Vietnam strengthens fight against desertification, land degradation
(VOVWORLD) - World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) is observed each year on June 17 to promote public awareness of international efforts to reverse desertification. In response to this year’s event themed “Let’s grow the future together” Vietnam is strengthening its efforts against desertification and land degradation.
 Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan |
Desertification, a form of land degradation, is a global problem that affects sustainable development, ecological security, social security, and food security. Deserts cover one third of the earth. By 2016, nearly 1.3 million hectares of land, 4% of Vietnam’s land area, were degraded and 6.7 million hectares were on the verge of degradation.
Restructuring and ensuring the sustainable growth of the forestry sector are the fundamental ways to prevent desertification and land degradation in Vietnam, according to Ha Cong Tuan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Mr. Tuan, who is also Head of the National Coordination Committee for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, said: “We should raise awareness of the importance of planting trees to combat desertification and persuade the public to contribute to sustainable national growth. Ensuring sustainable forest development is one of the key ways to prevent desertification.”
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification, established in 1994, currently has 197 members. Since it joined the Convention in 1998, Vietnam has implemented several programs to manage, protect and sustainably develop forest and the 2006-2010 national action program to combat desertification with vision to 2020.