Improving legislations on integrated management of marine and island resources and environmental protection in the new era

Abstract

Vietnam is a maritime country, with a coastline of more than 3,260 km and more than 3,000 islands, including the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos. The marine economy is an important driving force and premise for socio-economic development, environmental protection, national defence, security, foreign affairs and international cooperation. Vietnam's coastal provinces and cities account for more than 50% of the country's population, most of whom work in marine-related sectors; the contribution of 28 coastal provinces and cities to the country's GDP has now exceeded 60%. In the current situation, after negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the general recession of major economies in the world, the coastal economy and marine economic sectors play an increasingly important role in restoring socio-economic activities and promoting Vietnam's economic growth.