He praised the sector’s efforts and stated shortcomings in environmental protection as included in the sector’s report.
According to the report, the country’s gross domestic product in the coming decade is forecast to be doubled while environmental pollution will increase by three times, even by four to five folds by 2025 if the matter is not dealt with appropriately.
PM Dung stressed that the forecast should be considered seriously as economic interests are still preferred to environmental protection in a sustainable manner.
He assigned the sector seven key tasks in the coming time.
Firstly, the sector implements effectively Party resolutions and legal regulations on environmental protection, improves the document systems directing the implementation of the 2014 Environmental Protection Law, and amends related laws to better natural and bio-diversity reserves.
Secondly, the sector should enhance communication to improve the public awareness on environmental protection and develop environmentally-friendly lifestyles and behaviors.
Thirdly, the organisation and capacity of the sector’s staff, particularly those at local, district and communal levels, should be enhanced to meet requirements of State management over environmental protection.
Fourthly, investment in environmental protection should be diversified with priorities on development investment, loans and official development assistance to address pressing environmental issues affecting people’s daily life and health.
Fifthly, studies and application of science and technology on coping with climate change, managing natural resources and protecting the environment should be fostered.
Sixthly, capacity and efficiency of strategic environmental evaluation tools and environmental database should be improved to forecast and prevent environmental pollution while management, examination and control over environment and activities possibly causing environmental pollution should be tightened.
Lastly, the sector needs to promote international ties in environmental protection and implement effectively international agreements and commitments to join hands in addressing global environmental issues.
The Government leader expressed his gratitude to the United Nations, the World Bank, nations, as well as international organizations and friends for their support for Viet Nam to deal with this important matter.
He also affirmed that Vietnam is ready to cooperate with the international community to preserve the global environment.
The National Conference on Environment, which takes place every five years, drew 1,000 delegates from ministries, agencies, localities, political, social and international organizations, experts and scientists.
The two-day conference included a plenary session, workshops on state management and application of science-technology in the environment sector, a ceremony honoring outstanding individuals in environmental protection between 2011 and 2015 and an international exhibition on environmental protection.
By Vien Nhu
