tung - former Deputy Director General of the General Department of Environment (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) said that in the coming years, it is necessary to affirm that the environment of the Capital is a highlight: clean air, clean water, no waste congestion; mentioning the Capital is mentioning a green, clean, beautiful environment. Carrying out this task is also to concretize the goal of the Resolution of the Politburo on building a civilized, cultured, and modern Hanoi Capital.

“Therefore, in the coming time, not only the Department of Natural Resources and Environment but also the City government must have strong and resolute policies to return the environment to Hanoi, and must have solutions so that Hanoi no longer has to suffer from polluted air and turbid rivers. Only by solving environmental problems can Hanoi attract tourists and truly become a destination and a livable city,” emphasized Dr. Hoang Duong Tung.

Regarding the development planning of sectors to be integrated into the Capital Planning, Dr. Hoang Duong Tung said that Hanoi is not like other capitals in that it has both urban and rural areas. Therefore, the environmental quality of each area is different.

Therefore, the Planning must provide specific solutions, and must closely follow the strategy for socio-economic development of the Capital. It is necessary to analyze more clearly the current situation of each district, each river basin, especially Hanoi has a policy of building a model of "city within a city", developing the Red River axis... it is very necessary to analyze the current situation of each area to see if it still has the capacity to bear the load, and if there is room for development.

Also at the seminar, Associate Professor, Dr. Luu Duc Hai - Chairman of the Vietnam Environmental Economics Association assessed that the development plan implemented by the consulting unit was quite detailed but did not show how Hanoi would arrange space for these areas; the elements of building a green, modern city that the Prime Minister assigned to Hanoi have not been seen. It has not been determined what a green city is, while this is an important goal in the planning of the capital Hanoi. Therefore, the consulting unit needs to clearly assess the current situation, especially the current situation of land, in order to have a plan to arrange space for each development area.

Concluding the discussion, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai acknowledged and evaluated the consulting units for their careful preparation; the experts contributed their opinions with enthusiasm and responsibility, showing concern for the city's major issues related to land, natural resources, environment, etc.

After the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee requested the Department's leaders and consulting units to receive comments and contributions to continue to coordinate and supplement major issues, both important and specific, especially clarifying the new features, breakthroughs and aspirational vision of the fields and sectors in the planning of the Capital.

In particular, the viewpoint on resource use and environmental protection is to use resources reasonably and effectively, pay attention to forest resources in the capital; handle environmental pollution, ensure a green, clean and beautiful natural environment; focus on the water surface space of the river and lake system and exploit and effectively use the green space of the capital, gradually build unique urban areas combining trees, water surface, culture, history and high quality to attract the elite to live and work, contributing to the construction and development of the capital.

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