VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam and the US have signed a memorandum of intent (MOI) which will pave the way for the cleanup of dioxin in Da Nang.

The MOI was signed in Ha Noi on December 30 by Director of the US Agency for International Development in Viet Nam Francis Donovan and Head of the MinistryTechnology and Environment Cao Tien Hinh of National Defence's Department of Science.

Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Huy Hieu said his ministry had worked successfully with international organisations in the past, including those from the US, to clean up dioxin contaminated areas across the country.

He said he hoped the dioxin cleanup programme would bring even greater results, helping to improve the environment and health conditions for Vietnamese people.

US Ambassador Michael Michalak said the MOI confirmed the mutual desire of both governments to co-operate on this matter so the cleanup could begin in July 2011 and be completed in October 2013.

Since 2001, the US Government has worked closely with Viet Nam on the issue of Agent Orange/Dioxin. In 2010, the US Government spent US$16.9 million as part of a $34 million project to remove dioxin from the soil in Da Nang.

The US Government would carry out its remediation work in collaboration with Viet Nam's Ministry of National Defence. The two governments were jointly preparing for the design, procurement and implementation of the project, said the US diplomat.


* Youth Act for Environment Day - 2011 launched


The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCMCYU) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment launched a Day of Youth Acting for Environment 2011 in the northern province of Bac Giang on Jan. 2.

As part of activities on the occasion, information campaigns will be conducted to spread knowledge on environmental and natural resources protection and coping with climate change. Youth union members will conduct clean-ups campaigns and plant trees in schools, offices and residential areas.

The HCMCYU and leaders of Bac Giang Province and a number of businesses presented 80 bicycles to poor pupils in the province.

As part of Year of Youth 2011, the day was also launched in Hanoi the same day in order to get young people play a greater role in environmental protection.


VNN/VNS/VOV