Integrated ocean management based on science and data

Harmonizing conservation with exploitation

Integrated ocean and island management is an interdisciplinary, interregional approach that centers on ecosystems, aiming to harmonize conservation with exploitation. In Viet Nam, this model has been institutionalized through the Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment 2015 and Decree No. 25/2009/ND-CP on integrated management of natural resources and environmental protection of the sea and islands. This is a strategic pillar for the sustainable exploitation of ocean economic potential, ensuring environmental security and long-term development.

Integrated management helps scientifically zone marine areas and reduce conflicts between sectors. The National Marine Spatial Planning is being implemented based on ecosystems and development needs, aiming to conserve at least 30% of ocean areas by 2030, in line with the Global Ocean Alliance's commitments. The Law of the Sea of Viet Nam also serves as a unified management tool, clearly defining the legal regime for sea areas, delineating responsibilities between central and local governments, and addressing overlapping, thereby enhancing the efficiency of marine resource exploitation.

Integrated management is a key pillar in the context of climate change and increasingly complex maritime disputes. Close integration with socio-economic development planning, sectoral marine economic plans, and international commitments provides a solid legal and scientific foundation. The Strategy on Exploitation and Protection of the Marine and Island Environment by 2030, with a vision to 2050, along with national databases currently under development, contributes to Viet Nam's active participation in regional forums such as PEMSEA and supports the goal of healthy oceans.

Integrated management creates the basis for exploiting marine potential through green technologies and a circular economy. By 2030, Viet Nam aims to become a strong maritime nation, with resources used efficiently and environmental risk reduced. Completing legislation and integrated management mechanisms will not only meet domestic needs but also provide a foundation for international integration and the development of an ocean economy.

Integrated ocean and island management is the "key" to transforming the vast potential of the sea into a national development driver while firmly safeguarding sovereignty and national interests at sea.

Science as the lodestar, technology as the lever, data as the lifeblood

With its long coastline and vast marine potential, Viet Nam is striving to become a strong maritime nation with sustainable development, prosperity, security, and safety by 2045.

To realize this aspiration, integrated ocean management is a key task that requires a comprehensive, modern approach, particularly one based on three pillars: solid science, advanced technology, and a synchronized, transparent data system. These elements are inseparable, ensuring the efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability of marine management in the face of complex environmental, economic, and global security challenges.

According to marine resource and environmental experts, science is the core foundation shaping strategies for all ocean management decisions. Scientific research provides an in-depth understanding of ecosystems, resources, and the laws governing ocean motion, serving as the basis for developing and implementing policies and laws for sustainable ocean economic development.

Therefore, it is essential to strengthen marine scientific research linked with fundamental surveys, especially proactive studies that support the formulation of planning and development plans. Priority contents include surveying and assessing aquatic resources and habitats, exploring new resources, determining resilience and adaptive capacity of ecosystems, and calculating the carrying capacity of the marine environment.

Science also opens up green solutions, such as conserving coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are effective "blue carbon sinks," as well as researches solutions to address practical challenges, such as monitoring harmful algae in shellfish aquaculture. Developing a national science and technology program focused on marine and island areas emphasizes innovation, considering it a breakthrough solution that must be prioritized.

Technology is a breakthrough driver, enabling more modern, efficient, and adaptive ocean management. The decisive factor is leveraging the achievements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, especially digital transformation, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI). Modern technologies have been and will continue to be widely applied across many areas of marine management, including monitoring and forecasting natural disasters; exploration, extraction, and processing of offshore oil, gas, and mineral resources; development of high-tech marine farming; offshore renewable energy; biodiversity conservation; and marine environmental protection.

Data is the "backbone" that connects science and technology, forming an effective, integrated ocean management system. An urgent task is to complete, integrate, and digitize all marine databases from ministries, sectors, and localities into the national marine database. This system requires upgraded infrastructure to ensure seamless data creation, updating, access, and sharing. Data is a key factor in intersectoral coordination, resolving conflicting interests, and selecting optimal development strategies, particularly in high-potential areas, through the application of Big Data and AI.

Essential data types include biodiversity, natural conditions, socio-economic characteristics of marine and island areas, integrated marine governance indicators, and national statistics on the sea and islands. Digital transformation in management not only digitizes processes but also enhances intersectoral and interregional governance. Real-time data and AI-powered analysis of massive marine data will promote preventive initiatives and proactive responses to challenges. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has also called for joint efforts to build a global marine data system.

For Viet Nam to truly become a strong maritime nation, integrated ocean management must rely on science as the lodestar, technology as the lever, and data as the lifeblood of the entire system. Only when science, technology, and data are tightly integrated across all aspects of management can we effectively address threats, restore ocean health, and ensure a green, prosperous future for current and future generations.