Vietnam has banned swimming and scuba diving at a popular central tourist spot in an attempt to revive its damaged coral reef, officials said Monday. The Southeast Asian nation boasts more than 3,200 kilometres of coastline with crystal clear waters, vibrant sea life and sandy beaches that are a huge tourism draw. Coral reefs across Southeast Asia have been badly hit by global warming, with scientists warning their degradation could have devasting environmental and economic knock-on effects. Recent photos taken off Hon Mun island -- about 14 kilometres from the city of Nha Trang and popular with divers thanks to its diverse ecosystem -- showed the reef bleached and damaged. "The Nha Trang bay management authority decided to halt swimming and scuba diving activities in areas around Hon Mun island," officials said. In a statement they said the ban was to "evaluate the condition of sensitive area so that an appropriate plan to enact the sea conservation area" could be made. … [Read more...] about Vietnam halts scuba diving off popular island to protect coral
3 killed in northern vietnam after wall collapses following downpour vnexpress
Australia values Vietnam’s partnership, regional role: FM
Reciprocating her sentiment, her Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son welcomed Wong’s choice of Vietnam as her first Southeast Asian destination since taking office last month. He said her visit would strengthen and boost bilateral relations. Wong will conclude her official visit to Vietnam on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. She said Australia has always valued Vietnam's role in the region and that the new government was committed to further strengthening the strategic partnership with Vietnam. The two ministers agreed that it was important the two countries strengthen cooperation in sectors and industries hit hard by the pandemic like tourism, education, and labor cooperation, as well as traditional areas like trade, investment, defense and security. They also agreed that the two countries would expand collaboration in climate change, green growth, and sustainability. Son wanted Australia to continue contributing to regional cooperation with … [Read more...] about Australia values Vietnam’s partnership, regional role: FM
Vietnam detects Omicron’s subvariant BA.5
Further information regarding the BA.5 cases and their conditions have not been disclosed. According to Lan, the detection of new strains is inevitable as Vietnam has reopened under the new normal. BA.5 was first discovered in South Africa in January. So far, it has become a dominant strain in some countries such as Israel and Germany. Some studies show that BA.4 and BA.5 spread faster than the previous subvariant BA.2, but there has been not enough data on severity rate. Lan said the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor new strains and World Health Organization (WHO) information to adjust Covid-19 prevention measures when necessary. Vietnam has recorded 142,000 Covid cases over the past two months, and the death rate has fallen to 0.06 percent of the total number of infections. Vietnam has covered almost 80 percent of its 96-million population with two vaccine doses, and the group of those from five years old are to receive the second doses within June. The health … [Read more...] about Vietnam detects Omicron’s subvariant BA.5
Partnering with local farmers key strategy of French firm in Vietnam
On June 17 Andros Asia hosted a partnership conference in Tien Giang Province, an event that aimed to promote the development of a sustainable fruit network by the company, local farmers and authorities and fruit suppliers. At the conference, farmers and suppliers were provided with knowledge of Andros Asia's processes from selecting fruits and processing them into premium products that are to be exported to demanding markets such as the U.S., EU and Japan. The partnership conference also marked Andros Asia's fifth anniversary in Vietnam and the grand opening of the Go Cong cold storage. Local farmers in talks with Andros Asia for potential cooperation at the partnership conference in Tien Giang Province. Photo by Andros Asia Experts from Andros Asia also shared with local farmers the development itinerary for raw material regions, including planning agri-engineering, obtaining the Global G.A.P certificate, enhancing fruit output, and collaborating with local … [Read more...] about Partnering with local farmers key strategy of French firm in Vietnam
Vietnam protests China military exercises in South China Sea
Vietnam demanded China stop recurrence. Vietnam said China’s military exercises violate its territorial waters in Hoang Sa (Paracel Islands) in the South China Sea (referring to the East Sea in Vietnamese). Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the press conference on June 23. Photo: MOFA Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) made the statement at a press conference held on June 23 following China’s announcement of military exercises that took place on June 19 within 12 nautical miles of Phu Lam Island (Woody Island) in Hoang Sa. No ships were allowed to enter the drill zone. “China’s military drills in Hoang Sa archipelago seriously violate Vietnam’s sovereignty over these islands,” Hang said, noting that the activities “go against the spirit of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and are not favorable to the ongoing negotiations on the Code of Conduct … [Read more...] about Vietnam protests China military exercises in South China Sea
Enjoy stunning sunrise over central Vietnam’s magical beaches
Quy Nhon City in Binh Dinh Province has long been a top beach destination for Vietnam’s summer vacationers. When visiting Quy Nhon, morning beach strolls to take in the fresh air and catch the gorgeous sunrise of the coastal paradise are a must. Hoang Hau Beach, Thi Nai Bridge, Eo Gio (Windy Strait), and Ky Co Beach are all favorites amongst visitors looking to catch the sun as it peaks over Quy Nhon’s waters. The beach in the center of the city is also an excellent site to catch a sunrise without having to travel far. The sun rises quite early in Quy Nhon so visitors should make sure they are where they want to be by 4:30 am. A visitor poses for a photo during sunset at the coastal she-oak forest at Cat Hai Beach in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre Sunrise against a background of wind turbines in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre … [Read more...] about Enjoy stunning sunrise over central Vietnam’s magical beaches
15 airlines to operate more intl’ flights to, from Vietnam’s Da Nang
Fifteen airlines are expected to operate international flights connecting numerous destinations with Da Nang from now until the end of the year, promising ample opportunities for the promotion and development of local tourism. These airlines will operate international routes from such countries as South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia, among others, to Da Nang with a total frequency of up to 90 flights per week, Ho Ky Minh, vice-chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, said on Monday. The Vietnamese coastal city recently collaborated with budget carrier Vietjet Air in opening five air routes to major cities in India and Singapore. In the first six months of this year, Da Nang has welcomed 286 international flights carrying 35,000 passengers, according to vice-chairman Minh. On June 24, the city received a record of 120 domestic and international flights, the official added. The local tourism sector has had a positive and breakthrough recovery with a … [Read more...] about 15 airlines to operate more intl’ flights to, from Vietnam’s Da Nang
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineage BA.5 enters Vietnam
Prof. Lan said that gene sequencing results showed that the sub-variant BA.5 of Omicron has been found in Vietnam. “This variant may overwhelm the old sub-variants (BA.1 and BA.2)," he underscored. The intrusion is inevitable because the sub-variant has been seen in countries in Europe and the US and travel activities among countries have been allowed, he said, adding that the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor pandemic developments. The number of Covid-19 cases has been falling with a very low ratio of infections and deaths. Patients mostly suffered Omicron’s sub-variant BA.2 with mild symptoms. The majority of the cases were recorded in the northern region with about 107,000 in the last two months. Prof. Lan attributed the results to a high vaccination ratio and effective activities to protect high-risks groups. He said initial research showed the Omicron sub-lineages BA.4 and BA.5 spread faster than BA1 and BA.2. There has been no specific evidence on the new … [Read more...] about SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineage BA.5 enters Vietnam
Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 1 begins missions in Abyei
The Engineering Company Rotation 1 has set two road rescue and maintenance teams to ensure traffic flows and conduct road rescue and maintenance missions. In addition, the unit has also deployed forces to continue building a repair and maintenance station for vehicles and equipment that the first group of the company received in May this year. The construction is expected to be completed and put into operation in June. Apart from their main task, the Engineering Company Rotation 1 has quickly arranged and stabilized its barracks in Highway, three kilometers from the headquarters of UNISFA. The Highway barracks is the former garrison area of a infantry battalion of Ethiopia. It was built nearly 10 years ago and is degrading gradually. In order to soon ensure accommodations for all members, the unit has quickly repaired and reinforced the main garrison area. After surveying the scenario, the chain-of-command of the company built a concrete plan to repair barracks, fix roofs, pave … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 1 begins missions in Abyei
Following in the footsteps of those who convert seabed into forest
Likened to tropical forests in the ocean, coral reefs are home to 25% of marine species. However, in recent years, the biodiversity and the number of coral populations in Nha Trang Bay have been rapidly declining due to objective factors and human activities. Following the scientists from the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center’s coastal branch, reporter Tuan Huy of the People's Army Newspaper has had a chance to eye-witness hardships facing Vietnamese and Russian scientists in searching, numbering, sampling and preserving coral and marine species in Nha Trang Bay. The People’s Army Newspaper would like to introduce several photos of Vietnamese and Russian scientists’ activities in Nha Trang Bay with an attempt to covert the seabed into forest. Translated by Mai Huong … [Read more...] about Following in the footsteps of those who convert seabed into forest