Climate change

The Phuoc Binh National Park covers nearly 25,000 ha in Bac Ai district of Ninh Thuan province (Source: VNA) Ninh Thuan (VNA) – Measures are being carried out to conserve biodiversity at the Phuoc Binh National Park, which is home to a large number of rare fauna and flora species that face grave threats from climate change and human impacts. The Phuoc Binh National Park covers nearly 25,000 ha in Bac Ai district, in the south central province of Ninh Thuan, and is between 300-2,000 m above sea level. The park is currently home to 1,321 plant species, including 36 endangered species named in the Vietnam Red Data Book and 58 on the list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Additionally, 327 animal species have been found in the park, including 50 in the Vietnam Red Data Book and 29 on the IUCN list. Notably, Phuoc Binh habours four mammal species indigenous to Indochina, namely the yellow-cheeked gibbon, the black-shanked douc langur, the … [Read more...] about Efforts made to conserve biodiversity at Phuoc Binh National Park

The Hanoi Urban Environment Company has proposed publicising photos of people who litter around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Hoan Kiem authorities collected VND40m in fines for littering : In May, the Hanoi Urban Environment Company cooperated with Hoan Kiem District authorities to implement a pilot programme installing cameras to film people littering around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. As of now, 26 violators have been dealt with and fined nearly VND40m (USD1,700). An event organiser was fined VND8m. According to the Hanoi Urban Environment Company, more locals and tourists have become more aware of the problem. The company had had difficulties when implementing the programme. For example, the littering process was very quick for the camera to react and there are tourists from all over the country and other countries so they had several troubles in collecting fines. The company suggested that Hoan Kiem authorities should install more cameras along the … [Read more...] about Plan to publically shame litterers proposed in Hanoi

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội’s ‘railway street’ was once world famous as the perfect spot for selfies. Every day, hundreds of tourists would perch precariously on the tracks to get their Instagram-ready shot. But now, they may be looking to another site in the city. In October, to ensure safety, authorities took the decision to restrict access to the track running through the capital and close cafes that had sprung up alongside. The move means those in search of the best backdrop for their wedding shoots have shifted slightly down the track – to a bridge that’s a big part of the city’s history. Lê Minh Thúy sits on the railway track to take her wedding pictures despite potential danger. — VNS Photos Long Biên Bridge, which opened in 1903, is one of Hà Nội’s iconic sites and attracts waves of foreign and local selfie-seekers. For most, the beauty of the location outweighs concerns over … [Read more...] about Selfie seekers change tracks to Long Biên Bridge

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Doan Toan (R) receives Governor of Belgium’s Antwerp province Cathy Berx. (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn) Hanoi (VNA) – Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Doan Toan on November 11 hosted a reception for Governor of Belgium’s Antwerp province Cathy Berx, who is on a working visit to Vietnam. Informing his guest of the capital city’s socio-economic development in recent years, Toan highlighted that Hanoi has become a leading destination in the country for foreign investors. However, the city is facing many challenges from the urbanisation process such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution, he said, adding the city will continue calling for foreign investment in waste treatment and infrastructure development. He also said the city wants to learn from Antwerp’s experience in building smart urban areas. On the occasion, he expressed his hope that the Antwerp … [Read more...] about Hanoi, Belgian province boost cooperation

Peter Chang, president of the Asian Health Literacy Association, speaks about global health literacy plans and governmental action at a conference on Monday in HCM City. (Source: VNA) HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Health literacy can contribute to reducing disparities among different groups of people in accessing universal healthcare services, Professor Dianne Levin-Zamir from Israel's University of Haifa said at an international conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on November 11. In many countries, communication with patients and the public is increasingly becoming digital. “This trend has great advantages, among them bringing health information and navigation directly into homes, allowing for personal data to be stored and then accessed for the benefit of the patient as well as increased efficiency. And it creates big data for analysis and technology development and more,” she said. According to the World Health Organisation, health literacy reflects a certain level of … [Read more...] about Digital literacy helps improve access to healthcare