ASEAN Steps Up Biodiversity Preservation

Deputy Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dato Misran Karmain has stressed the need to improve awareness of biodiversity-related values among ASEAN residents. In addressing the opening ceremony of the ASEAN exhibition on biodiversity which took place in Hanoi on August 3, Dato Misran Karmain said ASEAN is well known as one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world, and renowned for its rich biological heritage. The exhibition therefore aimed to promote public awareness, the need for people's participation on biodiversity conservation as well as strengthen cooperation among countries, regions and beyond.

Bui Cach Tuyen, Director-General of the Vietnam Environment Administration under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, also highlighted the importance of raising public  awareness on their responsibilities in conserving and utilizing natural resources and biodiversity responsibly.

The exhibition was organized following Vietnam's initiatives as the ASEAN Chairman for the 21th ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting on Environment from August 2-7. It is also one of the activities in response to the International Year of Biodiversity 2010 with the slogan " Biodiversity is life. Biodiversity is our life". It is noteworthy that among 28 national protected areas listed in the ASEAN Heritage Parks, Vietnam contributes four, including BaBe, Chu Mom Ray, Hoang Lien and Kon Ka Kinh.

For further details, see http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/ASEAN-steps-up-biodiversity-preservation/20108/11133.vnplus, For information on biotechnology in Vietnam, contact nbngoc78@yahoo.com of AgbioViet.