Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to the United Nations, at the event (Photo: VNA)

After years of negotiations, the US and UN members approved the first international treaty to protect marine biodiversity last Saturday. Vietnam’s delegation, led by Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to the United Nations, made substantial contributions to the negotiations, including regulations related to capacity building and marine technology transfer.

Vietnam urged compliance with international maritime law and defended Vietnam's rights and interests while negotiating the treaty. Vietnam commented on mechanisms for management and exploitation of marine biodiversity resources, sustainable management and exploitation of marine biodiversity resources, and international law on the conservation and use of biodiversity resources.

Vietnam has made great efforts to conserve and develop marine biodiversity. It promulgated the Strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy until 2030, with a vision to 2045. This Strategy aims to promote the effective management and protection of marine, coastal, and island ecosystems and expand marine and coastal conservation zones to at least 6% of Vietnam’s sea area.

Tran Van Phuc, Director of the Binh Dinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that in future marine economic development, the province will focus on aquaculture. Binh Dinh will promote high-tech shrimp farming, develop shrimp aquaculture in some areas, and use high tech to boost seafood production and ensure sustainable aquatic resources, according to Mr. Phuc.

The marine ecosystem plays a very important role for many countries. Vietnam is keenly aware that conserving marine biodiversity means protecting resources for the benefit of future generations.