UNDP hails Vietnam’s environmental sustainability
Vietnam has seen considerable achievements in ensuring sustainable environment over the past years, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Sustainable development was attached to the country’s socio-economic development strategy between 2011 and 2020 and it was also included into the country’s socio-economic development plans during the 2006-2010 and 2011-2015 periods.
Forest coverage has increased from 28.8% in 1990 to 40% of all land in 2012. Up to 96% of Vietnamese households have access to electricity and other modern sources of energy.
In reaching the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on ensuring environmental sustainability by 2015, the UNDP has encouraged the country to continue to prioritise clean water, environmental sanitation, climate change, and biodiversity preservation.
Localities have been urged to mobilise the community and their authorities’ positive involvement in ensuring the sustainability of water and environmental services.
Over the past two decades, natural disasters related to climate change have annually claimed 445 lives and cost the country US$1.8 billion.
Climate change can slow down Vietnam ’s progress in realising the MDG and activities in response to climate change need harmonious collaboration between agencies and their partners.
Vietnam is one of the 16 countries with the highest biodiversity in terms of habitat, species and genes. However, biodiversity is being downgraded and lost, and many species are at risk of extinction due to narrowing habitat and pollution.
Attention should be paid to protecting the living environment and biodiversity conservation. Relevant agencies should put forth prioritised policies to encourage the private sector’s participation in environmental protection.