THE PRIME MINISTER OF GOVERNMENT
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SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Independence - Freedom – Happiness
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No. 131/2004/QD-TTg
Hanoi, July 16, 2004
 DECISION
APPROVING THE AQUATIC RESOURCE PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TILL 2010
THE PRIME MINISTER
Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government of December 25, 2001,
Pursuant to the Law on Fisheries of November 26, 2003,
Pursuant to the Government's Decree No. 43/2003/ND-CP of May 2, 2003 defining the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Fisheries,
At the proposal of the Minister of Fisheries,
DECIDES:
Article 1.- To approve the Aquatic Resource Protection and Development Program till 2010 with the following major contents:
I. OBJECTIVES
- To protect and conserve aquatic diversity, especially the precious and rare aquatic species of scientific and economic value; preserve the diversity and originality of Vietnam's biological aquatic ecology for the present and future.
- To restore aquatic resources in inshore sea areas, rivers, reservoirs and submerged regions for sustainable aquatic resource development.
- To raise the awareness about the importance and value of natural resources and bio-diversity, and at the same time, clearly define the role and responsibilities of fishermen in the protection of aquatic resources.
- To enhance the capability of State management over aquatic resource protection and development, of the functional agencies and administrations at all levels.
II. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- The aquatic resource protection and development must take into account the balance between economic development and protection of natural resources and environment, the harmony between the interests of different industries and localities, and must concurrently be effected with focal points.
- The aquatic resource protection and development shall go in couple with the enhanced control of natural aquatic resource exploitation and environment so as to ensure the natural ecological balance of water basins.