Hanoi, October 5, 2019 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Administration of Forestry and the Department of Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is launching a drawing competition called “Mangroves protect lives and minimize the impact of climate change”.

The competition begins on October 5, 2019 and runs until December 20, 2019. The winning entries will receive a certificate from the Organizing Committee and valuable prizes. The awards ceremony will be held in December 2019 in Ca Mau province.

Vietnamese citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity and religion, who are studying in high schools in coastal provinces can submit entries. Each contestant may submit any number of works focused on the role of mangroves in mitigating the effects of climate change in Vietnam. Submissions will be selected based on creativity, clear messages and a strong impression on the viewers, as well as aesthetics and the use of harmonious colors.

Mangroves play a very important role in improving the ecological environment and protecting the sea dykes. If this "green wall" is stronger, it will have a greater effect in responding to and minimizing damage caused by climate change and natural disasters. Over the years, many storms have affected our country, and it has been shown that in areas where mangroves are well planted and protected, sea dykes are stable in the face of strong winds and storms and property is protected from damage. However, mangrove areas in Vietnam have been significantly reduced, mainly due to population growth and unplanned expansion of aquaculture.

This competition is one of many awareness raising activities under the project "Improving the resilience of coastal communities to climate change in Viet Nam" with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), UNDP and the Viet Nam Government.

For more information, please refer to the fanpage at: https://www.facebook.com/vungvenbienvabiendoikhihau/

Press contact

Phan Huong Giang

Media and Communications Analyst

Climate Change & Environment

United Nations Development Programme

Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org