Seminar seeks measures to ensure environmental security in East Sea

The two-day event focuses on three major topics – environmental security of the East Sea under the judgment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), security of navigation and overflight in the East Sea under the PCA ruling, and initiatives and solution for a blue East Sea. 

Leading scientists in the field, including Dr. John W. McManus from Rosenstiel School at the US’ Miami University, and Dr. Masanori Muto from Mitsubishi Research Institute, discussed a number of issues including lessons in managing a sea of peace and sustainability in Southeast Asia. 

Speaking at the event which opened on October 11, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee Nguyen Xuan Binh said that the East Sea plays a significant role in regional countries as well as the international community. Along with its value in science and environment, the sea is important to the development of countries in the region and the world, said Binh. 

He noted that over the past years, many regional states have made efforts through bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanism to seek solutions to the maintenance of peace and stability as well as the protection of the ecosystem in the East Sea. 

However, the East Sea is facing a number of challenges in environment degradation and the decline of resources, along with problems in security of navigation and overflight, stated Binh. 

He affirmed that Hai Phong, the third largest city of Vietnam and the largest gateway to the ocean in the country’s northern region, is working hard to build a modern city, while raising the public awareness of the responsibility to protect the maritime environment, joining hands with the international community to promote a blue East Sea. 

He also expressed his hope that experiences and initiatives shared during the seminar will help relevant parties to strengthen cooperation in the work.