First dialogue on ocean governance strategies opens in Hanoi

The event themed "Ocean Governance Strategies: The Case of the South China Sea was held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), and the Embassy of Australia in the presence of senior experts and representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.

In his opening speech, Associate Professor Nguyen Vu Tung, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam emphasized that the ocean plays an increasing role in our security and economic development but states are more often interested in exploiting the ocean than protecting it.

He noted that the present situation has led to rapid maritime environment degradation and over-exploitation and depletion of maritime resources. He also warned that competing maritime claims could prevent states from cooperating with one another to promote sustainable ocean management.

Ambassador HE Mr. Craig Chittick of the Australian Embassy highlighted the significance of the event, pointing out that enhancing cooperation on ocean governance between countries in the region will not only bring about opportunities for economic integration and development but will also help develop tools to combat transnational crimes such as illegal fishing, people smuggling, terrorism, and piracy.

Peter Girke, Head of KAS Vietnam said the dialogue will significantly contribute – both academically and practically - to debates on the ocean’s governance in Vietnam.

Participants discussed concepts of ocean governance, ocean strategy, and ocean policy and how they are formulated and implemented in specific countries. They also shared perspectives of the impacts of maritime disputes in the East Sea on the ocean strategy of regional countries and how international cooperation could be promoted in the region.