The ceremony was co-hosted by Quang Binh provincial authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, drawing the participation of 5,000 local people and representatives from ministries, sectors, foreign organisations, and other central localities.

The event also included activities to mark the International Year of Biodiversity, the World Ocean Day (June 8), and the Vietnam Sea and Island Festival (June 1-8).

State President Nguyen Minh Triet releases pigeons at the meeting

Addressing the meeting, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Huynh Dam said the protection of the environment, biodiversity and ocean is a global issue, and it is one of the factors decisive to a country’s success of maintaining sustainable development, political stability and national security.

He called on ministries, sectors, social organisations and people of all walks of life to heighten awareness of environmental protection, and take practical actions to preserve biodiversity and maritime resources, thus greatly contributing to protecting the country’s environment, sea and islands.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pham Khoi Nguyen affirmed Vietnam ’s resolution to protect the environment, biodiversity, and the sea and tackle climate change through activities in response to the World Environment Day, the World Ocean Day and the International Year of Biodiversity.

He stressed that ministries, sectors and social-political organisations, and local authorities should pay more attention to raising everyone’s awareness of environmental protection and turn their understanding into practical deeds.

Localities nationwide enthusiastically responded to the World Environment Day with tree planting, and clean-up programmes and picture painting on the theme.

Earlier on June 4, a trade fair was opened in Quang Binh with the aim of promoting sea-borne products and highlighting sustainable and effective exploitation of maritime resources offshore Vietnam. It was part of the Vietnam Sea and Island Festival.

Source: VietnamPlus