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Clubs · Dec 21, 2024 · 16 min read
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Before you start your journey to explore Vietnam, a country famous for its diverse natural beauty and charming landscapes, let’s learn about the environment here. The diversity from land to sea is not only a valuable asset of Vietnam but also a factor that attracts millions of tourists every year.
Before you start your journey to explore Vietnam, a country famous for its diverse natural beauty and charming landscapes, let’s learn about the environment here. The diversity from land to sea is not only a valuable asset of Vietnam but also a factor that attracts millions of tourists every year.
Vietnam is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, from dense tropical forests to stunning beaches. Stop by Cuc Phuong National Park, home to hundreds of rare species of flora and fauna. Visit Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its majestic limestone mountains rising from emerald waters. Or explore Son Doong Cave, the world's largest cave. Find all the information you need about Vietnam's diverse environments in our off-road travel our
Cuc Phuong National Park (Cuc Phuong forest) is a nature reserve and special-use forest located on the border of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa, the main gate of the park is located in Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh. This is also the first national park in Vietnam.
Cuc Phuong has a rich flora and fauna, typical of tropical rainforests. Many species of flora and fauna at high risk of extinction have been discovered and preserved here.
Cuc Phuong National Park is also a famous eco-tourism destination, attracting several hundred thousand visitors each year. Visitors come to Cuc Phuong to explore the flora and fauna, admire the natural landscape, participate in eco-tourism programs, resorts, campfires, adventure tours, and study historical culture. Cuc Phuong was honored by the World Travel Awards as Asia's Leading National Park for 5 consecutive years from 2019 to 2023.
Cuc Phuong National Park has a tropical monsoon climate, typical of the North, with an average annual temperature of 24.7 degrees Celsius. With diverse terrain, mainly primary forests, the temperature is lower than neighboring areas. Visitors can come to Cuc Phuong at many times of the year. The dry season (from September to December) is suitable for trekking in the forest and camping. The rainy season (April-May) is the season of white butterflies and fireflies flying all over the sky.
Ha Long Bay is over 1,500 square kilometers wide, with over 2,000 large and small islands of various shapes scattered around, creating a magnificent landscape. Taking a boat trip to see the scenery during the day, sleeping overnight on the bay, flying a seaplane to see the whole view from above... are experiences that tourists should try at least once.
Ha Long Bay has a tropical, hot and humid climate, divided into two main seasons according to the North. Winter is from November to March of the following year, the average temperature is from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, the lowest is below 10 degrees Celsius. Summer is from May to September, the average temperature is 25-29 degrees Celsius, the hottest time can reach 37-38 degrees Celsius. In addition, there are two transitional seasons: spring (April) and autumn (October).
Son Doong Cave is a famous tourist destination in Quang Binh, located in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Son Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province) and is also part of an underground system connecting more than 150 other caves in Vietnam near the border with Laos.
Son Doong Cave was discovered in 1991 by Ho Khanh - a local resident when he accidentally found it while hiding in the cave entrance to avoid the rain. Much later, until 2009, when the British Royal Caves Association (BCRA) expedition came to this place to explore, Mr. Ho Khanh had the opportunity to inform them about the existence of the cave.
It was with great difficulty that he and his expedition team found the cave, which was located deep in the jungle with rugged and remote terrain and especially could not be detected on Google Earth. Under his guidance, they went deep into the cave, measured, took photos and collected scientific data.
Son Doong Cave has been recognized as a world heritage site with outstanding features: the largest natural cave, extremely unique internal environment with primeval forest, underground river and own weather conditions.
The cave was formed about 2-5 million years ago, when river water flowed through the buried limestone area, this water eroded and created a giant tunnel in the ground under the mountain range. In the soft rock sections, the ceiling collapsed to form holes, which are the cave domes.
However, alongside this natural beauty are significant environmental challenges. Vietnam is a rapidly developing country, and along with its economic progress, a number of environmental challenges are becoming increasingly apparent. Major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are facing problems with air and water pollution. Climate change is also having a strong impact, causing rising sea levels and frequent flooding.
In big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, air pollution has become a serious concern. The main causes are dust and smoke from traffic, industry and charcoal burning. Poor air quality is directly affecting people's health, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
In Vietnam, air pollution has emerged as a consequence of socio-economic development and urbanization. However, the level of pollution has increased to an alarming level in the past 10 years, concentrated in large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The main air pollution parameter today is fine dust with a size smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5). Although air pollution occurs seasonally and is greatly affected by climate and weather conditions, pollution is concentrated from October of the previous year to March of the following year. During the day, pollution is concentrated from midnight to morning.
In addition to climate and urbanization causes, the burning of waste, straw, and agricultural by-products in the fields (open and scattered burning) still occurs, increasing air pollution and smog.
Vietnam has a rich river network, but many rivers are seriously polluted due to untreated industrial, agricultural and domestic wastewater discharged directly into water sources. This situation not only threatens clean water sources but also affects aquatic ecosystems and public health.
To protect the environment, the Vietnamese government and many non-governmental organizations have implemented a series of campaigns for protection and sustainable development. From policies such as limiting the use of plastic bags to biodiversity conservation programs - many achievements have been recorded.
Vietnam, one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, has been implementing many specific response measures to this situation.
- Vietnam has put forward clear and consistent policies from the Party and State on responding to climate change, especially in the Party Congresses from 6 to 13. Each Congress emphasized the importance of international cooperation and proactive adaptation to climate change.
- Notably, the 13th Congress identified climate change adaptation as both an urgent requirement and a major challenge, and emphasized international cooperation in information sharing and resource management.
- Vietnam has participated in many important international agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
- At COP26 in 2021, Vietnam pledged to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century and join many other global commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- At COP27, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and highlighted the need for energy transition, calling for international support for this process.
Developing sustainable community-based tourism associated with environmental protection has become an important trend in Vietnam, bringing benefits not only economically but also in terms of cultural and environmental conservation. International tourists and local communities play an important role in this protection. When coming to Vietnam, you can participate in sustainable tourism activities such as not using single-use plastic products, choosing eco-tours, or participating in environmental cleanup events.
Vietnam has the potential to develop community tourism thanks to its rich natural landscapes, unique cultural heritage and diverse indigenous lifestyles. Regions such as the Northwest, Central Highlands and Southwest are increasingly attracting tourists thanks to the community tourism model. There are many tourism models for tourists to travel, explore culture, natural landscapes and also contribute to preserving the cultural environment in Vietnam such as:
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Most of the urban areas in Vietnam are concentrated along major rivers, but the technical and social infrastructure systems of the urban areas are not yet synchronized and overloaded, causing many pressures on the environment. Population growth and urbanization in recent times have been putting pressure on the use of water resources and the environment of river basins. The development of economic sectors increases the demand for water, although it is a driving force for development, it is also the cause of water pollution in river basins in recent times.
Vietnam is one of the countries most affected by climate change. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion and extreme weather events are becoming more common, especially in the Mekong Delta. This threatens the food security and livelihoods of millions of people and increases internal migration.
Vietnam is among the 10 countries most severely affected by extreme weather events. In the Northern Delta and the Central Coast, the dry season tends to come early and last longer or the rains tend to be concentrated with high intensity, leading to droughts and floods, saltwater intrusion and coastal erosion. The South is facing flooding and saltwater intrusion. In the Mekong Delta, along with saltwater intrusion, riverbank and coastal erosion also occurs in most localities in the region.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Vietnam is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with a variety of ecosystems including mountains, tropical forests, limestone/mineral mountains, marine and coastal ecosystems; more than 100 bird species and more than 10% of Vietnam's plant species are endemic. However, rapid urbanization and agricultural development have reduced the area of forests and other natural ecosystems. Habitat loss and poaching are gradually pushing many rare species of animals and plants to the brink of extinction.
The amount of waste, especially plastic waste, is increasing rapidly and becoming a difficult problem. The current waste management system is not effective enough, leading to incomplete treatment and widespread waste in many places. According to statistics from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, each year in Vietnam, about 1.8 million tons of plastic waste are discharged into the environment, 0.28 million to 0.73 million tons of which are discharged into the sea - but only 27% of which are treated and recycled by facilities and businesses. It is worth mentioning that the treatment and recycling of plastic waste is still limited when up to 90% of plastic waste is treated by burying, filling, burning and only the remaining 10% is recycled.
To address these challenges, Vietnam is making efforts through implementing sustainable environmental policies, promoting green technology solutions, and raising public awareness of environmental protection. However, to achieve long-term sustainable results, cooperation between the government, businesses, communities, and international tourists is essential.
- Recently, at COP28, Vietnam emphasized continued international cooperation and is implementing a Resource Mobilization Plan for a Just Energy Transition.
- Vietnam has conducted annual greenhouse gas inventories and developed many documents and policies to reduce emissions, from national to industry and local levels.
- Aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43.5% by 2030 compared to the business-as-usual scenario, and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
- Under this strategy, greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector would fall by 32.6% by 2030 and by 91.6% by 2050. Emissions would peak in 2035 before falling rapidly.
These efforts demonstrate Vietnam's strong determination in dealing with climate change, while opening up opportunities for cooperation in developing a circular economy and effectively adapting to climate change.
Vietnam, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, has taken many measures to protect and sustainably develop this valuable resource.
- Vietnam has identified nearly 63,000 species of organisms, with many new species discovered every year. As of 2023, Vietnam has established 178 nature reserves, including 34 national parks and 59 nature reserves.
- In addition, Vietnam has 9 Ramsar sites, 11 UNESCO-recognized world biosphere reserves, 12 ASEAN heritage parks, and an internationally important migratory waterbird area.
- Vietnam has actively participated in many international treaties related to biodiversity conservation such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Ramsar Convention, and the CITES Convention.
- Commit to join the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) with the goal of stopping biodiversity loss.
- In May 2022, the Prime Minister approved the National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, with a vision to 2050, with the goal of protecting and restoring natural ecosystems.
- The Government has also issued a Project to strengthen the prevention and combat of biodiversity crimes by 2030, aiming to reduce illegal hunting and trafficking of wild animals and plants.
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has submitted to the Government the National Biodiversity Conservation Plan for the 2021-2030 period.
- Coordinate with international organizations such as UNDP, UNEP and WWF to develop conservation cooperation programs.
- International Day for Biological Diversity 2024 with the theme “Be part of the biodiversity plan” aims to raise global awareness and promote conservation actions.
- Vietnam strengthens communication and education about the values of biodiversity in its sustainable development strategy.
- Encourage the application of advanced scientific and technological solutions in biodiversity monitoring and management.
- Develop innovative solutions to improve the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
With these efforts, Vietnam not only conserves its rich biological resources but also actively contributes to global biodiversity goals, demonstrating its role as a responsible member of the international community.
The Hanoi People's Committee has made efforts to implement solutions to reduce pollution such as deploying buses using compressed gas (CNG), electric buses, exceeding the target of planting 1 million trees by 2020 and continuing to plant 500,000 trees in the period of 2021 - 2025; installing more air monitoring stations. Implementing and ensuring that there is no more illegal burning of straw, crop by-products and other waste in the area. Districts, towns and cities have also developed related plans to minimize the burning of straw, in order to minimize air pollution. At the same time, Hanoi is also building a mechanism to encourage cooperatives to apply clean production models, support funding for purchasing straw treatment products, purchasing straw rolling and pressing machines, introducing cooperative models for collecting straw after harvest suitable to the conditions of each district and town to apply, deploy, orient, and encourage the development of agricultural production cooperatives that utilize straw in production, contributing significantly to reducing air pollution.
As well as Hanoi City has implemented the construction of "Zones to restrict motorbike operations in accordance with the infrastructure and service capacity of the public passenger transport system, moving towards stopping motorbike operations in districts by 2030"; researched the construction and implementation of motor vehicle toll collection in some areas in the city at risk of traffic congestion to limit the number of motor vehicles, and from 2025 to 2030 the city will pilot the establishment of low emission zones in some areas in Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts.
Like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City has also implemented many solutions to improve air quality in the area, such as planting more trees to achieve the goal of planting 10 million trees in the period of 2021 - 2025; putting into operation metro lines and electric buses; handling more than 10,000 vehicles violating emission regulations,...
Cities and localities in Vietnam have been actively investing in wastewater treatment projects and calling for ODA capital from international organizations; promoting the socialization of investment in drainage and wastewater treatment works, calling for investment in the form of public-private partnerships (PPP), to create more capital, create all favorable conditions for investors to participate in the construction of wastewater treatment plants, contributing to building an increasingly green, clean and beautiful urban environment.
These models not only promote local economic development but also help preserve cultural values and protect the natural environment. Take time to enjoy green tourism destinations such as ecological parks, sustainable tourism areas and traditional craft villages. Join trekking in Ba Be National Park or explore caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang to fully enjoy the magical beauty of nature.
Come to Vietnam not only to admire the beautiful scenery but also to contribute to protecting and preserving the natural values here. Every small action of yours has great significance for the environment and the local community. Let's join hands to protect the environment for a green and sustainable planet for future generations.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vietnam, where nature and people blend together to create a vibrant and inspiring picture.
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