MAE leads a series of resource and environment events in June

Activities are organized to promote awareness and educate the public on the responsible use of natural resources, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.

June is traditionally a busy month for landmark events in the natural resources and environment space. Four major observances stand out: World Environment Day (June 5), World Oceans Day (June 8), the Month of Action for the Environment, and Vietnam's Sea and Islands Week.

World Environment Day - June 5

World Environment Day was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). First held on June 5, 1972, in Stockholm, Sweden, the event has since grown to engage more than 150 countries worldwide. Vietnam joined the observance in 1982.

One of the largest global environmental platforms, the day is designed to galvanize international attention around protecting the natural world. Through a wide range of activities, it helps spread a sense of collective responsibility and encourages governments and individuals alike to take concrete action for the environment.

Each year, the United Nations selects a dedicated theme and message to guide communication campaigns and environmental action across the globe. Those themes typically center on preserving ecosystems, using natural resources efficiently, and safeguarding green spaces for future generations.

World Oceans Day - June 8

World Oceans Day was formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 under Resolution A/RES/63/111 and has been officially observed every year since 2009. The idea, however, dates back further, the Canadian government first proposed it at the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 8, 1992.

The observance aims to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about the critical role that seas and oceans play in sustaining life and driving human development. It also serves as a call to action for nations to strengthen cooperation in the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

Oceans are indispensable to global ecosystems and to human well-being. Yet vast stretches of the world's seas are under mounting pressure from pollution, overfishing, and climate change, making the protection of the marine environment an increasingly urgent priority.

Month of Action for the Environment

The Month of Action for the Environment was launched by the former Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, now reorganized as the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, to extend environmental protection activities across the entirety of June, rather than concentrating efforts on a single day.

Programs throughout the month typically focus on reducing plastic waste, conserving natural resources, improving quality of life, and encouraging green lifestyles across communities.

Vietnam's Sea and Islands Week

Vietnam's Sea and Islands Week is held annually from June 1 to 8, timed to coincide with both World Environment Day and World Oceans Day.

The week-long event is designed to raise public awareness about protecting Vietnam's maritime sovereignty, promoting the sustainable use of ocean resources, and advancing the country's blue economy.

Under Government Decree No. 25/2009, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment,  formerly the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, is the lead agency responsible for coordinating with other ministries, sectors, and coastal localities to organize activities marking Vietnam's Sea and Islands Week each year.

Ha An