Law on Meteorology and Hydrology No. 90/2015/QH13

LAW

METEOROLOGY AND HYDROLOGY

____________

 

On the basis of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The National Assembly enacts the Meteorology and Hydrology Law.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Law regulates meteorology and hydrology activities including: management, exploitation of the network of stations; forecasting, warning; information, data; serving, meteorology and hydrology services; monitoring climate change; impact on weather and state management; rights, responsibilities, obligations of agencies, organizations, individuals participating in meteorology and hydrology activities.

Article 2. Applicability

This Law applies to agencies, organizations, individuals of Vietnam; foreign organizations, individuals; international organizations participating in meteorology and hydrology activities on the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Law, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Meteorology and Hydrology refers collectively to meteorology, hydrology, and marine hydrology.

2. Meteorology is the state of the atmosphere and the process of natural phenomena occurring in the atmosphere.

3. Hydrology is the state, process of development, and movement of river, stream, canal, creek, lake water.

4. Marine Hydrology is the state, process of development, and movement of sea water.

5. Meteorology and Hydrology Observation is the systematic observation and measurement, directly or indirectly, of parameters expressing the state, phenomena, and processes of development of the atmosphere, river, stream, canal, creek, lake water, and sea water.

6. Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and location determined by meteorological elements and phenomena.

7. Meteorology and Hydrology Forecasting is providing information and data about the state, process of development, and meteorology and hydrology phenomena in the future in a specific area or position within a defined period of time.

8. Meteorology and Hydrology Warning is providing information and data about the risk of dangerous and abnormal meteorology and hydrology phenomena that may affect or cause damage to people, property, and the environment.

9. Meteorology and Hydrology Forecast and Warning Bulletin is a product of organizations and individuals engaged in forecasting and warning, presenting forecast and warning meteorology and hydrology information in the form of text, tables, maps, charts, symbols, images, sound.

10. Meteorology and Hydrology Disaster is an abnormal meteorology and hydrology phenomenon that can cause damage to people, property, affect the environment, living conditions, and economic and social activities.

11. Climate is the synthesis of weather conditions in a specific area characterized by long-term statistical quantities of meteorological elements in that area.

12. Climate Forecasting is providing information and data about the state and trend of the climate in the future, the degree of fluctuation of climatic factors monthly, seasonally, annually compared to the long-term average value.

13. Climate Change is the change in climate over a long period of time due to the influence of natural conditions and human activities, manifested by global warming, rising sea levels, and increased extreme meteorology and hydrology phenomena.

14. Climate Change Monitoring is the process of collecting information and data, analyzing, evaluating, tracking the development of climate over a long period of time to determine the manifestations of climate change and the impact of climate change on resources, environment, ecosystems, living conditions, and economic and social activities.

15. Climate Change Scenario is a scientific-based and reliable assumption about the future trend of climate based on the relationship between economic and social activities, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and rising sea levels.

16. Meteorology and Hydrology Engineering Works are material facilities meeting technical requirements for installing measuring instruments and meteorology and hydrology information equipment.

17. is a facility for monitoring meteorological and hydrological factors, air and water environmental factors on land, underwater, on rivers, lakes, seas, and in the atmosphere. is a location selected according to technical professional requirements to place one or more meteorology and hydrology engineering works, including types such as surface meteorology station, upper-air meteorology station, weather radar station, agricultural meteorology station, hydrological station, marine hydrology station, rain gauge station, lightning positioning station, and other specialized stations.

18. Climate Change Monitoring Station is a station selected from among meteorology and hydrology stations or built separately according to technical requirements, national and international standards to conduct climate observation, atmospheric component analysis, sea level measurement.

19. Technical Corridor of Meteorology and Hydrology Engineering Works is the necessary airspace, land area, underground, water surface, underwater area to ensure that meteorology and hydrology engineering works operate according to technical standards, the obtained meteorology and hydrology data reflect objectively the natural conditions of the area, ensuring accuracy according to national and international standards.

20. Impact on Weather is the impact of humans on physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere through scientific and technological solutions aimed at preventing or mitigating disasters or creating favorable weather conditions in a specific area within a defined period of time to serve economic and social activities, national defense, and security.

21. Climate Standard is the average value of meteorological elements in a specific period of time, usually 30 years; serving as a basis for assessing differences in climate between different places, different periods.

22. Extreme Meteorology and Hydrology Phenomenon is an abnormal meteorology and hydrology phenomenon regarding intensity, duration, occurrence area, which can cause damage to people, property, affect the environment, living conditions, and economic and social activities.

23. Rising Sea Level is the rise of the average sea level due to the impact of climate change, excluding spring tides, storm surges, and other natural impacts.

Article 4. Principles of Meteorological and Hydrological Activities

1. General meteorological and hydrological activities serving economic and social development, national defense, national security, and disaster prevention and mitigation shall be guaranteed by the state budget.

2. Meteorological and hydrological activities shall be centrally managed and uniformly regulated throughout the country.

3. Meteorological and hydrological observations must ensure accuracy, continuity, uniformity, and interconnection within the national scope and internationally.

4. Meteorological and hydrological forecasts and warnings must ensure sufficient reliability; forecast and warning information must be transmitted and disseminated promptly, accurately, and comprehensively.

5. The system for receiving and transmitting meteorological and hydrological information must ensure continuous operation, high speed, and wide coverage.

Article 5. State Policy on Meteorological and Hydrological Activities

1. The State shall ensure resources for the construction, management, and exploitation of the national meteorological and hydrological station network; meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warnings; climate change monitoring to serve general economic and social development, national defense, national security, and disaster prevention and mitigation.

2. Diversify investment capital sources for meteorological and hydrological activities; encourage organizations and individuals to participate in observation, forecasting, warning, scientific research, technology transfer, information and data exploitation and utilization in meteorology and hydrology.

3. Prioritize investment in building dedicated telecommunications networks suitable with laws on telecommunications and utilize national telecommunications networks for information and data reception and transmission services for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warnings, disaster prevention and mitigation.

4. Strengthen propaganda and dissemination of knowledge about meteorology and hydrology, climate change; effectively exploit meteorological and hydrological information and data in production, daily life, and disaster prevention and mitigation for the community; ensure gender equality; pay attention to ethnic minorities in mountainous areas, coastal fishermen, island residents, ethnic minority regions, economically disadvantaged areas, and other special groups to have appropriate forms, means, and materials for propaganda tailored to each group.

5. Ensure land requirements for meteorological and hydrological facilities to meet technical industry standards.

6. Enhance training of human resources for meteorological and hydrological work; establish mechanisms to attract and reward personnel working in meteorological and hydrological tasks in ethnic minority regions, mountainous areas, islands, and economically disadvantaged areas according to legal provisions.

7. Develop science and technology in meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring; prioritize scientific research, technology transfer, advanced equipment, and high-tech application in meteorological and hydrological activities.

8. Strengthen international cooperation in meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring; fulfill obligations as members of international organizations on meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring.

Article 6. Popularization, Legal Education, Propaganda, and Enhancement of Awareness on Meteorological and Hydrological Activities

1. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall regularly organize various forms of legal popularization, education, propaganda, and enhancement of awareness about meteorology and hydrology, climate change, focusing on ethnic minorities in mountainous areas, coastal fishermen, island residents, ethnic minority regions, and economically disadvantaged areas; build and implement programs for legal popularization, education, propaganda, and enhancement of awareness about meteorology and hydrology, climate change.

2. Ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, government agencies, People's Committees at all levels within their respective duties and authorities shall cooperate with mass media agencies and direct educational and training institutions under their management to organize legal popularization, education, propaganda, and enhancement of awareness about meteorology and hydrology, climate change.

3. The Vietnam Fatherland Front and its member organizations, business associations, and other social organizations within their respective duties and authorities shall cooperate with state management agencies on meteorology and hydrology to propagate, mobilize, guide the people to participate in protecting meteorological and hydrological facilities, receive, exploit, and use meteorological and hydrological information and data, and comply with legal regulations on meteorology and hydrology, climate change.

Article 7. Meteorological and Hydrological Communication Activities

1. The Vietnam News Agency, Voice of Vietnam Radio, Vietnam Television, and other press agencies shall be responsible for:

a) Organizing the transmission and broadcasting of meteorological and hydrological forecast and warning information, climate change information in accordance with this Law and laws on press;

b) Cooperating with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to develop radio and television programs to raise public awareness about meteorology and hydrology and effectively utilize meteorological and hydrological forecast and warning information, climate change information.

2. Local radio and television stations shall be responsible for:

a) Organizing the transmission and broadcasting of national meteorological and hydrological forecast and warning information and climate change information to serve disaster prevention and control, economic and social development at the local level;

b) Cooperating with local meteorological and hydrological agencies and related units to develop radio and television programs to raise public awareness about meteorology and hydrology and effectively utilize meteorological and hydrological forecast and warning information, climate change information.

Article 8. Prohibited Acts

1. Exploiting meteorological and hydrological activities to cause damage to the State's interests, rights, and legitimate benefits of organizations and individuals.

2. Encroaching upon airspace, land area, underground space, water surface, underwater areas of meteorological and hydrological works.

3. Violating technical buffer zone regulations for meteorological and hydrological works.

4. Affecting meteorological and hydrological measurement facilities and equipment.

5. Damaging meteorological and hydrological measurement facilities and equipment, communication devices, and other technical equipment of meteorological and hydrological works; colliding with such works; destroying, moving height markers.

6. Obstructing the management and exploitation of meteorological and hydrological works.

7. Conducting meteorological and hydrological forecast and warning activities without a permit or contrary to the permit issued by competent state authorities.

8. Exploiting and using meteorological and hydrological information and data in violation of this Law and related laws.

9. Intentionally violating technical standards and professional procedures in meteorological and hydrological activities.

10. Interfering with weather conditions without approval from competent state authorities for weather modification plans or contrary to approved plans.

11. Concealing, failing to provide, or intentionally providing inaccurate, incomplete, or untimely meteorological and hydrological information and data.

12. Contravening regulations on the transmission and broadcasting of meteorological and hydrological forecast and warning information.

13. Misusing authority or exceeding authority to contravene laws on meteorology and hydrology.

14. Exploiting international cooperation in meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring to commit acts that violate the law.

Chapter II

MANAGEMENT AND EXPLOITATION OF STATION NETWORKS

METEOROLOGY AND HYDROLOGY

Article 9. Contents of Management and Exploitation of Station Networks for Meteorology and Hydrology

1. Developing planning and development plans for station networks for meteorology and hydrology.

2. Monitoring meteorology and hydrology.

3. Investigating and surveying meteorology and hydrology.

4. Managing and protecting meteorological and hydrological works.

5. Managing the quality of meteorological and hydrological measurement equipment.

Article 10. Meteorological and Hydrological Station Network

1. The meteorological and hydrological station network includes the national meteorological and hydrological station network and specialized meteorological and hydrological station networks.

2. The national meteorological and hydrological station network consists of meteorological and hydrological stations and climate change monitoring stations, systematically, continuously, stably, and long-term conducting meteorological and hydrological observations and climate change monitoring, established, managed, and operated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

3. Specialized meteorological and hydrological station networks conduct meteorological and hydrological observations according to specific purposes, established, managed, and operated by ministries, sectors, localities, organizations, and individuals in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 11. Planning the National Meteorological and Hydrological Station Network

1. Principles for planning:

a) Ensuring that observations on the network reflect spatial and temporal changes of the meteorological and hydrological factors to be observed and meet the needs for exploitation and utilization of meteorological and hydrological information and data;

b) Ensuring synchronization, advancement, continuity, and suitability with socio-economic development goals and national defense and security requirements;

c) The planning of the national meteorological and hydrological station network must be consistent and integrated with the planning of the national environmental monitoring network, meeting the requirements for data sharing among monitoring networks to ensure efficient and cost-effective use of state budget.

2. Bases for planning:

a) National strategies, plans, and programs for socio-economic development; industry development strategy; national strategy on climate change; national strategy on disaster prevention and control; national water resources strategy; national strategy on information technology and communication development; national land use plan; national telecommunications development plan, and other relevant strategies, plans, and programs;

b) Results of implementing the industry development strategy, national climate change strategy, and previous national meteorological and hydrological station network planning;

c) Scientific and technological progress in observation, measurement, transmission, forecasting, warning of meteorological and hydrological phenomena, and climate change monitoring.

3. The planning period for the national meteorological and hydrological station network is ten years, with a vision up to twenty years.

4. Main contents of the planning:

a) General analysis and assessment of natural conditions, socio-economic and environmental conditions, current status of meteorological and hydrological activities, response to climate change; determining the need for meteorological and hydrological information and data for socio-economic development, national defense and security, disaster prevention and control, and climate change response;

b) Evaluation of the implementation of the previous national meteorological and hydrological station network planning; meteorological and hydrological observation activities and climate change monitoring; results of implementing the industry development strategy, planning, and programs;

c) Assessment of spatial and temporal changes of the meteorological and hydrological factors to be observed;

d) Determining the density, number, location, planning map, list of stations, and observation content of each type of station within the national meteorological and hydrological station network;

đ) Determining resources, implementation timeline, and solutions for the planning.

5. Responsibilities for planning and approval:

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organizes the planning of the national meteorological and hydrological station network and submits it for approval.

6. Adjusting the planning:

a) The national meteorological and hydrological station network planning is reviewed and adjusted every five years or when there is a critical need for socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, or when the strategies, plans, and programs specified in point a of Clause 2 of this Article change significantly affecting the content of the planning;

b) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment submits to the Prime Minister for a decision to adjust the planning according to the contents stipulated in point a of this clause.

7. The national meteorological and hydrological station network planning and adjustments must be reviewed in accordance with the law on planning before approval.

Article 12. Plan for Developing Specialized Weather and Hydrological Station Network of Ministries, Sectors, and Localities

1. Ministries, sectors, and localities shall develop plans for developing specialized weather and hydrological station networks when there is a need to exploit and utilize weather and hydrological information and data for specific purposes.

2. Principles for developing plans:

a) Meeting the needs for exploiting and utilizing weather and hydrological information and data of ministries, sectors, and localities;

b) Ensuring synchronization, advancement, continuity, and suitability with the development goals of ministries, sectors, and localities;

c) The specialized weather and hydrological station network shall not overlap or duplicate the national weather and hydrological station network.

3. Bases for developing plans:

a) Strategies, master plans, and plans specified in point a, Clause 2, Article 11 of this Law and related strategies, master plans, and plans of ministries, sectors, and localities;

b) Master planning and implementation results of the national weather and hydrological station network up to the time of plan development;

c) Needs for exploiting and utilizing weather and hydrological information and data for specific purposes.

4. Plans for developing specialized weather and hydrological station networks shall be developed concurrently with the construction of economic and social development master plans and plans of ministries, sectors, and localities, and may be adjusted and supplemented annually to meet actual needs.

5. Main contents of the plan:

a) Determining the needs for exploiting and utilizing weather and hydrological information and data of ministries, sectors, and localities;

b) Evaluating the actual capacity of the national weather and hydrological station network to meet specific requirements and purposes in terms of information and data;

c) Determining the number, location, list of stations; operating time, monitoring content of each station within the specialized weather and hydrological station network;

d) Determining resources and implementation solutions for the plan.

6. Responsibilities for developing and approving plans:

a) Ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, agencies under the Government, and provincial People's Committees shall organize the development of plans for developing specialized weather and hydrological station networks within their management scope;

b) Ministers, heads of agencies at the ministerial level, heads of agencies under the Government, and Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees shall approve plans for developing specialized weather and hydrological station networks within their authority after reaching a consensus in writing with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

Article 13. Weather and Hydrological Monitoring

1. Requirements for weather and hydrological monitoring:

a) Monitoring must be accurate, continuous, and uniform according to technical standards and professional procedures;

b) Monitoring results must ensure representativeness and objectively reflect natural conditions and current weather and hydrological phenomena in the area where the station is located;

c) Monitoring information and data must be checked and evaluated for quality.

2. Contents of weather and hydrological monitoring:

a) Monitoring contents are specifically determined for each type of weather and hydrological station;

b) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall detail the monitoring contents for stations within the national weather and hydrological station network;

c) Ministries, sectors, localities, organizations, and individuals shall determine the monitoring contents for specialized weather and hydrological stations under their management;

d) Weather stations that issue international reports, and weather and hydrological stations that exchange information and data with foreign countries, international organizations, or have bilateral or multilateral cooperation agreements shall implement additional monitoring activities according to international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

3. Weather and hydrological monitoring of project owners:

When projects are constructed or operated and affect or cause impacts on weather and hydrological conditions that could influence community safety, lives, and property, project owners must organize monitoring and provide information and data in accordance with Clause 5 of this Article.

4. Weather and hydrological monitoring on aircraft and ships:

It is encouraged for aircraft and ship owners operating within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to conduct weather and hydrological monitoring and report monitoring results to the national weather and hydrological forecasting and warning system according to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) codes.

5. Weather and hydrological monitoring information and data must be provided to the national weather and hydrological forecasting and warning system and the national weather and hydrological database.

6. The Government shall specify detailed regulations for Clause 3 and Clause 5 of this Article.

Article 14. Establishment, relocation, and dissolution of meteorological and hydrological stations

1. Establishment of stations within the national network of meteorological and hydrological stations:

a) The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment decides to establish stations within the national network of meteorological and hydrological stations according to the national network planning for meteorological and hydrological stations that has been approved by the Prime Minister;

b) In special cases, to meet national defense and security requirements, disaster prevention and control, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to report to the Prime Minister for the decision to establish stations not included in the national meteorological and hydrological station network planning.

2. Establishment of specialized meteorological and hydrological stations:

a) The Minister, head of a ministry-level agency, head of a government agency, and the Chairman of the People's Committee of a province decide to establish specialized meteorological and hydrological stations according to the development plan for specialized meteorological and hydrological station networks of the ministry, sector, or locality;

b) Organizations and individuals may independently decide to establish specialized meteorological and hydrological stations based on their own needs;

c) The authorized person, organization, or individual specified in points a and b of this clause shall be responsible for notifying the establishment of specialized meteorological and hydrological stations to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the provincial state management agency for meteorology and hydrology where the station is located.

3. Relocation of stations within the national network of meteorological and hydrological stations:

a) Stations within the national network of meteorological and hydrological stations can only be relocated in the following circumstances: damaged by natural disasters and unable to be repaired; national defense and security reasons; within the scope of important economic and social development projects; serious violation of technical corridors or due to natural conditions affecting the technical conditions necessary for observation or the observed data no longer being representative and failing to reflect the natural laws and meteorological and hydrological conditions in the area where the station is located.

The new location of the station must meet the requirements for observation and comply with relevant legal provisions;

b) Simultaneous observation must be organized between the old and new stations to ensure the continuity of data series and uninterrupted provision of information and data for weather and hydrological forecasting and warning, international exchange;

c) The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment decides on the relocation of stations within the national network of meteorological and hydrological stations.

4. Relocation of specialized meteorological and hydrological stations:

The relocation of specialized meteorological and hydrological stations is decided by the authorized person, organization, or individual who established the station; after relocation, they must notify the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the provincial state management agency for meteorology and hydrology where the station is located.

5. Dissolution of meteorological and hydrological stations:

a) Dissolution of stations within the national network of meteorological and hydrological stations in the following cases: the station is no longer in the planning; unable to meet technical conditions for observation and cannot be relocated.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment decides on the dissolution of stations within the national network of meteorological and hydrological stations;

b) Dissolution of specialized meteorological and hydrological stations in the following cases: the station is no longer in the development plan of the ministry, sector, or locality and does not meet the conditions to transfer to the national network of meteorological and hydrological stations; unable to meet technical conditions for observation and cannot be relocated; the purpose of the station's operation has been completed.

The authorized person, organization, or individual who established the specialized meteorological and hydrological station decides on the dissolution of the specialized meteorological and hydrological station under their management; after dissolution, they must notify the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the provincial state management agency for meteorology and hydrology where the station is located.

Article 15. Technical Corridor of Meteorological and Hydrological Works

1. Meteorological and hydrological works shall be guaranteed technical corridors in accordance with technical standards for meteorological and hydrological works.

2. The technical corridor of meteorological and hydrological works shall be detailed for each type of meteorological and hydrological work.

3. Within the technical corridor of meteorological and hydrological works, it is not allowed to construct buildings, high-rise structures, plant long-term trees that obstruct the works, build dams, dig or excavate riverbeds or both banks, draw water, discharge water, moor transport vessels, or carry out other activities that alter the representativeness of the observation site.

4. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter.

Article 16. Protection of Meteorological and Hydrological Works

1. Contents of protecting meteorological and hydrological works:

a) Establishing files, land boundaries, technical corridor scope of the works, and notifying the People's Committee of the commune where the works are located;

b) Protecting the technical corridor; preventing prohibited acts as stipulated in Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Article 8 of this Law;

c) Implementing measures to prevent, mitigate, and reduce damage caused by natural disasters and other risks;

d) Maintaining, repairing, and servicing the works in accordance with technical standards and specialized procedures.

2. Responsibilities for protecting meteorological and hydrological works:

a) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize the protection of meteorological and hydrological works within the national meteorological and hydrological station network;

b) Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, People's Committees at all levels, organizations, and individuals shall organize the protection of meteorological and hydrological works within their management scope in accordance with this Law and relevant laws.

Article 17. Investigation and Survey of Meteorological and Hydrological Conditions

1. Requirements for investigation and survey of meteorological and hydrological conditions:

a) Investigations and surveys funded by the state budget must follow programs and plans approved by competent authorities; the results of investigations and surveys must be quality assessed;

b) Observations and measurements during investigations and surveys must comply with technical standards and specialized procedures.

2. Contents of investigation and survey of meteorological and hydrological conditions:

a) Determining the location of points, stations, areas for investigation and survey on land or coordinates of points, stations for investigation and survey at sea;

b) Constructing temporary meteorological and hydrological works for the purpose of investigation and survey (if necessary);

c) Observing and measuring meteorological and hydrological factors, related factors, and topography of the survey area;

d) Calculating the recovery of characteristics and developments of past meteorological and hydrological disasters in the survey area.

3. Responsibilities for conducting investigation and survey of meteorological and hydrological conditions:

a) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall conduct investigations and surveys to supplement information and data for the national meteorological and hydrological station network or conduct emergency investigations and surveys after natural disasters occur;

b) Ministries, sectors, localities, organizations, and individuals shall conduct investigations and surveys for their own purposes.

Article 18. Management of Quality of Meteorological and Hydrological Measurement Instruments

1. Contents of managing the quality of meteorological and hydrological measurement instruments:

a) Issuing a list of meteorological and hydrological measurement instruments requiring calibration and verification;

b) Organizing calibration and verification of meteorological and hydrological measurement instruments.

2. The Minister of Science and Technology shall issue a list of meteorological and hydrological measurement instruments requiring calibration and verification based on the proposal of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Article 19. Calibration and Verification of Meteorological and Hydrological Measurement Instruments

Clause 1. The calibration and verification of meteorological and hydrological measurement instruments listed in the mandatory calibration and verification catalog shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Metrology.

Clause 2. Meteorological and hydrological measurement instruments not listed in the mandatory calibration and verification catalog must have documentation regarding their origin and technical characteristics that comply with technical standards issued by competent state agencies.

Clause 3. The calibration and verification of meteorological and hydrological measurement instruments shall be conducted by calibration and verification facilities that meet the conditions stipulated by the Law on Metrology.

Chapter III

METEOROLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL FORECASTS AND WARNINGS

Article 20. Contents of Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting and Warning Activities

Clause 1. Collecting, processing, analyzing, storing information and data on meteorology and hydrology, monitoring climate change and related information and data within the national, regional, and global scope.

Clause 2. Developing and issuing meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning bulletins.

Clause 3. Providing meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning information.

Clause 4. Guiding the exploitation of meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning information.

Clause 5. Evaluating the quality of meteorological and hydrological forecasts and warnings.

Article 21. Requirements for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasts and Warnings

Clause 1. Meteorological and hydrological forecasts and warnings must comply with technical standards and specialized procedures for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities.

Clause 2. Organizations and individuals engaged in meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities shall bear responsibility for the forecasting and warning bulletins they issue.

Clause 3. Meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning information must be updated regularly and promptly according to the development of meteorological and hydrological phenomena, be easily understandable and usable, and be conveyed in the Vietnamese language.

Article 22. Types of Bulletins and Forecasting and Warning Periods for Meteorological and Hydrological Phenomena

Clause 1. Types of meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning bulletins:

Point a) Weather, hydrological, and marine weather forecasting bulletins;

Point b) Natural disaster forecasting and warning bulletins for meteorological and hydrological phenomena;

Point c) Climate and water resource forecasting bulletins;

Point d) Specialized forecasting bulletins based on user requirements;

Point đ) Meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning bulletins pursuant to international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

Clause 2. Forecasting and warning periods for meteorological and hydrological phenomena:

Point a) Very short-term period;

Point b) Short-term period;

Point c) Medium-term period;

Point d) Long-term period;

Point đ) Other periods.

Clause 3. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall provide detailed regulations for this Article.

Article 23. Content of Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting and Warning Bulletins

Clause 1. Except for cases provided for in Clause 2 of this Article, the content of meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning bulletins includes information about the current status and future developments of the forecasted and warned phenomena, consistent with the types of bulletins and forecasting and warning periods specified in Article 22 of this Law.

Clause 2. The content of natural disaster forecasting and warning bulletins includes information about the type of disaster, intensity, risk level, current location and coordinates, and forecasted developments of the disaster.

Article 24. National System for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting and Warning

Clause 1. The national system for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning consists of public service organizations at various levels for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning under the management of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Clause 2. Principles of operation of the national system for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning:

Point a) Lower-level public service organizations for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning must be subject to professional management by higher-level public service organizations for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning;

Point b) Lower-level public service organizations for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning must detail the forecasting and warning bulletins of higher-level public service organizations for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning, and issue forecasting and warning bulletins within their jurisdiction;

Point c) Public service organizations for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning must continuously exchange and update information and data to ensure unified, comprehensive, and timely meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning information.

Clause 3. Responsibilities of the national system for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning:

Point a) Issuing meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning bulletins; forecasting and warning natural disasters for meteorological and hydrological phenomena nationwide;

Point b) Issuing marine meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning bulletins in accordance with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) member responsibilities;

Point c) Participating in forecasting and warning activities, exchanging information and products of meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning with meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning agencies of other countries, regions, and globally as prescribed by law;

Point d) Receiving domestic and foreign meteorological and hydrological information and data, including from international organizations; transmitting Vietnamese meteorological and hydrological information and data internationally in accordance with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party;

Point đ) Providing guidance on the exploitation and use of information, data, and products of meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning for agencies and organizations specified in Clause 1 of Article 27 of this Law;

Point e) Establishing radio, television, and communication programs to accurately disseminate and promptly provide comprehensive meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning information to the community in accordance with this Law and laws on press;

Point g) Adhering to and regularly updating technical standards, specialized procedures, and regulations on meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning;

Point h) Evaluating the quality of meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning;

Point i) Storing information, data, and forecasting and warning bulletins.

Article 25. Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting and Warning by Organizations and Individuals Not Belonging to the National Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting and Warning System

1. Organizations and individuals engaged in meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning must meet the required conditions and be granted a permit for such activities by the competent state management agency.

2. Organizations and individuals engaged in meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning have rights and obligations as prescribed in Article 40 of this Law.

3. Conditions for organizations and individuals to engage in meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning:

a) Possess appropriate material and technical facilities;

b) Organizations must have legal personality and suitable human resources;

c) Individuals must have appropriate professional qualifications in the relevant field and experience in meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning.

4. Conditions for foreign organizations and individuals to engage in meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning in Vietnam:

a) Meet the conditions stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article;

b) Legally operate and reside in Vietnam;

c) Have Vietnamese-speaking personnel or appropriate interpreters.

5. Authority to issue, extend, suspend, and revoke permits for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities:

a) The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall issue, extend, suspend, and revoke permits for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities for organizations and individuals conducting such activities across two or more provinces or centrally-administered cities, or within areas outside the main office location of the organization or the residence of the individual; and foreign organizations and individuals conducting meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities in Vietnam;

b) The Chairman of the People's Committee of the province shall issue, extend, suspend, and revoke permits for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities for organizations and individuals conducting such activities within their respective localities.

6. Permits for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities shall have a validity period not exceeding five years.

Organizations and individuals engaging in meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning who violate laws on meteorology and hydrology or no longer meet the conditions set out in Clause 3 or Clause 4 of this Article may, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, have their permits for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities suspended or revoked.

7. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this matter.

Article 26. Transmission and Broadcast of Weather and Hydrological Disaster Forecasts and Warnings

1. The transmission and broadcast of weather and hydrological disaster forecasts and warnings shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law on disaster prevention and control.

2. In cases where necessary, when transmitting and broadcasting weather and hydrological disaster forecasts and warnings to regions inhabited by ethnic minorities, the agencies and organizations responsible for such transmissions and broadcasts must convey them in the appropriate ethnic language.

Article 27. Use of Weather and Hydrological Forecast and Warning Bulletins

1. Agencies directing and commanding disaster prevention and control, search and rescue operations, the Vietnam News Agency, the Voice of Vietnam Radio Station, the Vietnam Television Station, and agencies assigned the responsibility to implement international treaties on meteorology and climate change to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party must use weather and hydrological forecast and warning bulletins issued by the national meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning system.

2. Agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in disaster prevention and control activities must use the latest weather and hydrological disaster forecast and warning bulletins issued by the national meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning system.

Article 28. Management of weather and hydrological forecasting and warning activities

1. Contents of management of weather and hydrological forecasting and warning activities:

a) Building, submitting to competent authorities for issuance or issuing within their authority technical standards, professional procedures, and regulations on weather and hydrological forecasting and warning;

b) Inspecting, supervising, and evaluating the quality of weather and hydrological forecasting and warning;

c) Researching science and technology and applying technological advancements in weather and hydrological forecasting and warning activities;

d) Providing and exchanging meteorological and hydrological information and data with other countries and international organizations as prescribed by law.

2. National weather and hydrological forecasting and warning systems, organizations, and individuals engaged in weather and hydrological forecasting and warning activities shall be responsible for complying with the management regulations on weather and hydrological forecasting and warning stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

Chapter IV

METEOROLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL INFORMATION AND DATA

Article 29. Contents of meteorological and hydrological information and data

1. Information and data from observation, investigation, and surveying of weather and hydrology, air environment, and water.

2. Information and data on meteorology and hydrology obtained from foreign countries and international agencies.

3. Diagrams, maps, satellite images; films and photographs about meteorological and hydrological research objects.

4. Weather and hydrological forecasting and warning bulletins; notifications on weather and hydrological conditions.

5. Technical files of stations, works, and meteorological and hydrological measurement equipment.

6. Files on issuance, extension, suspension, and revocation of permits for weather and hydrological forecasting and warning activities.

7. Results of scientific research, programs, and projects on meteorology and hydrology; plans and results of actions affecting weather.

8. Legal normative documents and technical guidelines on meteorology and hydrology.

Article 30. Storage of meteorological and hydrological information and data

1. Meteorological and hydrological information and data are preserved and stored for a long time.

2. The storage of meteorological and hydrological information and data is specialized storage, carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law on archives.

3. Meteorological and hydrological information and data specified in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Article 29 of this Law must be inspected, classified, and evaluated for quality by the state management agency for meteorology and hydrology before being stored.

4. Meteorological and hydrological information and data within the scope of state secrets are protected according to the provisions of the law on protecting state secrets.

5. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organizes the storage and preservation of meteorological and hydrological information and data in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 31. National meteorological and hydrological database

1. The national meteorological and hydrological database is a collection and unification of all information and data specified in Article 29 and Clause 2 of Article 34 of this Law throughout the country, standardized according to national standards, digitized for updating, managing, and exploiting through an information technology system.

2. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall prescribe sets of databases and data standards; organize the construction and management of the national meteorological and hydrological database.

Article 32. Exploitation and use of meteorological and hydrological information and data

1. Agencies, organizations, and individuals may exploit the national meteorological and hydrological database in accordance with this Law and related laws.

2. Meteorological and hydrological information and data used in development programs, plans, and projects must have clear origins, provided and confirmed by agencies, organizations, and individuals specified in Article 39 of this Law or obtained from the national meteorological and hydrological database.

3. State agencies with authority when reviewing, auditing, and evaluating development programs, plans, and projects that use meteorological and hydrological information and data shall be responsible for reviewing and auditing the origin of meteorological and hydrological information and data in accordance with Clause 2 of this Article.

4. Agencies, organizations, and individuals exploiting meteorological and hydrological information and data must pay fees as prescribed by law, except for cases specified in Clause 5 of this Article.

5. State agencies exploiting meteorological and hydrological information for the following purposes shall not be required to pay fees:

a) Announcements on mass media not for profit;

b) Serving disaster prevention and control, ensuring national defense and security;

c) Exchanging information with foreign countries and international organizations according to international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member;

d) Other purposes as required by state agencies with authority.

6. The Government shall provide detailed regulations for this Article.

Chapter V

CLIMATE CHANGE MONITORING

Article 33. Content of Climate Change Monitoring

1. Establishing, managing, and operating climate change monitoring stations and databases on climate change monitoring.

2. Collecting meteorological and hydrological information and data from the national meteorological and hydrological station network, specialized meteorological and hydrological station networks, and related information and data.

3. Developing the national climate standards.

4. Analyzing, evaluating, and tracking manifestations of climate change.

5. Evaluating the impact of climate change on natural disasters, resources, environment, ecosystems, living conditions, economic and social activities, and cross-sectoral, cross-regional, and cross-disciplinary issues; assessing adaptation and mitigation measures for economic and social development.

6. Evaluating the national climate.

7. Developing climate change scenarios.

8. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall provide detailed regulations for Clause 5 and Clause 6 of this Article.

Article 34. Database on Climate Change Monitoring

1. The database on climate change monitoring is a collection and unification of all information and data on climate change monitoring and is a component of the national meteorological and hydrological database.

2. Contents of information and data on climate change monitoring:

a) Past and current meteorological and hydrological information and data collected from the national meteorological and hydrological station network and specialized meteorological and hydrological station networks;

b) Information and data on the impact of meteorological and hydrological natural disasters and climate change on resources, environment, ecosystems, living conditions, and economic and social activities;

c) Information and data on greenhouse gas emissions and economic and social activities related to greenhouse gas emissions;

d) Information and data on ozone measurements, ozone layer protection, and management of ozone-depleting substances;

đ) National climate standards;

e) Results of national climate evaluations;

g) Climate change scenarios for different periods;

h) Technical files of climate change monitoring stations;

i) Research results, programs, and projects on climate change monitoring;

k) Legal regulations and technical guidelines on climate change monitoring.

3. Information and data on climate change monitoring shall be stored, accessed, and utilized according to the provisions of Articles 30 and 32 of this Law.

Article 35. National Climate Evaluation

1. Contents of national climate evaluation:

a) Current state of Vietnam's climate at the end of the evaluation period;

b) Climate oscillations and changes in Vietnam's climate compared to historical records, previous evaluation periods, and national and international climate standards;

c) Impact of climate and climate change on resources, environment, ecosystems, living conditions, and economic and social activities;

d) Results of activities responding to climate change;

đ) Suitability level of climate change scenarios and their use in activities responding to climate change;

e) Other related contents.

2. The national climate evaluation period is ten years and may be adjusted and supplemented when necessary.

Article 36. Climate Change Scenarios

1. Basic contents of climate change scenarios:

a) Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Vietnam's assessment of climate change manifestations in the region and globally;

b) Manifestations of climate change in Vietnam;

c) Results of evaluating previous climate change scenarios;

d) Changes in temperature, rainfall, humidity, sea-level rise, and other meteorological and hydrological factors in Vietnam in the future based on assumptions;

đ) Other related contents.

2. The period for developing and publishing climate change scenarios is five years and may be updated, adjusted, and supplemented when necessary.

Article 37. Integrating the results of climate change monitoring into strategies, plans, and programs

1. Content of integration:

a) Utilizing meteorological and hydrological information, data, and climate change monitoring results to assess natural conditions and the environment of the area where the strategy, plan, or program is being developed;

b) Using the analysis and assessment results of climate change manifestations and their impacts on natural disasters, resources, the environment, ecosystems, living conditions, economic and social activities, and cross-sectoral, cross-regional, and cross-disciplinary issues to determine long-term goals for the strategy, plan, or program;

c) Utilizing the analysis and assessment results of measures to address climate change to determine socio-economic indicators for the strategy, plan, or program.

2. Objects of integration:

Strategies, plans, and programs that fall within the scope of strategic environmental impact assessments must integrate climate change monitoring results concurrently with integrating climate change response content as stipulated by this Law and environmental protection laws.

3. Reviewing the integration:

The review of integrating climate change monitoring results into strategies, plans, and programs is conducted simultaneously during the review of strategic environmental impact assessment reports as prescribed by environmental protection laws.

Chapter VI

ACTIVITIES PROVIDING AND SERVICES OF METEOROLOGY AND HYDROLOGY

Article 38. Contents of activities providing and services of meteorology and hydrology

1. Meteorological and hydrological services are non-profit public services, including:

a) Providing meteorological and hydrological information, data, climate change monitoring, climate change scenarios, weather forecasts, and warnings to state agencies for developing economic and social development strategies, plans, ensuring national defense and security;

b) Providing weather forecasts and warnings for disaster prevention, mitigation, and rescue operations;

c) Providing weather forecasts and warnings to media agencies serving the community without profit motives;

d) Providing meteorological and hydrological information, data, weather forecasts, and warnings to foreign countries and international organizations according to international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party;

đ) Other meteorological and hydrological activities based on the requirements of competent state authorities;

2. Meteorological and hydrological services are fee-based activities based on agreements between service providers and users, including:

a) Providing meteorological and hydrological information, data, climate change monitoring, weather forecasts, and warnings not covered under the cases specified in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Developing and providing communication products about meteorology, hydrology, and climate change;

c) Guiding the use of information and data and applying scientific research and technological application results in meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring;

d) Transferring scientific research and technological application results in meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring that do not use state funds;

đ) Developing, installing, and guiding the operation of meteorological and hydrological measurement facilities and equipment;

e) Developing and providing technical infrastructure systems for weather forecasting, warning, and information transmission;

g) Calibrating, installing, and repairing meteorological and hydrological measurement equipment;

h) Consulting activities related to meteorology, hydrology, and climate change monitoring;

i) Training meteorological and hydrological human resources and climate change monitoring;

k) Other activities related to meteorology, hydrology, and climate change monitoring based on the requirements of organizations and individuals.

Article 39. Agencies, organizations, and individuals providing meteorological and hydrological services

1. Public service agencies and organizations on meteorology and hydrology implement meteorological and hydrological service activities as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 38 of this Law.

Other organizations and individuals provide meteorological and hydrological services in accordance with this Law and relevant laws.

Article 40. Rights and obligations of public service organizations on meteorology and hydrology and other organizations and individuals providing meteorological and hydrological services

1. Public service organizations on meteorology and hydrology and other organizations and individuals providing meteorological and hydrological services have the following rights:

a) To be guaranteed by law the right to provide meteorological and hydrological services;

b) To exploit information and data from the national meteorological and hydrological database;

c) To enter into contracts, joint ventures, or collaborations with domestic or foreign organizations and individuals to provide meteorological and hydrological services;

d) To participate in bidding, implement projects, and research topics on meteorology and hydrology using state budget funds;

đ) Organizations and individuals are entitled to price goods and services of meteorology and hydrology produced and traded by themselves and other related costs in accordance with the law;

e) Other rights as prescribed by law.

2. Public service organizations on meteorology and hydrology and other organizations and individuals providing meteorological and hydrological services have the following obligations:

a) To bear responsibility before the law and customers for the quality of meteorological and hydrological services provided by them;

b) To be subject to management by state management agencies on meteorology and hydrology and related fields;

c) To fulfill tax, fee, and charge obligations as prescribed by law;

d) To comply with requirements of competent state authorities regarding reporting, inspection, audit, and handling violations in the provision of meteorological and hydrological services as prescribed by law.

Chapter VII

INTERVENTION IN WEATHER

Article 41. Principles of weather intervention

1. Weather intervention can only be carried out in specific areas with suitable natural conditions and infrastructure within a defined timeframe.

2. Weather intervention must not obstruct or cause harmful impacts on socio-economic activities, national defense, and security.

3. Agencies and organizations implementing weather intervention must have measures to ensure safety and minimize negative impacts from such interventions.

4. Weather intervention can only be conducted according to approved plans and must be publicly announced to the local community.

Article 42. Cases where weather intervention is permitted

1. Intervention aimed at causing rain or increasing rainfall.

2. Intervention aimed at reducing the intensity of rain or preventing rain.

3. Intervention aimed at breaking up or reducing the intensity of hail.

4. Intervention aimed at breaking up or reducing the intensity of fog.

Article 43. Agencies and organizations implementing weather modification activities

1. Public service organizations on meteorology and hydrology.

2. Scientific and technological organizations, economic organizations of Vietnam having sufficient capacity, scientific and technological level, and technical staff suitable for weather modification activities.

3. Foreign agencies and organizations in joint ventures or partnerships with organizations specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 44. Construction, approval of weather modification plans and supervision of implementation

1. Agencies and organizations requiring weather modification activities shall prepare plans to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment within their authority or submitted for approval.

2. Weather modification plans must include the following basic contents:

a) The purpose of weather modification as stipulated in Article 42 of this Law;

b) The area where weather modification is expected to be carried out;

c) The time when weather modification is expected to be carried out;

d) Solutions for implementing weather modification;

đ) Agencies and organizations expected to carry out weather modification;

e) Measures to ensure safety and minimize negative impacts from weather modification activities.

3. Agencies and organizations proposing weather modification activities shall be responsible for soliciting opinions from the local community directly affected by the weather modification plan.

4. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Science and Technology to review weather modification plans.

5. The Prime Minister shall approve weather modification plans for cases specified in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Article 42 of this Law.

6. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall approve weather modification plans for cases specified in Clause 4 of Article 42 of this Law.

7. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and relevant agencies to supervise the implementation of weather modification activities.

8. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall provide detailed regulations for Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of this Article.

Chapter VIII

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN METEOROLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Article 45. Principles of international cooperation in meteorological and hydrological activities

1. Respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and ensuring national interests.

2. Ensuring the rights and legitimate interests of the country under international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

3. Strengthening integration and enhancing Vietnam's position in international organizations on meteorology and hydrology, climate change.

Article 46. Contents of international cooperation in meteorological and hydrological activities

1. Exchange of meteorological and hydrological information and data, monitoring climate change with international organizations, foreign organizations, and individuals.

2. Participation in observation, forecasting, investigation, survey, scientific research, technology transfer on meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring in multilateral, bilateral, regional, and global cooperation programs and projects.

3. Cooperation and exchange of experts; training and development of high-quality human resources, cadre training abroad, international organizations on meteorology and hydrology, climate change.

4. Organization and implementation of other international cooperation activities on meteorology and hydrology, climate change.

Article 47. International Cooperation Agency for Meteorological and Hydrological Activities

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is the agency responsible for international cooperation in meteorological and hydrological activities.

Article 48. Exchange and Provision of Meteorological and Hydrological Information and Data, Climate Change Monitoring with International Organizations and Foreign Entities

1. The exchange and provision of meteorological and hydrological information and data, climate change monitoring with international organizations shall be carried out in accordance with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

2. The exchange and provision of meteorological and hydrological information and data, climate change monitoring with international organizations and foreign entities not covered by international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member must be approved by the competent state authority.

3. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on clause 2 of this Article.

Chapter IX

STATE MANAGEMENT OF METEOROLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Article 49. Contents of State Management over Meteorological and Hydrological Activities

1. Drafting, promulgating, and implementing legal normative documents, policies, strategies, plans, technical standards, professional procedures, economic and technical norms on meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring.

2. Managing networks of stations, observation, forecasting, warning activities; transmitting and broadcasting forecast and warning information; exploiting and utilizing information and data; providing meteorological and hydrological services; influencing weather and climate change monitoring.

3. Organizing the dissemination of laws, information, communication, education, raising public awareness; investing in scientific research and technology; training, capacity building, and developing human resources in meteorology and hydrology, climate change.

4. Guiding the use of meteorological and hydrological information and data, climate change monitoring in development strategies, plans, programs, projects; integrating climate change monitoring results into development strategies, plans.

5. Issuing, renewing, suspending, and revoking permits for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities.

6. International cooperation in meteorological and hydrological activities.

7. Inspecting, supervising, and handling violations of laws on meteorology and hydrology; resolving complaints and denunciations regarding meteorology and hydrology.

Article 50. Responsibilities of the Government

The Government uniformly manages state affairs concerning meteorological and hydrological activities throughout the country.

Article 51. Responsibilities of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment

1. Being responsible before the Government for managing state affairs concerning meteorological and hydrological activities throughout the country.

2. Leading the drafting, submitting to the competent state authority for promulgation and implementation of legal normative documents, strategies, plans, programs, proposals, national projects on meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring.

3. Drafting, promulgating within the scope of authority, and organizing the implementation of legal normative documents, technical standards, professional procedures, economic and technical norms on meteorology and hydrology, climate change monitoring.

4. Managing and implementing the national network station planning; organizing the protection of meteorological and hydrological works and technical corridors of national network stations.

5. Managing and organizing the implementation of observation, investigation, survey activities; forecasting, warning; transmitting and broadcasting meteorological and hydrological forecast and warning information; storing, exploiting, and utilizing meteorological and hydrological information and data, climate change monitoring.

6. Drafting, submitting to the competent authority for promulgation and implementation of mechanisms and policies on meteorological and hydrological activities.

7. Managing, guiding, and organizing the implementation of meteorological and hydrological service activities.

8. Organizing the dissemination of laws, information, communication, education, raising public awareness about meteorology and hydrology, climate change; investing in scientific research and technology; training, capacity building, and developing human resources in meteorology and hydrology, climate change.

9. Building and managing the national meteorological and hydrological database.

10. Managing and guiding the exploitation and utilization of meteorological and hydrological information and data, climate change monitoring in the formulation and implementation of development strategies, plans, programs, projects; integrating climate change monitoring results into development strategies, plans.

11. Leading and coordinating with ministries, sectors, localities in evaluating the national climate; drafting and guiding the implementation of climate change scenarios.

12. Organizing the review, approval, and supervision of the implementation of weather modification plans according to the scope of authority.

13. Issuing, renewing, suspending, and revoking permits for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities; managing the quality of meteorological and hydrological measurement equipment in accordance with the law.

14. Submitting to the Government, Prime Minister the participation in international organizations, signing or joining international treaties on meteorology and hydrology, climate change; leading international cooperation activities in meteorological and hydrological activities.

15. Inspecting, supervising, and handling violations of laws on meteorology and hydrology; resolving complaints and denunciations regarding meteorology and hydrology according to the scope of authority.

Article 52. Responsibilities of the Minister, Head of Equivalent Ministries

1. The Minister, Head of Equivalent Ministries shall perform the tasks prescribed in this Law and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to organize the implementation of the Law on Meteorology and Hydrology within their respective management scope; annually submit reports on meteorological and hydrological activities under their sector's management to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for consolidation and reporting to the Government.

2. Responsibilities of the Ministers, Heads of Equivalent Ministries:

a) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to guide agencies, organizations, and individuals operating in the agricultural and rural development sector in exploiting, providing meteorological and hydrological information, data, weather forecasts, warnings, and climate change scenarios for disaster prevention and mitigation, construction, and development of agriculture and rural areas; develop and promulgate technical standards for construction, management, and exploitation of disaster prevention and mitigation works under conditions of climate change.

b) The Minister of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to issue regulations on the exchange of meteorological and hydrological information and data between specialized meteorological and hydrological stations serving national defense and the national meteorological and hydrological network; coordinate in managing and supervising activities affecting weather.

c) The Minister of Public Security shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to issue regulations on the exchange of meteorological and hydrological information and data between specialized meteorological and hydrological stations serving national security and the national meteorological and hydrological network; coordinate in managing and supervising activities affecting weather.

d) The Minister of Information and Communications shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to establish planning and prioritize frequency allocation for meteorological and hydrological work, climate change monitoring according to this Law and laws on radio frequencies; develop integrated strategies for telecommunications infrastructure and information technology development and resource planning suitable for meteorological and hydrological activities; direct the publication of meteorological and hydrological information, climate change monitoring on mass media according to this Law and press laws.

đ) The Minister of Transport shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to guide agencies, organizations, and individuals operating in the transport sector in exploiting, providing meteorological and hydrological information, data, weather forecasts, warnings, and climate change scenarios; issue regulations on the use and exchange of domestic and international meteorological information to serve weather forecasting and warning activities meeting the requirements of civil aviation service management; promulgate technical standards for air traffic meteorological services according to this Law and civil aviation laws.

e) The Minister of Industry and Trade shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to guide agencies, organizations, and individuals operating in the industry and trade sector in exploiting, providing meteorological and hydrological information, data, weather forecasts, warnings, and climate change scenarios in the construction, management, operation, and maintenance of hydropower projects and other works within their management scope.

g) The Minister of Construction shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to guide agencies, organizations, and individuals operating in the construction sector in exploiting, using meteorological and hydrological information, data, weather forecasts, warnings, and climate change scenarios in urban planning, industrial zones, concentrated residential areas; promulgate technical standards for construction suitable for meteorological and hydrological conditions, climate change.

h) The Minister of Science and Technology shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to review and announce national standards on meteorology and hydrology, climate change; coordinate in managing and supervising activities affecting weather.

i) The Minister of Education and Training shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to direct and guide educational and training institutions in developing and implementing education and training programs and materials on the role and activities of meteorology and hydrology.

k) Other Ministers, Heads of Equivalent Ministries shall take the lead and coordinate with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment to organize guidance, inspection, and supervision of agencies, organizations, and individuals under their management in implementing regulations on the exploitation and use of meteorological and hydrological information, data, weather forecasts, warnings, climate change scenarios, and results of climate change monitoring in the formulation and implementation of sectoral and field strategies, plans, and development programs within their management scope.

Article 53. Responsibilities of People's Committees at all levels

1. Provincial People's Committees shall be responsible for:

a) Drafting, promulgating within their authority, and organizing the implementation of legal normative documents on meteorology and hydrology, monitoring climate change;

b) Submitting to the People's Councils of provinces plans for budget allocation, management, and utilization according to the provisions of the law to ensure the implementation of meteorological and hydrological activities serving economic and social development needs, disaster prevention and mitigation in the locality;

c) Issuing, renewing, suspending, and revoking permits for meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities for organizations and individuals in accordance with the law;

d) Managing observation, forecasting, warning, information, data, and provision of meteorological and hydrological services in the locality;

đ) Monitoring and evaluating the exploitation and use of meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning information to serve economic and social development, disaster prevention and mitigation in the area;

e) Organizing and directing the implementation of activities to review, audit, and evaluate the exploitation and use of meteorological and hydrological information in strategies, plans, programs, projects for economic and social development; incorporating the results of climate change monitoring into strategies, plans in the area under their jurisdiction;

g) Organizing assessments of the impact of climate change, developing solutions to respond to climate change in areas and sectors under their jurisdiction;

h) Organizing the transmission and broadcasting of meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning information within their jurisdiction;

i) Managing and storing information and data; building meteorological and hydrological databases within their jurisdiction;

k) Popularizing, educating the law, and promoting meteorology and hydrology, climate change; implementing measures to develop meteorological and hydrological service activities in the area;

l) Implementing international cooperation activities on meteorology and hydrology within their authority;

m) Inspecting, supervising, handling complaints and denunciations regarding meteorology and hydrology within their authority;

n) Handling, within their authority, acts violating technical boundaries of meteorological and hydrological works and other violations of the law on meteorology and hydrology in the area;

o) Reporting to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on state management work concerning meteorology and hydrology activities in the area.

2. People's Committees of districts, towns, cities under provincial administration, and cities under central administration have the responsibility:

a) Supervising the compliance with laws on meteorology and hydrology by agencies, organizations, and individuals in the area;

b) Monitoring, evaluating, exploiting, and using meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning information to serve economic and social development, disaster prevention and mitigation in the area;

c) Popularizing, educating the law, and promoting meteorology and hydrology; participating in resolving and handling violations of meteorology and hydrology within their authority;

d) Summarizing and reporting to higher-level People's Committees the situation of meteorological and hydrological activities and losses caused by meteorological and hydrological disasters in the area;

đ) Participating in resolving complaints and denunciations about the exploitation and protection of meteorological and hydrological works in the area;

e) Implementing state management tasks on meteorology and hydrology activities according to the division of responsibilities or delegation from higher-level state management agencies;

3. The People's Committee of the commune shall be responsible for:

a) Participating in protecting meteorological and hydrological works in the area;

b) Popularizing, educating the law, and promoting meteorology and hydrology; participating in resolving and handling violations of meteorology and hydrology within their authority;

c) Summarizing and reporting to higher-level People's Committees the situation of meteorological and hydrological activities and losses caused by meteorological and hydrological disasters in the area;

d) Participating in resolving complaints and denunciations about the exploitation and protection of meteorological and hydrological works in the area;

đ) Implementing state management tasks on meteorology and hydrology activities according to the division of responsibilities or delegation from higher-level state management agencies.

Chapter X

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 54. Supplementing the List of Industries and Business Fields Subject to Conditions under the Investment Law

Supplementing the List of Industries and Business Fields Subject to Conditions under the Investment Law No. 67/2014/QH13 as follows:
"268. Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting and Warning."

Article 55. Transitional Provisions

1. Documents that have been accepted by competent state agencies for administrative procedures concerning meteorological and hydrological activities before this Law comes into effect shall be considered and resolved according to the laws at the time of acceptance, except for cases stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article.

2. The issuance of permits for specialized meteorological and hydrological facilities in accordance with the Ordinance on Exploitation and Protection of Meteorological and Hydrological Facilities shall not be carried out from the date this Law is promulgated.

3. Within twelve months from the date this Law takes effect, organizations and individuals currently managing and operating specialized meteorological and hydrological stations shall report on the current status of the stations under their management as follows:

a) Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and provincial People's Committees shall report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

b) Organizations and individuals shall report to the provincial People's Committee where the station is located for consolidation and reporting to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Article 56. Effective Date

1. This Law takes effect from July 1, 2016.

2. The Ordinance on Exploitation and Protection of Meteorological and Hydrological Facilities 1994 ceases to be effective from the date this Law takes effect.

Article 57. Detailed Provisions

The Government and competent authorities shall provide detailed regulations for the provisions assigned in this Law./.

______________________________________________________________________

This Law was passed by the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the 13th term, 10th session, on November 23, 2015./.