On 3 June 2023, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment held a conference to announce Resolution No. 48/NQ-CP of the Government on "Strategy for sustainable exploitation and use of resources, protection of the marine environment and islands to 2030, with a vision to 2050" which clearly defines the Party's guiding viewpoint in implementing this important Strategy. This resolution is very important, aiming to unify awareness and action so that the entire Party, people, and Military, first and foremost the People's Committees of the 28 coastal provinces and relevant agencies and organisations to exploit and use marine resources effectively, ensure the sustainable development, prosperity, security and safety.

In the Strategy, the Party's viewpoint is clearly expressed that: "Resources and environment of sea and islands are the foundation and important resources for national development, and must be exploited and used effectively and sustainably for economic, cultural, social development and for the protection of the environment, biodiversity conservation, and responding to climate change and rising sea levels. Sustainable exploitation and use of resources and protection of the marine and island environment are based on the results of basic surveys of marine and island resources and environment, modern science and technology, and high-quality human resources, and the knowledge accumulated from the lives of coastal communities, for the development of a green marine economy. Exploitation and sustainable use of resources and protection of the sea and island environment are the rights and responsibilities of every individual and entity operating at sea and must be associated with ensuring national defence and security, maintaining independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, strengthening foreign affairs and international cooperation on sea, contributing to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development to make Vietnam a strong coastal country, and a rich country from sea".

Currently, the international situation continues to see complicated developments, especially strategic power rivalry and sovereignty disputes at sea and in the East Sea region. Domestically, the macro economy basically sees stable and sustainable developments, in which, marine economic development associated with conservation and protection of the marine environment has become a mainstream. However, transboundary environmental pollution, climate change, and rising sea levels have become urgent global problems; Security, order, and social safety at sea still represent major challenges, etc. This shows that the Party's viewpoint in the "Strategy for sustainable exploitation and use of resources, protection of the marine and island environment until 2030, with a vision to 2050" is extremely scientific, timely, and effective. Thoroughly grasping and implementing this viewpoint will contribute to raising awareness of all levels, sectors, political systems and people about the position and role of the sea and islands in economic development and protecting national sovereignty. At the same time, this viewpoint is an important basis for developing and implementing specific programmes, projects and tasks to gradually realise the Resolution.

With the sound orientation of the Party, State and Government, the efforts of all levels of government, the joint effort of the people and the active support of international organisations, it is strongly believed that we will overcome all difficulties, effectively exploit and sustainably use resources, firmly protect the marine and island environment, contributing to realising the goal of making Vietnam a strong coastal country.

CAO VUONG