VietNamNet Bridge - A new report released by the National Committee on Clean Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation has said that Vietnam's biodiversity and water resources are facing massive environmental pressure.
The report was released in Ha Noi on April 18, when the committee launched a nationwide public awareness campaign, entitled “Clean Water and Environmental Sanitation Week,” which will run from April 29 to May 6.
The study indicated that Vietnam is squarely placed near the top of a list for countries that are witnessing a rapid degradation of their biodiversity, ecosystems in the country have been damaged and forest areas have been slashed. It is estimated that three fourths of mangrove forests will be destroyed within the next 50 years.
Vietnam’s water resources are under threat of exhaustion, as a result of uncontrolled exploitation and underground water pollution, said the report.
The study cited the public’s poor awareness regarding environmental protection and untreated industrial and medical waste and sewage being allowed to find their way into the country's water systems as key reasons for the worsening situation.
The committee said the campaign is expected to help increase public awareness on the issue. It will then focus on designing regulations regarding environmental protection, executing environmental commitments and the establishment of activist groups in localities to help turn back the tide, the committee concluded.