Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha talks to the VietnamPlus about his thoughts and concerns over the pressing matters that the sector must handle 💮in 2020. (Photo: VietnamPlusও)

Hanoi, (VNA) - The protection of natural resources and environment has been a “hot” issue attracting attention of society and putting pressure on authorities, particularly regarding land-related petitions; obstacles in granting certificates for land-use rights and ownership of assets on the land, known in Vietnam as “red book”; and environmental pollution.

In the run-up to the Year of the Rat, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha talked to the VietnamPlus about his thoughts and concerns over the pressing matters that the sector must handle in 2020.

Revenue from natural resources highest in years

Question: Mr Minister, what are the highlights of the sector in the past year that filled you with satisfaction?

Minister Tran Hong Ha: In an innovative and responsible spirit, and with effective cooperation between central and local units, the ministry issued policies to remove barriers related to natural resources, sea, and islands for the efficient use of the sources serving growth.

Accordingly, land use structure was shifted to ensure enough empty areas for production-business development, while land violations and waste were tackled. Marine resources and advantages of coastal areas were capitalized on, while water resources security received proper attention with management based on river basins to serve multiple purposes. As a result, the revenue from natural resources in 2019 was the highest in many years.

According to surveys from independent organisations, the quality of public services provided by the sector has improved and the number of petitions went down.

In 2019, the ministry also focused on preparations for a new phase of development, including reviewing related laws and policies to serve the issue of conclusions and resolutions by the Politburo and the National Assembly, and the amendment of the laws on environmental protection and on land.

As a result, positive changes took place in the protection and management of the environment, with concerted solutions identified to tightly control imported waste and manage solid waste, particularly single-use plastic. The solutions were turned into action by the entire society with many activities.

In 2020, such activities will be institutionalized to become laws and policies. The ministry plans to propose the Government and National Assembly issue regulations encouraging the development of the environment industry which produce greener products. Notably, there will be economic tools (tax and fee) to adjust consumer behaviours.

There is a need to identify sources of air pollution and soon move them out of residential areas, according to Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Putting the environment into the right place

Question: In addition to bright spots, 2019 was also considered a crisis year with several environmental incidents like the fire at the Rang Dong plant, polluted Da river water, and ‘red alert’ on air pollution. As the “commander” of the sector, what plans do you have in mind for environment work in 2020?

Minister Tran Hong Ha: We need to place environment in its right place, which is at the heart of sustainable development. In fact, the environment was impacted by all living and production activities, thus all plans must clarify the responsibility and mobilize concerted efforts of people, enterprises and the entire society. As such, we must start from amending the Law on Environmental Protection.

We also need preventative measures, automatic environmental monitoring systems, the removal of outdated technology and polluted projects in investment attraction, and sanctions that could force polluters to follow environmental protection regulations.

It is necessary to review sources of air pollution and soon move them out of residential areas, improve the standard for means of transport, adhere to standards and planning on greenery and public space in urban and residential areas, and develop environmental services.

I have too many concerns that prevent me from feeling satisfied. But I am happy that I have found the right direction for environment protection work, while the work itself receive better engagement from the political system, businesses and people.

Waste is not discarded things but a part of a recycling process to turn out energy. (Photo: Vietnam News Agency)

Waste is not discarded things but a source of energy

Question: Apart from air pollution, solid waste treatment is also a headache. Can you list related problems that the ministry needs to deal with?

Minister Tran Hong Ha: The revised Law on Environment Protection will stipulate in details about this matter, as we want all chapters and articles on solid waste management in urban and rural areas to be applicable. This means that after the law takes effect, waste pollution in these areas must reduce towards zero. It is our goal.

We will also apply a new concept that waste is not discarded things but a part of a recycling process to turn out energy, that can be reused and recycled.

To do so, we need to start from making people think it is their responsibility and right. Because without the people, waste cannot be collected and sorted at source. After the people, enterprises will join in the transport and process of waste using advanced technology.

We need mechanisms and policies that help us mobilise people’s contribution and make them rethink every time they dispose waste into the environment.

Thank you!