VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam will establish the coastal protection corridor in several localities from November 28 under a circular issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The move will on one hand prevent any act of illegal encroachment on coastal areas, and guarantee local people’s right to access territorial waters on the other.

Illustrative image -- Photo: TTXVN

In order to set up the coastal protection corridor, authorities will have to collect information to assess natural conditions, natural resources, ecosystems, natural landscapes, cultural heritage, the plans for socio-economic development, the exploitation of natural resources, the actual state of the sea environment, and disaster risks in coastal areas, according to Circular 29.

After the evaluation, the authorities will decide the scale of the coastal protection corridor.

The width of this coastal land strip will stretch from the average tide level to the land or islands to ensure people’s right to have access to the sea, protect the ecosystem, conserve the value of ecosystem services and natural landscapes, minimize coastal landslides, and respond to climate change and rising sea levels.

When the width of the corridor is decided, the authorities will inform local people and set up landmarks for the corridor.

According to the circular, authorities of each coastal locality will have to arrange finances to establish the corridor in line with regulations.

The Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands will help the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment monitor the implementation of the plan.

SGT