Decision No. 04/2004/QĐ-BTNMT Approves the Action Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Wetlands for the Period 2004-2010

DECISION OF THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

Approving the Action Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Wetlands for the Period 2004-2010

 

 MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

Pursuant to the Environmental Protection Law dated December 27, 1993;

Pursuant to Decree No. 91/2002/NĐ-CP dated November 11, 2003 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

Pursuant to Decree No. 109/2003/NĐ-CP dated September 23, 2003 of the Government on the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands;

Pursuant to Decision No. 845/TTg dated December 22, 1995 of the Prime Minister approving the Action Plan for Biodiversity in Vietnam;

Based on the proposal of the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Head of the Legal Department.

 

DECISION:

Article 1. Approves the Action Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Wetlands for the Period 2004-2010 with the following main contents:

1. Objectives

a) General Objective

To conserve and sustainably develop wetlands in Vietnam to meet the requirements of economic and social development, poverty reduction, natural resource protection, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation.

b) Specific objectives by 2006

To complete the inter-ministerial coordination mechanism for the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands.

 To integrate issues related to the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands into draft laws or amendments, especially the Environmental Protection Law, the Forest Protection and Development Law, the Mineral Resources Law, the Water Resources Law, and the Biodiversity Law.

To develop policies to encourage local people's participation in the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands.

To develop and apply guidelines for the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands in specific areas.

To establish databases on important wetlands.

 To develop models of wise use and sustainable development in specific wetland areas for ecosystems.

To implement programs to raise awareness about wetlands.

c) Specific objectives by 2010

 To complete the system of policies, laws, and state management agencies for wetlands.

To plan wetlands for conservation and socio-economic development purposes.

To delineate protected areas for internationally and nationally important wetlands. To increase the area of wetland conservation zones, particularly focusing on the conservation of internationally and nationally important wetlands, and to restore degraded important wetlands.

To test and replicate models of wise use and sustainable development of wetlands in specific wetland areas for ecosystems.

To establish and improve national wetland databases.

To socialize activities for the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands.

2. Programs of action for the period 2004-2010

Program 1. Building and improving the system of policies and institutions for managing wetlands

To clearly define responsibilities, authorities, and coordination mechanisms between sectors and levels in managing, conserving, and utilizing wetlands.

To enhance the capacity of the state management system for wetlands from central to local levels to perform their functions and tasks according to the decentralization.

 To build and promulgate a system of policies and laws on the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands, integrating plans for the sustainable development and conservation of wetlands into national, sectoral, and local socio-economic development plans.

To integrate issues related to the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands into strategies for socio-economic development and the process of drafting and amending relevant laws concerning the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands.

 To concretize and effectively implement national strategies, plans, and policies related to the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands in accordance with local conditions and characteristics.

To promulgate and effectively implement regulations on the conservation and restoration of internationally and nationally important wetlands. To develop and enforce plans and measures for the restoration and conservation of other wetlands in accordance with their importance and level of threat.

Chapter 2. Inventory, Database Construction, and Planning for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Wetlands

Conducting inventory and periodically updating the current status of wetlands (area, distribution range, quantity, type, value, function, etc.) and creating wetland maps to serve as a basis for planning the use, conservation, and management of wetlands according to national and international standards.

Investigating natural, economic, social conditions, and biodiversity in important wetland areas; identifying and listing internationally and nationally significant wetlands, wetlands at different levels of threat; compiling a list of rare species and populations living in wetlands to develop conservation plans.

Preparing and submitting to the Government for promulgation a list of wetland conservation areas that need protection.

Studying and selecting 25 internationally significant wetlands to be recognized as Ramsar sites.

Building and regularly updating a database on wetlands as a basis for developing planning and land use plans for wetlands for conservation and sustainable development purposes.

Developing conservation and sustainable development plans for each wetland area, including: determining directions and goals for conservation and sustainable development; defining the scope and area of the wetland; specifying the content of conservation and sustainable development of wetlands; identifying key measures for conservation and sustainable development of wetlands; forecasting and warning about environmental impacts and measures to prevent and mitigate negative effects on the environment.

Evaluating the environmental impact of economic and social development programs in internationally and nationally significant wetland areas.

Chapter 3. Establishing and Expanding Models of Wise Wetland Use

Establishing models of wise wetland use based on principles of economic and social efficiency while ensuring the stability and balance of ecosystems and protecting biodiversity.

Promoting the dissemination, popularization, and expansion of models of wise wetland use. Integrating models of wise wetland use with integrated coastal zone management, watershed management, biodiversity conservation, and other programs.

Chapter 4. Conserving Internationally and Nationally Significant Wetlands and Restoring Degraded Important Wetlands

Determining the level of threat to wetlands, the benefits of restoring and conserving wetlands as a basis for developing conservation and restoration plans.

Strengthening the conservation of internationally and nationally significant wetlands, particularly unique wetland ecosystems, using an ecosystem approach.

Implementing restoration and rehabilitation of wetlands in critical and ecologically diverse areas. Diversifying conservation and restoration methods for wetlands that provide the greatest economic, social, environmental, and ecological benefits.

Developing and applying methods to assess the degree of damage to wetlands from external impacts and effective restoration and conservation methods.

Chapter 5. Enhancing the Capacity of Scientific Research Institutions in Accordance with Priority Directions to Meet Management Requirements for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Wetlands

Establishing and implementing planning for the network and development plan of scientific research institutions on wetlands.

Modernizing infrastructure, laboratories, monitoring stations, and research facilities related to wetlands.

Integrating monitoring activities of wetland areas into the resource and environmental surveillance system (using remote sensing technology).

Building and training a synchronized team of highly qualified scientific researchers capable of addressing issues related to sustainable development, prudent use, and conservation of wetlands.

Diversifying and ensuring financial support for scientific research, comprehensive surveys on wetlands, and encouraging scientific innovation in the field of sustainable development, prudent use, and conservation of wetlands.

Chapter 6. Enhancing Awareness on the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Wetlands

Developing comprehensive programs to raise awareness about the management, conservation, and sustainable development of wetlands.

Diversifying forms and methods to comprehensively raise awareness about wetlands suitable for different target groups.

Establishing a network for propaganda and dissemination to enhance awareness about wetlands with the participation of political and social organizations, professional associations, mass organizations, and individuals.

Creating favorable conditions for sharing information and transferring management, conservation, and sustainable development methods of wetlands to relevant organizations and individuals.

Establishing and completing a network to enhance awareness about wetlands including environmental education centers, museums, national parks, conservation areas, eco-tourism sites, information centers, mass media agencies, and other relevant agencies.

Training and developing a team for propaganda, dissemination, and enhancing awareness about wetlands.

Chapter 7. Enhancing the Effectiveness of International Cooperation for Sustainable Development of Wetlands

Studying and proposing mechanisms and policies to diversify investment sources for the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands.

Establishing and implementing multilateral and bilateral cooperation programs to diversify investments, provide technical assistance, transfer technology, train, and exchange personnel to serve the management, conservation, and sustainable development of wetlands.

Institutionalizing international commitments related to wetlands in accordance with Vietnamese laws and actual conditions.

Building capacity for the agency responsible for implementing the Ramsar Convention and mobilizing resources to fully implement international commitments related to wetlands that Vietnam has joined.

3. Priority Projects

The selection of priority projects is based on the scale of impact and the wide applicability of the project nationwide. During the period from 2004 to 2010, nine (9) projects attached as an appendix to this Decision are prioritized for implementation to carry out the actions of the Plan.

4. Implementation Periods

The Plan will be implemented in two phases: Phase I from 2004 to 2006, and Phase II from 2007 to 2010. Each program will be monitored and evaluated according to set objectives. A comprehensive review of the Plan's implementation will be conducted in 2006, and another comprehensive review in 2010, combined with the preparation of the Wetland Conservation and Sustainable Development Plan for the next decade.

Article 2. Implementation:

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is the leading agency coordinating with ministries, sectors, and localities to organize the implementation of this Plan. Annually, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and other ministries, sectors, and localities to review and evaluate the implementation of the Action Plan for the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands during the period 2004-2010. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will coordinate the monitoring and evaluation process to timely adjust and supplement this Action Plan.

Relevant ministries, sectors, and localities, according to their functions and tasks, will cooperate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to organize and implement the Action Plan.

The financial source for implementing this Action Plan includes state budget funds, funding from international cooperation programs and projects, support from organizations and individuals, and other sources.

Article 3. This Decision takes effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette

Article 4. The Minister, Heads of Ministries equivalent to Ministries, Heads of Government Agencies, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, and related organizations and individuals are responsible for enforcing this Decision.

 

Appendix

List of Priority Projects on the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Wetlands during the Period 2004-2010

(Annexed to Decision No. 04/2004/QĐ-BTNMT dated 5/4/2004 of the Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment)

 

Project 1. Strengthening the System of Policies, Laws, and State Management Capacity on Wetlands.

Leading Agency: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Coordinating Agencies:

Central Level: Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Fisheries, Vietnam Association for Science and Technology, universities, and international organizations.

Local Level: Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Departments of Planning and Investment, Departments of Fisheries, Forest Protection Departments, People's Committees at provincial, district, and commune levels related to wetlands.

Project 2. Inventory, Construction of Wetland Database; Establishment and Submission to the Government for Approval of the List of Wetland Conservation Areas of National and International Importance.

Leading Agencies: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Fisheries.

Coordinating Agencies:

Central Level: Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam Association for Science and Technology, universities, other research agencies, and international organizations.

Local level: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Science and Technology, Fisheries Department in provinces with wetlands.

Project 3. Establishing a sustainable development plan for special wetland areas.

Leading Agency: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Coordinating Agencies:

Central level: Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Fisheries, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam Association for Science and Technology, universities, international organizations.

Local level: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Planning and Investment, Fisheries Department, Forest Protection Sub-Department in cities with selected wetland areas.

Project 4. Developing sustainable wetland development models in special wetland ecosystems.

Lead agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Fisheries, People's Committees of provinces where the model is implemented.

Coordinating Agencies:

Central level: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam Association for Science and Technology, universities, and international organizations.

Local level: People's Committees at all levels, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Fisheries Department, Forest Protection Sub-Department in provinces with wetlands.

Project 5. Research and evaluation of the economic value of wetlands to serve conservation and sustainable development of wetlands.

Leading Agency: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Coordinating Agencies:

Central level: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Fisheries, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology, universities, Vietnam Association for Science and Technology, international organizations.

Local level: People's Committees at all levels, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Fisheries Department, Forest Protection Sub-Department in provinces with wetlands.

Project 6. Zoning and applying ecosystem approach methods in the conservation of internationally and nationally important wetland areas.

Lead agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Coordinating Agencies:

Central level: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam Association for Science and Technology, universities, and international organizations.

Local level: People's Committee, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Fisheries Department, Forest Protection Sub-Department in provinces with wetlands.

Project 7. Establishing and improving the network of scientific research institutions on wetlands.

Lead agency: Ministry of Science and Technology.

Coordinating Agencies:

Central level: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Fisheries, Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology, Vietnam Association for Science and Technology, universities.

Local level: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Science and Technology, Fisheries Department, Forest Protection Sub-Department in provinces with wetlands.

Project 8. Enhancing awareness about the conservation and sustainable development of wetlands.

Leading Agency: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Coordinating Agencies:

Central level: Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry of Culture and Information, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology, Vietnam Institute of Social Sciences, Central Television Station, Voice of Vietnam Radio, central newspapers, universities, international organizations.

Local level: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Education and Training, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Planning and Investment, Fisheries Department, Department of Culture and Information, local radio and television stations in provinces with wetlands, management boards of Ramsar sites, national parks, and wetland conservation areas.

Project 9. Strengthening the capacity of lead agencies implementing the Ramsar Convention.

Leading Agency: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Coordinating Agencies:

Central level: Government Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Fisheries, international organizations.

Local level: People's Committees of provinces, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Planning and Investment, Department of Finance, Fisheries Department of provinces with Ramsar sites./.