Youth promote the role of protecting aquatic ecosystems

The seminar is a call for young people to act for green growth, nature conservation, green transformation of the fisheries industry and protection of marine ecosystems.

On the morning of December 8, in Hanoi, the Youth Union of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment coordinated with the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance and WWF Vietnam to organize a seminar on "Youth with sustainable development, environmental protection and biodiversity in the fisheries sector in Vietnam".

Youth Union members follow the discussion at the seminar on sustainable aquaculture development. Photo: Hong Ngoc.

The event is a practical activity to concretize the Strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045; at the same time, promote the pioneering role of union members and youth in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the context of deep integration and increasingly strong impacts of climate change.

Attending the seminar were leaders of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance; representatives of Departments, Divisions, Institutes and Centers under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; representatives of international organizations and non-governmental organizations in Vietnam; along with a large number of union members, youth, students, seafood businesses, cooperatives and scientists.

Linking conservation with sustainable development of the fisheries industry

Speaking at the opening of the seminar, Director of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, emphasized that in the context of the world facing biodiversity loss, environmental pollution and climate change, the requirement for the fisheries industry is not only to increase output and value, but also to move towards green, responsible development, harmonizing the economy - society - environment.

Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, Director of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), informed about the orientation of restructuring the industry towards sustainability, reducing natural exploitation, developing marine aquaculture and controlling environmental pollution. Photo: Hong Ngoc.

He also said that recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has implemented many programs and projects to restructure the fisheries sector towards sustainability, control illegal exploitation, expand conservation areas and promote ecological aquaculture. The major orientation of the sector is to reduce natural exploitation output in an effective way, develop marine aquaculture, change jobs for fishermen, and at the same time strictly control environmental pollution in coastal areas and inland waters.

Faced with the increasingly evident impacts of climate change, especially freshwater, saltwater intrusion, and ecosystem degradation, the Director of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance emphasized the need to balance ecosystem protection and people's livelihoods. Accordingly, today's discussion is considered a starting point to continue spreading conservation initiatives, building a sustainable living environment, and at the same time creating a foundation for tourism and marine economic development.

Youth is the vanguard force in environmental protection.

Speaking at the seminar, comrade Ta Hong Son, member of the Party Committee, member of the Central Committee of the Youth Union, Secretary of the Youth Union of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized that youth are identified as the vanguard force in environmental protection activities, a bridge between the fishing community, businesses and management agencies to implement movements and initiatives to protect the marine environment, so it is necessary to demonstrate more clearly the responsibility of youth in the community, considering this a long-term strategy in the context of biodiversity conservation.

Comrade Ta Hong Son, member of the Party Committee, member of the Central Committee of the Youth Union, Secretary of the Youth Union of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, shared that promoting circular aquaculture and developing the economy in harmony with biodiversity is an inevitable requirement in the orientation of modern aquaculture development associated with the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Photo: Hong Ngoc.

He also said that in response to the theme of the discussion and the implementation of the Youth Union's work program in 2025, the Youth Union of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment identified 5 major commitment groups to promote the pioneering role of youth in the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. In particular, the focus is on raising awareness, building a green culture of behavior with marine resources; promoting the application of technology, data and digital transformation in fisheries management; proactively protecting the environment and biodiversity; supporting the fishing community to develop ecological and circular fisheries; and at the same time strengthening multilateral cooperation and international integration.

WWF shares warnings and solutions for ecosystem restoration

Sharing at the discussion, Ms. Nguyen Thi Dieu Thuy, Director of the WWF Vietnam Ocean Program, said that this year marks 30 years of WWF's presence in Vietnam with the mission of nature conservation, especially protecting marine ecosystems. From conservation activities in Con Dao - one of the areas with the largest marine biodiversity in the country, to coral reef and seagrass bed restoration, WWF not only focuses on conserving endangered species but also promotes sustainable aquaculture associated with community livelihoods.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Dieu Thuy, Director of WWF Vietnam Ocean Program, shared about activities to conserve marine ecosystems and promote sustainable aquaculture associated with community livelihoods. Photo: Hong Ngoc.

According to Ms. Thuy, Vietnam has lost about 60% of its coral reef area due to the impact of climate change and the El Nino phenomenon. Some coral reefs, if less impacted, can still recover, but at a very slow pace. WWF is coordinating the implementation of artificial coral reef restoration models in Ca Mau and Con Dao, initially recording positive signs as aquatic resources gradually return.

Notably, WWF is also implementing seagrass restoration projects with the support of scientists. According to research, seagrass has the ability to absorb carbon many times higher than terrestrial plants, opening up great opportunities in adapting to climate change, developing carbon credits and creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

On the side of the Vietnam National Academy of Agriculture, Associate Professor Dr. Truong Dinh Hoai, Deputy Dean, Head of the Department of Environment and Aquatic Diseases - Faculty of Aquaculture of the Academy, said that the awareness of students and young people about environmental protection and sustainable development has had many positive changes. However, strengthening the connection between science - technology - policy - business, as well as fostering interdisciplinary skills and knowledge about marine governance, needs to continue to be focused on in the coming time.

Associate Professor Dr. Truong Dinh Hoai (Vietnam Academy of Agriculture) shared at the seminar. Photo: Hong Ngoc.

At the experience sharing session, delegates focused on sharing experiences in developing fisheries economy associated with protecting marine resources and ecosystems, clarifying the role of sustainable farming, responsible exploitation management, ecosystem restoration and improving livelihoods for coastal communities.

Delegates exchanged experiences in developing fisheries economy in association with protecting marine resources and ecosystems at the seminar. Photo: Hong Ngoc.

Within the framework of the discussion, the Organizing Committee launched the movement "Youth Action for the Ocean", calling on union members and young people to participate in activities of cleaning beaches, planting and restoring mangrove forests, protecting marine life, promoting green consumption and responsible fishing.

The seminar is not only a forum for professional exchange but also a call to action in the context of Vietnam strongly implementing international commitments on green growth, nature conservation and net zero emissions. The active participation of young people is expected to contribute to promoting green transformation in the fisheries sector, protecting marine ecosystems, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities and enhancing the position of Vietnamese fisheries in the international market.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/thanh-nien-phat-huy-tro-bao-ve-he-sinh-thai-thuy-san-d788167.html