First int’l workshop on sustainable use of Hanoi lakes

The Hanoitimes - The country’s first international seminar o­n protecting Hanoi ’s lakes in a sustainable manner amid rapid urbanisation and climate change, took place in Hanoi , with over 150 domestic and overseas experts taking part.

The seminar was jointly organised by the Centre for the Environment and Community Research (CECR), part of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations and a number of other agencies.

The delegates discussed necessary measures to protect the ecosystem of Hanoi ’s lakes in the context of urbanization and climate change.

They also exchanged experience in the restoration and protection of Balaton Lake ( Hungary ), Han River (the Republic of Korea ) and Tahoe Lake (the US ).

Nguyen Ngoc Ly, CECR’s Director, said that successfully restoring Hanoi ’s lakes to their original condition to protect the eco-system is in the interests of local communities and must be prioritised.

According to a report recently published by CECR, pollution, poor infrastructure and a lack of public awareness are threatening the health of the capital’s lakes.

CECR also unveiled its new website www.cecr.vn which as well as providing information, will link up environmental experts, businesses and local communities so that future moves to restore and protect Hanoi’s lakes are successful.

As part of its response to World Earth Day 2012, CECR, in conjunction with the US Embassy and over 100 volunteers, recently cleaned up Ngoc Khanh Lake , to help raise the publics awareness of the need to protect the environment.

CECR DirectorNguyen Ngoc Ly said Hanoi can o­nly achieved sustainable development if environmental problems are effectively settled. The restoration of the lakes becomes an important index but it requires synchronous measures.

Currently, the city houses tens of lakes, of which, the famous o­nes include Hoan Kiem Lake , West Lake . Most of the lakes are situated in Dong Da, Hoang Mai, Ba Dinh and Hai Ba Trung districts.