Hanoi (VNA) – Boasting a vibrant biodiversity of coastal and marinehabitats and ecosystems, Vietnam has immense potential to develop a sustainableblue economy.

The country has an extremely long coastline extending over 3,260km and thousandsof islands, with more than 20 typical ecosystem types that are home to some11,000 sea creatures. In addition, 1,300 unique marine species have been foundon its islands.

As coastal ecosystems facilitate the breeding of a variety of marine species,they pose huge potential for biodiversity while also serving as a basis for thestable development of some sea-based economic sectors such as fishing, tourism,and natural preservation. Thus, conservation must be integrated with marineeconomic development towards building a blue economy.

According to the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, there are approximately1 million ha of coastal wetlands in Vietnam, most of which have been used foraquatic cultivation.

Fish reserves are estimated at 5.4 million tonnes, with sustainableexploitation potential reckoned at 2.4 million tonnes per year. In 2013, thecountry took in a yield of 2.3 million tonnes of seafood and earned a totalexport revenue of around 6.7 billion USD.

In addition, around 35 types of mineral resources have been located in the Vietnamesewaters, including fuel, metal, building materials, and gemstones. The Gulf ofTonkin, the Gulf of Thailand, the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, as wellas the continental shelf all hold great prospects for oil and gas productionexploration.

Besides, the East Sea is among the four regions in Southeast Asia with hugepotential for renewable energies, including clathrate – a clean energy whichcan be used in replacement of traditional energies like coal, oil and gas.

Bestowed with 126 stunning beaches, Vietnam has a wonderful opportunity tobranch out its coastal and sea-based tourism.

The country is also just starting to launch its maritime services thanks to itssystem of international sea ports. –VNA