Raising awareness, inspiring action for a blue ocean

On May 12, Nguyen Duc Toan, Director General of the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, issued the official plan for organizing activities in celebration of Vietnam Sea and Island Week and in response to World Oceans Day 2025.

Spreading awareness, inspiring action for a blue ocean

The plan is designed to widely promote the Party's and governmental policies on protecting marine and island resources and the environment while also aligning with global messages from the United Nations. The activities are expected to raise public awareness about the strategic role of seas and islands in socio-economic development, the safeguarding of national sovereignty, and the promotion of sustainable growth.

Through a multi-platform media campaign, cultural and artistic exchanges, beach cleanup activities, and professional seminars, Vietnam Sea and Island Week 2025 will serve as a meaningful occasion for the entire political system, businesses, and the public to demonstrate their responsibility for the ocean, which is an invaluable asset of humanity.

Notably, through various activities, the initiative seeks to create movements, models, and solutions that fully leverage Vietnam’s maritime economic potential and advantages. The ultimate goal is to contribute to Vietnam’s projected double-digit economic growth in the coming period and during the era of national resurgence.

The national launching ceremony is expected to be held at Ho Chi Minh Square (Dong Hoi city, Quang Binh province). In conjunction with this, the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands will host a specialized seminar on state management in the field of marine and island resources and environment, with participation from both domestic and international experts and scientists.

Synchronized coordination, comprehensive implementation

To ensure effective implementation, the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands has assigned specific tasks to each of its affiliated units. Professional departments will be responsible for developing seminar content, writing thematic articles, and coordinating communications efforts.

Especially noteworthy is the initiative by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Administration, which will organize a beach cleanup campaign. This will demonstrate the pioneering and proactive spirit of youth in environmental protection.

Previously, on April 24, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Minh Ngan issued an official document addressed to ministries, sectors, and localities regarding the organization of activities for Vietnam Sea and Island Week in response to World Oceans Day 2025.

In response to World Oceans Day, Vietnam Sea and Island Week (held annually from June 1–8) is an important occasion to raise awareness and spread the spirit of love for the sea, to demonstrate responsibility for preserving the marine and island environment and resources, and to reaffirm a strong commitment to the sustainable development of marine economic sectors in association with environmental protection and national sovereignty at sea. Photo: VASI.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has designated the theme for Vietnam Sea and Island Week 2025 as: “Green Technology for a Sustainable Ocean.” This message highlights the pioneering role of science, innovation, and green technologies in protecting the ocean, developing a prosperous and resilient marine economy, and safeguarding national sovereignty in a new era - the era of national resurgence. It aims to inspire community responsibility, encourage innovation, and drive green transformation toward a sustainable ocean.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has called on ministries, sectors, and localities to step up communications efforts on the theme and key messages of Vietnam Sea and Island Week in connection with World Oceans Day 2025. These efforts should align with the orientations for marine economic development, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and digital transformation.

Activities recommended include organizing seminars, roundtable discussions, and thematic forums on the application of science and technology in the management and sustainable use of marine spaces; the rational and efficient management, exploitation, and use of marine and island resources and environments; and sharing models for classifying household solid waste at the source on islands and in coastal areas.

At the same time, efforts should be strengthened to monitor, manage, and address plastic and solid waste in coastal and island areas, promote circular economy models within coastal communities, and prioritize local initiatives for marine environmental protection.