Vietnam to spend VND2.5 trillion on marine environment and resource surveyal

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) will be conducting surveys on the marine environment and resources in 16 projects over the next ten years with a total funding of VND2.5 trillion (US$107.8 million).

The seafloor of Vietnam’s waters will be mapped to serve the sustainable maritime economic development strategy.
The seafloor of Vietnam’s waters will be mapped to serve the sustainable maritime economic development strategy.

The largest project, worth VND500 billion, aims to map the seafloor terrain for the entirety of Vietnam’s waters to serve the sustainable maritime economic development strategy until 2020 with a vision to 2045.

It will be undertaken by the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands in partnership with the authorities concerned, with the final products being maps at the scales of 1:10,000, 1:50,000, 1:250,000 and 1:500,000, which will be stored electronically and printed on paper.

Other projects include the surveying of the resources and environment of the southwestern waters; and of the natural conditions, resources and environmental state of the central region’s waters to a depth of 1,000 metres.

The geological structure and geodynamic characteristics of the deep-water area in the East Sea/South China Sea will also be surveyed in order to assess its oil potential and orientate deep-water exploration in conjunction with asserting national sovereignty.

MONRE is also looking to assess the potentials of wave energy and wind power from Quang Tri to Ca Mau; draw a map of marine environmental pollution risks; and simulate the saltwater intrusion process in underground water layers along with its impacts on water security, food security and the ecology of coastal areas.