On the morning of May 22, at Cua Dai beach (Cua Dai ward, Hoi An city) a celebration of International Biodiversity Day 2024 was held.
“Be part of the Plan”, the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2024, is a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also referred to as the Biodiversity Plan. The Biodiversity Plan offers opportunities for cooperation and partnerships among diverse actors.
Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, non-governmental organizations, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to highlight the ways in which they are supporting the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan. Everyone has a role to play and therefore can Be Part of the Plan. IDB 2024 is expected to increase the visibility momentum in the lead-up to the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16), to be held in Colombia from 21 October to 1 November 2024.
The celebration of International Biodiversity Day 2024 was held on the morning of May 22, at Cua Dai beach (Cua Dai ward, Hoi An city).
Attending the ceremony, from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, were Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh; Mr. Nguyen Van Tai, Director of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity; Mr. Le Van Huu, Deputy Director of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity; Mr. Nguyen Viet Dung, Director of Natural Resources and Environment Communications Center. On the local side, there was Mr. Bui Ngoc Anh, Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Nam province; Mr. Nguyen The Hung, Vice Chairman of Hoi An People's Committee. On WWF's side was Mr. Van Ngoc Thinh, Director of WWF – Vietnam.
Mr. Bui Ngoc Anh, Director of Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Nam province spoke
On behalf of representatives of organizations, experts, and scientists, there was Professor. PhD. Dang Huy Huynh, ASEAN biodiversity hero, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection; Mr. Van Ngoc Thinh, Director of the International Organization for Nature Conservation in Vietnam (WWF - Vietnam);... Along with that, there was the participation of people and students of Hoi An.
In his opening speech, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh said that in response to the theme "Be part of the Biodiversity Plan" launched by the United Nations, this year's International Day of Biodiversity is an opportunity for us to together affirm our determination, change awareness, unify actions, proactively overcome difficulties and challenges, and prevent the increase in biodiversity. about the rate of biodiversity loss.
Quang Nam is the province with the second largest natural forest area in the country, favored by nature, bestowed with many advantages in terms of natural resources and biodiversity, and is also the first locality in the world. The whole country is a pioneer in hosting the "Year of National Biodiversity Restoration". In this solemn ceremony, I call on ministries, branches, agencies and organizations at the Central Government, local governments, organizations, Individuals should take practical actions to solve the problem of nature conservation and biodiversity, focusing on a number of tasks and solutions.
Firsly, strengthen communication and raise awareness about biodiversity and its values in improving sustainable livelihoods, poverty reduction and the country's sustainable development strategy; build a lifestyle in harmony with nature. Secondly, organize the effective implementation of the National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, with a vision to 2050.
Thirdly, control activities that cause negative impacts and reduce biodiversity and natural landscapes; Strengthen emergency activities to prevent overexploitation and illegal trade of wild animals and plants, and minimize the emergence and impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity; control environmental pollution. Fourthly, research and apply nature-based solutions to preserve and restore biodiversity and adapt to climate change. Fifthly, promote and establish partnerships with domestic and foreign organizations and individuals to mobilize support for nature conservation and biodiversity.
Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh releases fish to replenish native aquatic species, endemic aquatic species and natural waters in the Hoi An area
Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Nam province Bui Ngoc Anh said that Quang Nam is an area with many unique forest and marine ecosystems, bringing many landscape and economic values; is the distribution place of many rare and endemic species such as Saola, Tiger, Elephant, Douc Langur, Truong Son Mang, Ngoc Linh Ginseng, coral, seagrass,... classified as a locality with biodiversity high school in the country, located in the Central Truong Son priority landscape area and one of the 200 "hotspots" of biodiversity in the world.
Responding to the International Day of Biodiversity 2024, Mr. Van Ngoc Thinh pledged that WWF will continue to accompany the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Government, and localities, especially Quang Nam, to maintain biodiversity value, leading a life in harmony with nature. Today, on the International Day of Biodiversity, each of us commits ourselves to becoming protectors of the earth, for the richness and biodiversity of our planet. Together we make a difference, ensuring a sustainable world for all humanity.
According to Professor. PhD. Dang Huy Huynh, in the first two decades of the 21st century, globally in general and in Vietnam and Quang Nam in particular, humanity is suffering from many devastating disasters due to the increasing frequency of natural disasters. The cause is climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resource depletion, environmental pollution, etc. Therefore, we need to be more aware than ever of our historical responsibility by combining intelligence and practical action, promoting the nation's fine cultural traditions to behave in a friendly manner with nature. Living and production must be in harmony with nature to save ourselves, save the earth, and contribute to protecting the green planet, the common home of humanity.
Within the framework of the Celebration, delegates also participated in fish stocking activities to replenish native aquatic species, endemic aquatic species and natural waters in the Hoi An area.