Delegates, who are mainly from the Departments of Natural Resources andEnvironment in the North, recommended a number of changes to the draftrevised Law on Environmental Protection, which will replace the 2005law, at a workshop in Hanoi on June 6.

The eventwas co-hosted by the General Administration of Environment under theMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment and Japan InternationalCooperation Agency (JICA).

Addressing the event,Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bui Cach Tuyen saidafter nearly 7 years of enforcement, the 2005 Law on EnvironmentalProtection helps minimise any harmful effects on the environment whileraising public awareness of environmental protection and Statemanagement efficiency.

The law, however, reveals some shortcomings like impractical regulations on environmental standards, among others.

Delegates agreed that the new draft inherits basic contents of the2005 Law with up-to-date environmental policies and relevant issuesbeyond 2005 based on foreign experience included.

They suggested incorporating environmental planning content into thealternative draft as the Party and State consider economic developmentin tandem with environmental protection for sustainable development.

Others recommended more concrete penalties for environmental violations.

Amid the country’s industrialisation and modernisation, environmentalpollution in craft villages, industrial and residential areas has becomea burning issue and concern for the whole of society.-VNA