Ensuring national defence and security while protecting the marine environment

Deputy Tran Quang Tam (Dak Lak delegation) emphasised that seas and islands constitute a particularly sensitive strategic area directly related to national defence and security. Accordingly, scientific research activities conducted by foreign organisations and individuals involving seabed drilling or the use of deep-sea survey equipment in Vietnamese waters must undergo direct appraisal and be supervised by specialised national defence forces, rather than being subject to a mechanism of deemed approval.

He also proposed introducing strict penalties for deliberately providing inaccurate coordinates or technical specifications, or using marine research data in ways that could undermine national defence and security.

National Assembly deputy Tran Quang Tam of the Dak Lak delegation.

Regarding environmental protection, Deputy Tran Quang Tam recommended clearly stipulating the responsibilities of organisations and individuals causing marine pollution or environmental degradation to cover restoration costs and compensate for damages. He also called for tighter controls over industrial waste discharge along the coast.

Deputy Nguyen Thanh Ngan (Khanh Hoa delegation) proposed adding provisions to prevent marine environmental degradation during scientific research activities, ensuring that such activities do not seriously impair the functions and structure of marine ecosystems.

Ensuring public access to the sea and protecting local livelihoods

Deputy Le Huu Tri (Khanh Hoa delegation) proposed introducing mechanisms to safeguard the public's right of access to the sea from the planning, allocation of marine areas and project approval stages. Coastal and land reclamation projects should clearly designate public access routes, beaches and traditional communal spaces for local residents.

He emphasised that the allocation, leasing and auctioning of rights to use marine areas must be conducted transparently, with full consideration given to environmental impacts, local livelihoods and national interests, rather than being based solely on economic benefits.

Deputy Trieu Thi Ngoc Diem of the Can Tho City Delegation. (Photo: Nhan Dan Newspaper)

Deputy Trieu Thi Ngoc Diem (Can Tho City delegation) proposed adding provisions on the responsibilities of provincial-level People's Committees in identifying affected groups, assessing the extent of impacts and developing support plans for communities whose lawful livelihoods are directly affected by projects involving the use of marine space. Support measures should be implemented before projects disrupt local livelihoods, with a focus on ensuring actual employment and income opportunities for residents.

In his response, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said the Government would take their opinions into account and continue refining mechanisms for managing and coordinating the use of marine space to ensure national defence, security and national interests. At the same time, it would improve policies supporting livelihood transitions and safeguarding public access to the sea, while linking economic development with the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems.

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