Climate change – Effects on Vietnam – Responsive measures: Natural resources exploration and marine economic development are threatening sustainable development of Hai Phong city.
April 11, 2008
Hai Phong coastline is the most strongly affected by human activities in comparison with other places and a marine environmental "hot spot" in Vietnam.
In Vietnamese: http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42553
Climate change – Effects on Vietnam – Responsive measures: Mangroves - a safe buffer zone against sea
April 14, 2008
Experiences from 2 big typhoons no. 7 (2005) and no. 5 (2007) show that in commune Nga Tan, a range of mangroves along seaside was very effective in considerably reducing damages from typhoons. Mangroves are really a safe buffer zone against sea for local inhabitants.
In Vietnamese: http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42654
Climate change – Effects on Vietnam – Responsive measures: The impact of the raise of sea level on coastal areas of Nam Dinh province and its response
April 16, 2008
After the typhoon no. 5, there are visible environmental effects on Nam Dinh seaside and tourist areas. The 20 cm raise of sea level has damaged all surrounding environment and trees in these areas and negatively affected the economic development and tourism of the province.
In Vietnamese: http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42765
Climate change – Effects on Vietnam – Responsive measures: Ecological factors has often been used as a weapon … and some warnings
April 17, 2008
During past decades ecological factors has often been used as a weapon in inequitable economic competitions and sometimes even as a terrorist weapon. Nowadays, the climate change has caused ecological crisis in seriously affected areas in which many indigenous species are strongly degraded or totally disappeared.
In Vietnamese: http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42848
Climate change – Effects on Vietnam – Responsive measures: What should be done to stop environmental pollution in Kien Giang coastal areas?
April 18, 2008
In the past coastal areas of Kien Giang province were regarded as the best reproductive habitat for hundreds of marine creatures of the West-Southern sea. However, in the period of 15 years to now these areas have been facing a serious pollution causing gradual lost of reproductive habitat of marine creatures.
In Vietnamese: http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42904
Climate change – Effects on Vietnam – Responsive measures: When a climate change occurs - The Government and communities should join in responsive activities
April 21, 2008
There should be awareness raising for communities so that together with support from the Government people can take care of themselves and help each other in preventing and avoiding disasters causing by climate change. In other words, Government and people should act together. In practice there were already some projects successfully implemented in this spirit such as projects of self-managing kindergartens in flooded areas of Mekong delta.
In Vietnamese: http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42996
HCM City seeks to find new kinds of energy
April 9, 2008
Ho Chi Minh City is trying to accelerate research and development projects on new kinds of energy and expects to market ethanol-blended gasoline by the end of 2009, says the director of the city Department of Science and Technology.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=259&idmid=&ItemID=42429
Yamaha installs European-standard motorbike fume testing lab
April 11, 2008
Yamaha Motors Vietnam Factory in Hanoi’s outlying Soc Son district inaugurated a motorbike exhaust fume testing laboratory meeting European standards on April 10. Yamaha Motor Vietnam boasted they were the first motor vehicle manufacturer in Vietnam to invest in an European-standard exhaust fume testing lab, which has been certificated by the Vietnam Register.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=259&ItemID=42597
Climate change requires concerted response
April 16, 2008
One of 2,000 researchers globally contributing to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize-winning report on global warming, Dr Nguyen Huu Ninh warns Tran Quynh Hoa that the clock is ticking if the world is to avert the devastating effects of climate change.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=258&ItemID=42773
Hanoi: From April 16 causing dust pollution will be fined up to 5 mill. VND
April 17, 2008
From April 16, the Transport and Public Works Department Inspector will cooperate with the Hanoi Police in implementing a plan of intensifying management of and imposing fines on violations in handling construction wastes.
In Vietnamese: http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=42847
Hanoi people are suffering by dust
April 18, 2008
On April 17, at a workshop on minimizing generation of dust at construction sites in Hanoi, experts from the Swiss-Vietnamese Clean Air Program showed that according to results of an investigation, 8 of 10 executing units don’t have a thorough grasp of guidelines on environmental sanitation in construction works. The study results show that people who have been living in big cities for more than 10 years have the ratio of getting ill by chronic respiratory diseases and influenza higher than those living for less than 3 years.
In Vietnamese: http://www.vnexpress.net/Vietnam/Xa-hoi/2008/04/3BA015BF/
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE): Submitting a draft National Target Program for responding to climate change
April 24, 2008
On April 22, the Minister Pham Khoi Nguyen has signed an official letter to submit a draft National Target Program for responding to climate change. The Program has been being prepared since December 2007 based on the Governmental Resolution No. 60/2007/NQ-CP of December 3, 2007.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=43176
Seminar pushes for sustainable urban development
April 24, 2008
Domestic and foreign experts in urban development, architecture, housing, transport, finance and environment fields met in Hanoi on April 22 for a seminar on sustainable urban development.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=259&ItemID=43149
European rules for motorbikes
April 25, 2008
Nation to impose strict new emission standards.
HA NOI — All new motorbikes in the country will have to meet European emissions standard from July – despite the fact that there are currently no testing centers in the country, said Pham Quang Thanh from the Viet Nam Register.
http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01ENV250408
Vietnam focuses on forest management to deflect climate change
April 25, 2008
In an effort to fight climate change, Vietnam will continue to work to increase forest coverage and importantly, ensure the quality of forest, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) said on April 23.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=259&ItemID=43244
Solar energy project for Tra Vinh
April 25, 2008
Southern Tra Vinh province will operate its first solar electrical energy project, worth 36,000 USD to be financed by the Czech Republic, in an islet five kilometers from the coast. The project will supply a total of 1,100 Kwh for 10 local households and a primary school.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=259&ItemID=43243
Poor households provided with solar cookers
April 25, 2008
The Danang University of Technology and the Solar Serve Vietnam have so far donated over 1,200 solar cookers to poor households in the central region from Danang city to Ninh Thuan.
The Solar Serve Vietnam, founded by representative of Netherlands humanitarian organizations Johannes Van Beek, grants 30,000 USD a year to support the project. The donation aims to encourage the use of solar power to reduce environmental pollution and save other energy resources. The project plans to provide 10,000 more solar cookers to poor people in central region by 2010.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=259&ItemID=43242
Easy being green
April 26, 2008
Finland’s Ambassador to Vietnam sets an environmentally-friendly example. Some call him an environmental ambassador, as he can often be seen on the crowded streets of Hanoi riding his bicycle around as his daughter takes the public bus to school.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=259&ItemID=43276
Pilot control of motorcycle emissions in Hanoi
March 18, 2008
On March 14, some devices for measuring levels of emissions from motorcycles have been installed and put into trial operation at F2 Thai Ha motorcycles maintenance station in Hanoi by the Swiss-Vietnamese Clean Air Program.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.mt.gov.vn/default.asp?op=tintuc&catid=2&newsid=1662
Draft National technical regulation on emission of gaseous pollutants from motorcycles and mopeds newly manufactured, assembled, and imported
March 25, 2008
The draft is being prepared by the Vietnam Registry on the basis of Vietnamese standards TCVN 7357 : 2003, TCVN 7358 : 2003 and corresponding European standards such as ECE 40, ECE 47, 97/24/EC including the revised version of 2002/51/EC.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.mt.gov.vn/default.asp?op=tintuc&catid=2&newsid=1673
Seeking a relationship among air quality, poverty, and health
April 2, 2008
Recently, a number of projects related to the environment and health has been conducted in Vietnam. However, the question whether the poor is more exposed to and threatened by air pollution than the non-poor is still difficult to answer. The research project "Air pollution, poverty, and health effects" lead by HCM Department of Health implemented since 2006 is trying to find out true evidences to this question.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=42051
There will be environmentally friendly motorcycles in Vietnam
April 3, 2008
The Vietnam Registry is testing motorcycle types operated by gas or electricity that emit much less pollutants in comparison with common types. To reach this effect the Testing Center for motor vehicles is testing 3 technologies: Assembling a neutralizer for emitted gases, assembling a gas container, or replacing motorcycles operated by gasoline by those operated by combination of electricity and gasoline.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.thiennhien.net/news/148/ARTICLE/4923/2008-04-03.html
Draft Law on Road Transport (revised) submitted to the Prime Minister
April 4, 2008
Ministry of Transport has just submitted to the Prime Minister the Draft Law on Road Transport (revised). In comparison to the existing law, this draft has an enhanced scope on transport safety, transport activities, means of road transport, drivers as well as protection of road transport infrastructure.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.giaothongvantai.com.vn/Desktop.aspx/News/van-tai/Trinh_Thu_tuong_du_thao_luat_GTDB_Sua_doi-Tao_dung_he_thong_duong_bo_hien_dai_nang_cao_y_thuc_nguoi_tham_gia_giao_thong/
Hanoi: Express buses BRT need to be faster
April 7, 2008
Traffic congestion in Hanoi has become the more the worse. One of measures to overcome this situation is development of the public transport system in which the system of express buses BRT is regarded as a smart solution.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.giaothongvantai.com.vn/Desktop.aspx/News/kinh-te-xa-hoi/Ha_Noi_Xe_buyt_nhanh_BRT_can_nhanh_hon/
Climate change – Effects on Vietnam – Responsive measures: Factors affected the global clime change – not a legend any more
April 3, 2008
Vietnam has signed the Kyoto Protocol on September 25, 2002. Vietnam is ranking as 5th country vulnerable to climate change effects and has been chosen by UN for a typical study on climate change and human development. According to this study, the livelihood of the Vietnamese is seriously threatened by climate change which requires a long-term vision and a detailed strategic plan.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42092
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42186
Climate change – Effects on Vietnam – Responsive measures: Construction and improvement of the system of sea dikes, a solution for socio-economic sustainable development
April 9, 2008
Due to affects of global climate change, the sea level can be raised by 1 m in the end of 21st century. If Vietnam will not construct and improve the system of sea dikes very soon, it could annually cause serious effects to 40,000 km2 including 90% Mekong Delta areas totally flooded leading to 17 bill. USD of property damages. This is an opinion of the UN Inter-Governmental Committee for Climate Change (IPCC).
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42428
Climate change – Effects on Vietnam – Responsive measures: Effectiveness of Thai Binh mangroves
April 10, 2008
After years of implementing the Project 327 and "Planting forests to prevent disasters" funded by Danish Red Cross, Thai Binh province has now 7,200 ha mangroves of good quality which has contributed a lot to typhoons and floods preventing and settling and to diminishing disasters. Besides benefits in dikes protection, the mangroves have also brought many other benefits to sea shore residents by creating job opportunities, raising people’s revenue, and poverty elimination.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42507
Environmental issues lead Deputy PM’s day
April 9, 2008
HA NOI — The Global Environmental Fund’s financial focus on bio-diversity, climate change and environmental degradation, especially in the developing world, has been hailed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gina Chime.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=02ENV090408
Advancing waters
April 9, 2008
HA NOI — The Fourth Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands, which aims to find solutions to the potentially devastating effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems, officially opened in Hanoi yesterday.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=03ENV090408
200 mill. USD for first electric line in HCMC
April 9, 2008
It is expected that by July 2008 the construction work on an electric bus line will start from Saigon central area, along the Avenue East-West and end at West Bus Terminal.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.vnexpress.net/Vietnam/Xa-hoi/2008/04/3BA011D7/
Around 1,900 bill. VND are allocated for climate change responsive measures in agriculture
April 10, 2008
According to Mr. Dao Xian Ngoc, Vice Minister for agriculture and rural development, Chairman of the Steering Committee to the Action Plan for adaptation to climate change in agricultural sector, at present, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is working on a sectoral action plan to forecast effects of climate change on agriculture, water resources and products, forestry, and rural development and to make a basis for building policies, strategies and timely responsive measures. The total budget for this program is approximately 1,900 bill. VND.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=42508
Around 7,000 bill. VND for transport development in Hanoi
April 11, 2008
A decision on investment of 450 mill. USD has been issued by the Hanoi People’s Committee for the Project of urban transport development for Hanoi. In the framework of this project, to 2012 a series of important works will be mplemented.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.vnexpress.net/Vietnam/Xa-hoi/2008/04/3BA012CD/
Health warning on cigarette-packs is not strong enough
March 21, 2008
From the 1st April, the health warning part on cigarette-packs has to reach as much as 30% of total area of the pack. However, the warning content, "Smoking can cause lung cancer", is lighter in comparison with the proposal from the Ministry of Health, which is "Smoking causes lung cancer".
In Vietnamese: http://www.thiennhien.net/news/142/ARTICLE/4902/2008-03-21.html
"Lungs" of Ho Chi Minh City is shrinking (Part 1)
March 21, 2008
Measurements show that in 13 old districts of HCMC the green tree index reaches only 0,6 m²/person, ten times lower than stipulated by regulations.
In Vietnamese: http://www.thiennhien.net/news/140/ARTICLE/4858/2008-03-21.html
"Lungs" of Ho Chi Minh City is shrinking (Part 2)
March 22, 2008
In the past time, the City had invested a lot into infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.). The number of high buildings is fast growing. However, the green area, which is necessary in spatial urban designing, is more and more shrunken. Why?
In Vietnamese: http://www.thiennhien.net/news/140/ARTICLE/4859/2008-03-22.html
Talk to students about climate change
March 24, 2008
On March 23, the UK Council in cooperation with Journal "Tia Sang" has organized a talk for students on climate change. More than 100 university and high school students have listened to Prof. Pham Duy Hien, Dr. Dang Kim Son, scientists of MARD, and the famous writer Nguyen Ngoc on climate change in Vietnam. The purpose of the talk is to raise the students awareness on climate change, to promote their actions to mitigate climate change effects, environmental pollution and to protect the environment in Vietnam.
In Vietnamese: http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=41619
HCM City’s air pollution harmful to citizens’ health
March 27, 2008
HCM CITY — The increase of motor vehicles on the roads of HCM City and the boom in construction is adversely affecting the health of the city’s residents. Speaking at a recent seminar on air pollution, poverty and health, Nguyen Dinh Tuan, head of the HCM City Environmental Protection Department, said particulates measured at the city’s air monitoring stations all exceeded permissible levels.
http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01HEA270308
Pollution by dust and smoke: The alarming situation continues
March 27, 2008
The workshop "Air Pollution, Poverty and Health effects in Ho Chi Minh City" conducted in HCMC on March 25 has come up to an alarming conclusion: Particulate matter is a main pollutant to the air in HCMC. Levels of all parameters such as particulate matter, benzene, SO2,… exceed permitted levels due to growing construction work in the city, to a boom of private vehicles, and to poor quality of gasoline.
In Vietnamese: http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=41780
Forum puts natural disasters on agenda
March 29, 2008
HCM CITY — Localities and government officials must respond more quickly to natural disasters to prevent further loss of life and property damage, speakers at a forum in HCM City said yesterday.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=05SOC290308
More than a billion USD for construction of an upper railway in Hanoi
March 29, 2008
In Tokyo, on March 31, 2008 representatives of Japanese JBIC and the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam will sign an agreement on a loan for surveying and technical design for Hanoi upper railway project, the section Giap Bat – Gia Lam.
In Vietnamese: http://www.vnexpress.net/Vietnam/Xa-hoi/2008/03/3BA00C12/
Gov’t discussion on the draft Road Transport Law (revised)
March 29, 2008
At monthly session of the Government in March 2008 there was a live discussion on the draft Road Transport Law (revised) presented by the Minister of transport Ho Nghia Dung.
In Vietnamese: http://www.giaothongvantai.com.vn/Desktop.aspx/News/kinh-te-xa-hoi/Phien_hop_Chinh_phu_thuong_ky_thang_32008-Thao_luan_du_thao_Luat_Giao_thong_duong_bo_sua_doi/
Workshop "Global Climate Change and Responsive Measures of Vietnam"
March 3, 2008
The workshop was conducted by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) for 4 days from 26-29 March 2008. Its objective is to assess consequences of the global climate change in Vietnam and make recommendations for responsive measures, especially development of a national target program on climate change.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.vacne.org.vn/TTHD_2/TinHoi_022008.htm
Announcing the Award "For the Cause of Environment Protection in Vietnam"
March 2, 2008
On March 4, 2008 a Launching ceremony for selection and awarding Gold Cups "For the cause of environment protection in Vietnam" (EPA 2008) was hold jointly by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment. The EPA Prize aims to encourage enterprises in environmentally friendly production and trading, in their active contribution to environmental protection and to the society.
In Vietnamese:
http://doanhtri.vn/view_news.aspx?nid=309
CDM Development for Diminishing Emissions
March 3, 2008
Every year Vietnam emits to the atmosphere around 103.8 mill. tons CO2, 70% of which comes from agro-forestry. RCEE is giving consultation to Vietnam Electricity Corporation in building wind energy stations in Southern provinces, in the projects on using bio-gases in Lam Son factory for ethanol production, and on replacing firewood in brick kilns by gas.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=40474
In 2014, Hanoi Will Have the Second Metro Line
March 3, 2008
According to the Hanoi railway transportation development strategy in coming years 4 urban railway lines will be constructed. The Hanoi - Hadong line will be 12.88 km long, with 12 stations, and with the investment of $410 mill. It is expected that this line will be in operation by 2014.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.giaothongvantai.com.vn/Desktop.aspx/News/van-tai/Nam_2014_Ha_Noi_co_tuyen_metro_thu_2/
International Exhibition - Fair of Eco-products - A Great Success
March 5, 2008
With more than 90 thousands visitors, the number of visitors to ECO 2008 in Vietnam exceeds far above numbers of 12, 25, and 35 thousands visitors of the previous 3 ECOs in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. The 4th International Exhibition - Fair of Eco-products in Vietnam has really made a strong impression on Vietnamese and international visitors.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.vacne.org.vn/TTHD_3/EPIF08_V7.htm
Climate Change – A Close Concern (Part 1): A Tottering Granary
March 5, 2008
250 specialists and representatives of relevant ministries and sectors have participated in the workshop "Global Climate Change and responsive Measures of Vietnam" being held for 4 days from 26 to 29 February 2008 in Hanoi. With a warning that climate change can cause lost of shelters to 22 mill. Vietnamese and flooding of majority of nutritionally richest crop land in Red River and Mekong deltas, the issue of climate change becomes the most urgent in Vietnam.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.thiennhien.net/news/141/ARTICLE/4743/2008-03-05.html
Climate Change – A Close Concern (Part 2): "Without Prevention the Disaster could Come Fast"
March 6, 2008
"Can Hon Dat be flooded in 50 years? My God, I will not be alive by that time so why to worry about that!" - Mr. Vo Oai Nghi, a farmer from Hon Dat District, Kien Giang Province said. It was thinking of a farmer. At the higher level, with a long-term vision, could managers be unconcerned like this?
In Vietnamese:
http://www.thiennhien.net/news/141/ARTICLE/4745/2008-03-06.html
Activities of the Bicycling for Environment Group
March 6, 2008
Since middle of September 2007 in Sunday mornings on some streets in Hanoi here and there a green color and banners calling people to act for environment has appeared with voluntaries from the Bicycling for Environment Group.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.vacne.org.vn/TTHD_3/TinHoi032008.htm
Bio-fuel: "A Green Gold or an Implicit Threat?"
March 6, 2008
In discussions on climate change it seems that no other topic has such diverse opinions than the one on bio-fuels.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.thiennhien.net/news/148/ARTICLE/4736/2008-03-06.html
Eight Strong Measures for Reducing Traffic Congestion in Hanoi – New yet Old
March 7, 2008
Traffic congestion becomes a huge burden for Hanoi. It’s not easy to answer to this problem but with 8 strong measures announced recently it seems that the traffic jam will be still a long run obsession.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.giaothongvantai.com.vn/Desktop.aspx/News/kinh-te-xa-hoi/8_bien_phap_manh_giam_un_tac_giao_thong_o_Ha_Noi_-Moi_ma_cu/
Project for Effective Ensuring Transport Order and Safety towards 2010 approved
March 7, 2008
On March 4, 2008 the Prime Minister has issued the Decision No. 259 approving the Project for Effective Ensuring Transport Order and Safety towards 2010. According to this project, Vietnam will reduce the dead cases by traffic accidents by 5-7%, the number of dead cases per 10,000 road vehicles from 6.5 to 4.5 in 2010.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.giaothongvantai.com.vn/Desktop.aspx/News/tin-tuc-su-kien/Phe_duyet_de_an_tang_cuong_dam_bao_trat_tu_ATGT_den_nam_2010/
Hanoi: Need of $13 bill. for transport solution
March 10, 2008
A report assessing transport plan for Hanoi towards 2020 of the Ministry of Construction has just been submitted to the Government. According to this report, in order to implement successfully the transport development plan for Hanoi towards 2020, it needs an investment of 208,954 bill. VND (12.98 bill. USD).
In Vietnamese:
http://www.tienphong.vn/Tianyon/Index.aspx?ArticleID=114140&ChannelID=2
Embassy lauded for environmental practices
March 14, 2008
The Embassy of Finland to Viet Nam officially received the Green Office Certificate from WWF Greater Mekong on March 13, in recognition for taking responsibility for their own "carbon footprint". The embassy is the second member of the Green Office Programme in Viet Nam, which began in the later part of 2007
http://www.vnagency.com.vn/Home/EN/tabid/119/itemid/240312/Default.aspx
No more bad smell from sewage in urban areas
Feb 13, 2008
By construction of a new sewage trap-pit system to prevent bad smell from sewage and to collect rain water, a company for urban water draining in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province has contributed to the protection of community health and to improvement of urban infrastructure.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.thiennhien.net/news/147/ARTICLE/4510/2008-02-13.html
Number of pedestrian bridges are being constructed in Hanoi
Feb 15, 2008
Hanoi is about to build a crossing bridge for pedestrians over Nguyen Chi Thanh and Nguyen Van Cu roads and will continue in building 9-10 bridges over other roads. The construction will be completed before 2010.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.vnexpress.net/Vietnam/Xa-hoi/2008/02/3B9FF4B1/
The heat is on to find cool solutions
Feb 18, 2008
The Vietnamese Government is scratching its head over concerns that climate change as a result of the global warming phenomenon could affect socio-economic development. Koos Neefjes, UNDP's senior sustainable development advisor in Vietnam, turns the spotlight on the issue.
http://www.vir.com.vn/Client/VIR/index.asp?url=content.asp&doc=15679
The biggest emigration of people to avoid typhoons in the Middle of Vietnam
Feb 18, 2008
According to information from Quang Nam province People's Committee the Government has approved the policy to transfer more than 40,000 people living at coastal areas to safe places. This would be so far the biggest emigration in areas most suffered by typhoons and floods.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.vnexpress.net/Vietnam/Xa-hoi/2008/02/3B9FF5E7/
Plans to combat disasters should be set in regulations
Feb 18, 2008
According to the former Minister for agriculture and rural development Le Huy Ngo Vietnam is suffered not only from typhoons and floods but also from cold, drought, and sun heat. However, so far it has paid due attention only to typhoons and floods.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=39667
In response and adaptation to climate change: every sector should have its own action plan
Feb 19, 2008
Main negative effects of climate change in Vietnam were listed and some measures in response and adaptation to climate change were introduced by Vice Minister for agriculture and rural development Dao Xuan Hoc.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.nea.gov.vn/Sukien_Noibat/Tinkhac/Thang%202-2008/WsBaRia_19-02-2008.htm
IUCN helps Holcim Vietnam protect a sound ecological system
Feb 19, 2008
On 15 Feb 2008, IUCN Vietnam and Holcim Company in Vietnam signed an co-operational agreement to maintain a sound ecological system at production sites of this cement production company in Vietnam.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=39733
Pollution by wood dust in Thuan An, Binh Duong province
Feb 20, 2008
Industry of wood processing for export is one of fast developing sector in southern industrials zones. However, its wastes, if not properly treated, could seriously pollute the environment and negatively affect people's live.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=39828
Hanoi Transport Corporation invests 150 bill. VND to replace 143 old buses
Feb 20, 2008
In 2007, Hanoi Transport Corporation has invested 150 bill. VND to replace all Combi, Cosmos, and Renault buses. In 2008 it will have a fleet of 800 buses of justified quality, of which 38 Hyundai oldest buses have been for 10 years in operation.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.mt.gov.vn/default.asp?op=tintuc&catid=2&newsid=1607
Launching the first project on metro construction in Ho Chi Minh City
Feb 22, 2008
Construction work of a metro station for Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line (Ho Chi Minh City) has started on Feb 21, 2008 marking an official launching of the first metro project in Vietnam .
In Vietnamese:
http://www.mt.gov.vn/default.asp?op=tintuc&catid=2&newsid=1614
http://www.vnexpress.net/Vietnam/Xa-hoi/2008/02/3B9FF7A7/
Honda Vietnam finances 3.5 bill. VND for a forest planting project
Feb 22, 2008
This is a commitment made by Company Honda Vietnam at the launching of the forest planting and replanting project applying clean development mechanism (AR-CDM) in Hoa Binh province on Feb 21, 2008.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=39962
Scientists grapple with global climate change, development
Feb 27, 2008
The four-day workshop has been organized by the Viet Nam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment. About 250 scientists and officers from scientific, technological, natural resources, and environment agencies attended the conference. They discussed 16 reports and provided ideas and comments for a draft national programme to adapt to climate change.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=02ENV270208
Journalists act in response to climate change
Feb 27, 2008
On Feb 25, 2008, in Hanoi, round table discussion "Climate change - The biggest story of the 21st century and action of journalists" has taken place with participation of central and Hanoi press agencies sub editors . The discussion has contributed to promotion of broadcasting and publishing news and articles on climate change.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=40178
Biofuels: Need for a comprehensive look
Jan 17, 2008
Beside benefits of the development of biofuels there are also a range of environmental, economic, and social hazards. We should promote benefits of biofuels but at the same time limit the hazards.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.thiennhien.net/news/148/ARTICLE/4112/2008-01-17.html
Application of biogas technology for electricity generating
Jan 21, 2008
For some years to date, together with the development of large-scale animal husbandry, many households and farms in Vietnam have invested to building thousands of biogas lagoon digesters to serve heating, lightning, and cooking purposes.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.thiennhien.net/news/147/ARTICLE/4317/2008-01-21.html
Lack of integration of environmental and health monitoring data
Jan 21, 2008
According to environmental and health experts, up to now integration of environmental and health monitoring data has not been applied in Vietnam to serve the tasks of monitoring, supervising, and forecasting environmental health risks and of investigation and assessment of environmental pollution impact on community health.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=38483
Province Bac Ninh doesn’t let kiln smoke pollute the environment
Jan 22, 2008
After nearly two years of implementing the Provincial People’s Committee policy on synchronous application of propagandic, administrative, economic, and legal measures, at present, all districts and towns in the province have totally resolved the problem of environmental pollution from brick kilns
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=38588
Perils from brick and ceramic kilns
Jan 23, 2008
In Mekong Delta the manufacture of bricks and ceramics is the most developed in Vinh Long province with more than 920 manufacturers. This production is bringing to the province a large revenue. However, the spontaneous development lacks of sustainability and causes pollution to the environment.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.nea.gov.vn/Sukien_Noibat/Tinkhac/Thang%201-2008/sggp_23-1-08.htm
Need of integrating climate change issues to national policies
Jan 23, 2008
It is a message of the workshop on "Policy dialog on climate change and the National target program to respond to climate change" organized by the International Support Group for Natural Resources and Environment (ISGE-MONRE) on 23 January 2008.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.nea.gov.vn/Sukien_Noibat/Tinkhac/Thang%201-2008/vov_23-1-08.htm
EU allots $4.4m for cleaner Mekong
Jan 23, 2008
HCM CITY— Provinces in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region are benefiting from a European Union grant worth 3 million euros (US$4.4 million) that will drastically improve their urban environment.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=02ENV230108
2009-2012: Roadmap for verifying motorcycles in urban areas
Jan 24, 2008
On 22 January 2008 in Hanoi, a workshop on "Emission control of motorcycles operating in major cities" was conducted by the Vietnam Registry in cooperation with Swiss – Vietnamese Clean Air Program (SVCAP). At the
workshop there was a strong perception that pollution data, measures, and roadmap presented by the Committee of the Project on emission control of motorcycles are strongly connected with daily lives and activities of everybody.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=38760
UK team offers solutions on greenhouse gas emissions
Jan 25, 2008
HCM CITY—A seminar to introduce technological and financial solutions for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was held in HCM City yesterday.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=01ENV250108
Biofuels threaten the environment
Jan 29, 2008
According to a warning from UN, growth of biofuels production can cause the worsening of lack of water in some countries and make farmers leave they crop-lands.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.nea.gov.vn/nIndex.asp?ID=29431
Construction of "clean" cemeteries
Jan 29, 2008
In 20 recent years, the painter Tran Dinh Phung devoted himself to the project of designing environmental friendly cemeteries which require least of land and cost. This project has won a Third Prize in the National Scientific and Technological Creativity Competition in 2007.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.thiennhien.net/news/147/ARTICLE/4400/2008-01-29.html
Project aims to single out worst polluters on road
Feb 01, 2008
HA NOI — Polluters prepare to be labeled as the Viet Nam Register planned to expose heavily polluting motorbikes in a marking system through its latest efforts to cut down on big city smog.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=01ENV010208
Heavily-polluted IZs built to spill
Feb 05, 2008
HCM City — Industrial zones are the most polluted parts of the country, environmental expert Tran Manh Tri has warned.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=01ENV050208
Road Transportation in Vietnam – Current situation and measures
Jan 9, 2008
By transferring from the central planning type to market one, the Vietnam economy have reached a high growth rate but accompanied by travel accidents and jams.
In Vietnamese:
http://www1.mt.gov.vn/ykienatgt/default.asp?param=category&catid=19&subcatid=19&ArticleID=1763
"Fighting" against climate change
Jan 14, 2008
In 10 recent years clime change has seriously affected Vietnam. This was the main issue addressed by the workshop conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on Jan 11, 2008 in Hanoi aiming at MARD action plan for diminishing consequences of and adapting to climate change.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=38121
How is Vietnam affected by climate change?
Jan 15, 2008
In response to climate change, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has established a Steering Committee for "Action Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change" and started to collect comments from experts for the draft of the Action Plan.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=38213
A number of projects on CDM will be implemented
Jan 16, 2008
According to Ms. Huynh Thi Thu Ha, an environmental officer of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, there will be around 10 CDM projects implemented in 2008.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.thiennhien.net/news/157/ARTICLE/4267/2008-01-16.html
The first discussions on car and motorcycle emissions control
Jan 16, 2008
Recent rapid growth of individual vehicles in major cities have caused not only traffic congestions but also alarming air pollution. To address this issue, the Ministry of Transport will soon held discussions on needed measures for submitting them to the Government.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.nea.gov.vn/Sukien_Noibat/Tinkhac/Thang%201-2008/vnn_16-1-08.htm
Suburbs bear brunt of HCM City pollution
Jan 18, 2008
Pollution clouding the skies above the outlying districts of HCM City has been on the rise due to factories from within the city relocating to these areas, which lack proper environmental regulations.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=01ENV180108
Climate change: Emigration of people is the first priority
Jan 18, 2008
Emigration of people and research on new rice varieties are among measures proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to diminish and adapt to climate change. This is an interview with Vice-Minister Dao Xuan Hoc on the ssue.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=211&ItemID=38444
Indochina Capital to build development highway
Jan 21, 2008
Vietnam's leading financial services firm Indochina Capital has recently launched an infrastructure fund, the first of its kind globally, with aims to making sustainable and environmentally friendly improvements to Vietnam's both 'hard' and 'soft' infrastructure.
http://www.vir.com.vn/Client/VIR/index.asp?url=content.asp&doc=15499
Cuu Long river basin is implementing management and reduction of urban environmental pollution
Jan 21, 2008
Through EU fund of 3 million euro, provinces in Cuu Long river basin start to implement a program on management and reduction of urban environmental pollution. To date, this is in scope the greatest program in the region.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=38496
‘Clean’ businesses explored
Jan 22, 2008
HCM CITY — A trade mission from the UK Climate Change Projects Office began its 6-day mission here yesterday to explore investment opportunities in "clean development".
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=01ENV220108
Motorcycles have to go through emission inspection
Jan 22, 2008
According to Mr. Trinh Ngoc Giao, Director of the Vietnam Registry (VR), motorcycles operated in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Danang, Can Tho have to go through periodic inspection on emission concentration. VR is proposing a fine of 100,000 VND/case for the owners avoiding inspection.
In Vietnamese:
http://www.vnexpress.net/Vietnam/Xa-hoi/2008/01/3B9FEA35/
Nation seeks foreign advice on cutting motorbike fumes
Jan 23, 2008
HA NOI — Viet Nam is looking abroad for lessons on how to cut air pollution caused by motorbike exhaust fumes, a specialist from the Viet Nam Register (VR) under the Ministry of Transport, Le Anh Tu said yesterday.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=01ENV230108
Climate change no forecast; it’s a fact
Dec 12, 2007
Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment director Dr Tran Thuc delivered a prophetic message about climate change at a workshop in HCM City last week.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=01TAL121207
Scientific Study to Assist MARPOL Amendment Process Completed
Dec 21, 2007
A comprehensive study commissioned by IMO to assist in the planned revision of regulations governing air pollution from ships has been successfully completed.
http://www.vinamaso.net/content/view/333/3/lang,english/
Waste recyclers aggravate environmental threat
Dec 22, 2007
While waste management is a headache for authorities, it is becoming a lucrative business for some who collect it for recycling in the southern region. However, the private recyclers aren’t entirely benefiting the environment.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=01ENV221207
Biogas tanks benefit farmers, environment
Dec 26, 2007
The environment has benefited a lot from a joint programme between Vietnam and the Netherlands on building biogas tanks in rural areas throughout the country, said the deputy director of the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry’s Livestock Breeding Department, Nguyen Thanh Son.
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/social/2007/12/761273/
Ho Chi Minh City introduces the cars run on...compressed air
Dec 27, 2007
The cars run on... compressed air! The type of cars using this new technology was introduced on December 27, 2007 in HCMC. With 150-200 liters of air, it can run as far as 133 km with the speed of 60 km/h.
In Vietnamese: http://www3.vietnamnet.vn/khoahoc/2007/12/761521/
City readies for building of metro rail
Jan 3, 2008
Construction of route No.1 of the city’s underground rail system will begin this month, an official from the HCM City Urban Railway Project Management Unit has said.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=08SOC030108
Much-needed green space within HCM City falls below international standard
Jan 11, 2008
The construction boom in the city is leaving the air polluted and taking away much-needed space for green areas, say experts.
http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/showarticle.php?num=01ENV110108
Industry pollutes Dong Nai’s environment
Jan 11, 2008
Industrial and hazardous waste are threatening the environment in the southern province of Dong Nai, which is known for attracting foreign investors in heavy industry.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=259&ItemID=37999
Measures to minimize climate changes effects
Jan 15, 2008
Local managements and scientists and international experts gathered at a workshop in Ha Noi on January 11 to discuss measures to minimize climate changes’ effects on the agricultural sector.
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/Default.aspx?tabid=259&ItemID=38155
Workshops on "Motorcycle Emission Control in Major Cities Program (MECCP) for Vietnam"
Jan 18, 2008)
On 22 Jan 2008 and 24 Jan 2008 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, respectively, two national workshops will be jointly organized by the Swiss-Vietnamese Clean Air Program (SVCAP), Vietnam Environment Protection Agency
(VEPA), and the Vietnam Register (VR) to collect inputs for the draft MECCP.
http://www.cleanairnet.org/caiasia/1412/article-72357.html
Interesting news from October 2007
Traffic and transport plan outlined
Oct 22, 2007
An urban railway system and two express bus routes will cater to the transport needs of 2.6 million people in the capital.
http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=12BUS221007
Vietnam Clean Air Partnership (VCAP) E-Newsletter, VCAP, newsletter | 
