Over the past 10 years, many conservation initiatives and solutions have contributed to effectively protecting the biodiversity common home. (Photo: Hung Vo / Vietnam +) After more than 6 months of launching, the program “Honoring organizations and individuals with many contributions to the conservation of wild species in the period 2010-2020” by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment The launch is coming to the last stage. It is expected that the ceremony to honor individuals and organizations participating in the program will be held on May 21, 2021, in response to the Day Biodiversity international (May 22). Thousands of species are named According to the representative of Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (Vietnam Environment Administration, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), in the past decade, Vietnam has witnessed many changes in economic, social and conservation life. biodiversity is no exception. Although operating in silence, scientists and conservation organizations have contributed to creating a brilliant decade of biodiversity with a series of research, new species discovery and initiatives and solutions. effective conservation. Especially, right after launching the above honoring program in October 2020, the program has received many records from individuals and organizations working in the field of species conservation. Many animal and plant species have been studied and discovered for the first time for science and published in prestigious international journals. Among thousands of species of animals and plants recognized and recognized internationally, many species of insects, reptiles, amphibians … are classified as critically endangered, and should be prioritized for conservation; Many studies have found endemic species only in Vietnam. Some newly discovered species include scorpion Euscorpiopsis cavernicola (in Ba Be district, Bac Kan province) and scorpion Vietbocap thienduongensis (Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh province). In addition, precious tree species such as Moc Huong (Aristolochia), genus Arachniodes, … have also been studied on phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships for practical application. Through research, many valuable plant species in medicine and production are identified and have reasonable conservation plans. Many outstanding landmarks in conservation Along with species discovery research, the program honors organizations and individuals with many contributions to the work wildlife conservation the 2010-2020 period also recognizes many initiatives and solutions, contributing to improving the efficiency of efforts of all levels, sectors and the society in species conservation. The precious otter who was illegally confined and sold at the farm product disguised as Thanh Hoa, Long An province, was rescued by the competent forces after receiving a report from the reporter of VietnamPlus. (Photo: Hung Vo / Vietnam +) The first solution mentioned by the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity is the successful breeding and conservation of white-crowned Lei Lamas – a rare and endemic bird of Vietnam. In addition, the pairing and spawning of the White-bellied Cao Sand Bird has also been successful, serving environmental education and conservation in the future. Besides breeding solutions for endangered species, other initiatives also focus on wildlife rescue. Among them, there are groups of volunteers who have rescued 100 sea turtles, of which 94 are still alive and have been returned to the sea; or process of rescuing bears, raising bears in semi-wild environments … In particular, the program received a story from someone who used to be a hunter but now leads a voluntary group to conserve white-nosed langurs in Quang Binh. Thereby, it contributes to preventing the impact of the quarrying program, protecting the habitat for langurs. As a result, in 2018, the People’s Committee of Quang Binh province has partially planned the forest into a special-use forest to balance conservation and exploitation needs. In addition, some units also made a mark with the initiative of using camera traps to investigate wild species in some key areas or the application of technologies in monitoring and re-release. wild animals and preserve the gifts given to Vietnam by the Creator. Assessing the significance of the program, professor-doctor of science Dang Huy Huynh, ASEAN Biodiversity Hero, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and the Environment said that this is a conservation initiative. of great significance, helping to motivate and encourage the development of the scientific research movement on biodiversity. During the working process, the review board found that the submitted documents were in compliance with the rules, some documents were carefully prepared, showing the enthusiasm for the program. The dossiers are evaluated on the basis of selection criteria in the issued rules./.

Elephants in the Central Highlands. (Photo source: PV / Vietnam +) According to the General Department of Environment (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), the subject of International Day of Biodiversity (22/5) in 2021 was chosen by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity “We are part of the solution.” The theme was chosen to continue the cross-cutting theme of 2020 “Our solutions are available in nature” as a reminder that biodiversity remains an important solution, an option for Sustainable Development . From nature-based solutions to climate issues, health, food security, drinking water and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation on which we can rebuild for the better. Due to the complicated ongoing COVID-19 epidemic around the world, the 2021 International Day of Biodiversity will be commemorated through an online campaign. In a new study published in the Journal of Frontiers in Forest and Global Change (excluding Antarctica), scientists identified only 3% of the world’s land is still ecologically intact, with healthy primitive populations and undisturbed habitat. This number is only for the nature of “approximate estimate.” The study used range maps of 7,000 word species Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Most of the data is from mammals but also includes some birds, fish, plants, reptiles and amphibians. The world is in a biodiversity crisis, many wildlife populations, from lions to insects, are plunging in numbers, mainly due to habitat loss. Some scientists believe that the 6th mass extinction on Earth is beginning and will have serious consequences for food, clean water and air. Vietnam is one of the most important and biodiversity countries in the world, both in terms of marine and terrestrial ecosystems (especially forest and mangrove ecosystems). According to the Vietnam UNESCO Office, 238 priority ecological zones have been recognized around the world, of which 6 are located in Vietnam. Several nature reserves in Vietnam are recognized by UNESCO for their unique universal natural value, including 3 natural heritages, two global geopark, 9 biosphere reserves and two Wetlands are located in two world biosphere reserves. However, Vietnam’s conservation efforts are facing various difficulties and challenges such as: biodiversity degradation trends have become more important due to deforestation and illegal logging. legal, overexploitation, economic growth and population pressure, have enormous impacts on the key services these ecosystems provide. According to the Department Nature conservation and biodiversity (Vietnam Environment Administration), nature-based solutions is a term that can be used to describe alternative and non-traditional approaches to environmental problems such as flooding, water scarcity or soil erosion, by exploiting natural capital. Can Gio mangrove forest. (Photo: Manh Linh / VNA) Solutions could include restoring and conserving coral reefs and mangrove belts to increase resilience to coastal flooding and sea level rise, serving as the first line of defense for dissipation. energy waves and vegetation to reduce the risk of landslides and create green belts to help replenish groundwater in areas facing water scarcity. In response to the International Day of Biodiversity on May 22, 2021, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will honor organizations and individuals who have made many contributions to wildlife conservation in the 2010-2020 period. According to the General Department of Environment (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), the Selection Council is composed of managers from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and other Leading scientists in the field of species conservation such as Professor, Doctor of Science Dang Huy Huynh – Biodiversity Hero of ASEAN. The dossiers to participate in the program honoring organizations and individuals with many contributions to the conservation of wild species are evaluated on the basis of the selected selection criteria. Each profile is consulted by all experts in the council, ensuring transparency and fairness. According to the Selection Council, the discovery of new species, initiatives and solutions for biodiversity conservation is of an important nature. Documents participating in this program show that there are thousands of named wild flora and fauna species, many of which are endemic to Vietnam. Many initiatives and solutions contribute to improving the efficiency of efforts of all levels, sectors and the society in species conservation. Initiatives on reproduction, breeding and successful conservation of rare species, care solutions, propaganda and especially initiatives from volunteer groups to protect species life and inspire those who has been and wants to contribute to this field. Scientists believe that the first time the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has an initiative to organize a program to encourage and encourage the development of the scientific research movement on biodiversity is a meaningful activity taking place. In the context of increasing climate change, the rate of biodiversity degradation of our country and the world tends to increase. It is expected that the Ceremony to honor individuals and organizations participating in the program will be held on May 21, 2021./.

Tobacco factory of BAT (British American Tobacco) – Vinataba Joint Venture Company in Dong Nai Previously, the National Assembly passed the Law on Environmental Protection in 2020, with additional regulations on minimizing, reusing, recycling and treating plastic waste; restrict the use of disposable plastic products and persistent plastic bags; encourage the production of environmentally friendly products to replace traditional plastic products. This is an important legal basis for Vietnam to strengthen the management, reuse, recycling, treatment and reduction of plastic waste in the coming time as well as promote international cooperation in this field. In parallel with the solution in terms of policy, with the role of state management on environmental protection, ministries, agencies, especially the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment have actively coordinated with localities and organizations. politics – society, businesses organize propaganda to raise community awareness about waste and sustainable development. BAT has provided more than 26 million seedlings free of charge to farmers in Cao Bang, Lang Son, Gia Lai, Tay Ninh, Dak Lak and Dong Nai provinces, on an area of ​​more than 11,300 hectares. Up to now, the awareness of enterprises, especially related to production and business, on measures to reduce waste, protect the environment and become responsible corporate citizens has been raised. Large manufacturing companies, both at home and abroad, such as Saigon Paper, Vinamilk, HEINEKEN Vietnam, Nestle Vietnam, May 10, Unilever Vietnam or BAT Vietnam … are showing their responsibility for sustainable development. me. For example, Saigon Paper, over the years, has applied automation technology – saving energy and raw materials – fuel to expand production at its factory, building wastewater treatment systems. for the whole factory. Or HEINEKEN Vietnam is continuing to apply the circular economic model in facilities across the country. By 2019, 5 out of 6 factories of this business have used 100% renewable heat, 100% of bottles and kegs after being released to the market will be returned to the factory, 100% of beer cans. Recyclable, more than 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions are also cut from optimization of logistics and distribution. Besides, p Sustainable development is always the top goal of British American Tobacco (BAT) in the world as well as in the British American Tobacco Vietnam (BAT Vietnam). Activities to conserve natural resources such as saving water, being active in protecting forest resources, avoiding soil erosion, maintaining soil fertility, managing energy … are all important factors. that BAT wants to create a sustainable agriculture. The tobacco factory of BAT (British American Tobacco) – Vinataba Joint Venture Company in Dong Nai has always been the leading unit in implementing these activities. Waste sources such as medicinal steam from the drying system, production wastewater … have not been discharged into the environment but are reused, committing that no waste will be buried. Not only that, the company also actively collects and uses rainwater instead of source water. Along with the A standard, the wastewater system of the BAT-Vinataba plant has been used for the deodorizing system and other water-saving activities of the plant. Thereby, the BAT-Vinataba joint venture has saved an annual amount of water, from 2.2 m3 / ton of product (2014) to 1.82 m3 / ton of product (2020). According to the Environmental, Social and Governance – ESG 2020 report of BAT, during the past 18 years (2002-2020) in Vietnam, BAT has provided more than 26 million seedlings for free to farmers in Cao Bang, Lang Son, and Gia provinces. Lai, Tay Ninh, Dak Lak and Dong Nai, on an area of ​​more than 11,300 hectares. These contributions contribute to the greening of cultivated land and barren hills as well as bringing economic benefits to farmers in participating localities. These are remarkable efforts of this business. BAT also actively supports many programs on afforestation, biodiversity and environmental conservation, with 14 projects in 9 countries, by the end of 2020. In 2020, BAT has installed and used solar energy in factories in eight countries, including Brazil, South Africa and Pakistan. BAT plans to expand the installation of two more locations in 2021. In its ESG 2020 report, BAT stated that the Group’s goal is to increase the number of users of non-flammable (smoke-free) products to 50 million people, commitment to environmental protection, carbon neutralization by 2030; In the next 5 years, BAT will move to eliminate plastic packaging, use recyclable or compostable packaging; BAT will also increase the amount of water reused to 30% and 100% of the production sites will be free of landfill waste and fully renewable energy use.

Bang Mo volcano, Ea T’ling town, Cu Jut district, Dak Nong province. (Source: VNA) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has just sent an official letter to the Ministry of Information and Communications for an introduction and recommendation Dak Nong Global Geopark (Dak Nong province) to consider issuing postage stamps in 2023 to promote and propagate the importance of nature with the topic of the natural resources and environment sector. Dak Nong Geopark covers an area of ​​more than 4,700 km2, accounting for more than 2/5 of the province’s natural area. Regarding the administrative boundaries, Dak Nong Geopark stretches over 6/8 districts and cities of the province, including: Krong No, Cu Jut, Dak Mil, Dak Song, Dak G’Long and Gia Nghia city. . According to domestic and foreign scientists, the entire Dak Nong Geopark currently has dozens of heritage and geomorphological sites, including a system of crater , volcanic cave systems and waterfalls. It has the most massive volcanic cave system in Southeast Asia with 50 caves, a total length of more than 10,000m. Dak Nong Geopark also has many unique cultural features of indigenous ethnic minorities such as M’Nong, Ma, Ede … Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural space of Tay Nguyen gongs; space for cultural activities of the M’Nong, the largest indigenous ethnic group and the oldest resident in Dak Nong province; visit and admire the rocks of Dak Kar, Dak Son … along with many cultural festivals and cuisine of indigenous ethnic minorities. Lieng Nung Waterfall, Dak Nia Commune, Gia Nghia Town, Dak Nong Province. (Photo: VNA broadcast) Dak Nong Geopark is a member of the global geopark system and is the third geological park to be awarded this title by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This is also one of the typical and prominent events in the natural resources and environment sector in 2020 recognized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Before that, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment also introduced characters, topics and topics to participate stamp issue commemorative postage for the year 2021. That is Professor Nguyen Xien (1907-1997): The first person laying the foundation for the development of Vietnam’s revolutionary hydro-meteorological industry; Phu Lien Station is recognized by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as “Meteorological station over 100 years old”; Cao Bang non-national Geopark; Dong Van Plateau Global Geopark; Trang An scenic complex; Bai Tu Long Heritage Garden. Some other landmarks are also available Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment introduce and participate in postage stamp issuance such as: Ramsar areas of Vietnam which have been recognized by the world as Xuan Thuy National Park; Cat Tien National Park; Ba Be Lake; Tram Chim National Park; Cape Ca Mau National Park; Con Dao National Park; Lang Sen Wetland Reserve; U Minh Thuong National Park ../.