The annual Vietnam Seas and Islands Week 2018 will take place in the northern province of Quang Ninh in June in response to World Oceans Day (June 8), announced the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

A gala night is slated for June 1 in Ha Long city of the province, including art performances and a seminar on youth’s role in sustainable development and protection of the country’s seas and islands sovereignty, along with the launch of a contest to compose songs for national seas and islands protection.

Meanwhile, the launching ceremony will be held on June 2 morning in Cam Pha city. The ceremony and concurrent activities in Truong Sa archipelago, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri and Bac Lieu provinces will be broadcast live. Major beach clean-ups will be carried out afterwards.

The Vietnam Sea and Islands Week aims to raise public awareness of the importance of seas and islands in national building and protection, encouraging organisations and individuals to take action to protect marine resources and the environment for the country’s growth and seas and islands sovereignty.

Coastal and sea areas are expected to contribute 53-55 percent to national gross domestic product by 2020 as set by the 4th meeting of the 10th Party Central Committee on the Vietnam Strategy on the Sea.-VNA