What are Environmental and sustainability laws?

The environment we live in is swiftly depleting due to the decline of natural resources. Tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere have resulted in massive holes in the ozone layer and are making it difficult to sustain the scorching UV radiations.

The air around us is thick with pollutants, making it harder to breathe and causing respiratory problems in newborn children. The Earth needs to be saved because it belongs to us all. While the natives of every state, every city, and every country must do what they can to reduce the negative effects on the environment, recent summits at the United Nations have come up with several environmental and sustainability laws to implement. Every country has its own way of implementing these laws, starting with the locals and continuing to tourists.

The Vietnam environmental regulations aim to meet these standards at their own pace. Mr. Luang Quong Huy who is a proud member of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in the Department of Climate Change brought to attention how travelling from one city to another via private transportation contributes tons of CO2 emissions in the country.

With these states of affairs in mind, Vietnam has levied sustainable means of tourism as well. While the law is still not set in stone to be implemented in the letter, there are certain practices that the government recommends as part of the Vietnam environmental regulations. Let’s take a deeper look at how tourism affects the environment and the practices that extend to tourists.

How does tourism affect the environment and sustainability in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a rich source of natural resources. The greenery and naturally growing rainforests are some of the major attractions in the country. There is also the pristine South China coastline that contributes to the beauty of the state. Thus, protecting these natural resources is a primary concern for the citizens of Vietnam. However, the contributions of environmental degradation don’t just come from locals but tourists as well, and here’s how:

1. Despite their efforts, Vietnam still largely uses fossil fuels rather than sustainable sources of energy. While the locals are constantly striving to replicate the results with sustainable sources, due to the lack of too many options and limited time, tourists often tend to use the depleting fossil fuels for their convenience.

2. When you plan a trip to Vietnam, it is not just about visiting the capital city of Hanoi. You will definitely want to and should soak in the natural setting of Ho Chi Mihn City which is popular for its urban landscape, Vung Tau and Nha Trang to relish the beaches, Ha Long for the Winter Wonderland, Mui Ne or Vihn Long for a spa retreat, Rach Gia for some adventures or for a closeup experience with nature and wildlife, or a number of other cities.

Travelling by car emits tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which is hard to balance even in the country rich in natural resources.

3. Some tourists like to bring back natural souvenirs from their trips to the mountains, beaches, and rainforests. While they sell souvenirs at several kiosks, the country's offerings are carefully curated without harming wildlife, marine life, and nature. However, some tourists who try to indulge in these vices end up upsetting the natural balance, which is why the Vietnam environmental regulations have been levied.

The government of Vietnam recognises the efforts of their citizens and some travellers who strive to protect the environment and not upset the balance of nature. The Vietnam environmental regulations are slowly being implemented to make a larger effect over time. The country aims to reach a state of zero emissions sooner than later as was discussed by the experts from Vietnam’s environmental well-wishers at the 2024 Net Zero Travel Forum.

Being a little mindful during your trip to Vietnam will not only enrich your experience but also help the locals preserve the environment that draws so many tourists to the country that is naturally blessed. Following simple environmental and sustainability guidelines would help you uphold Vietnam's environmental regulations and the world in general. For travelers exploring Vietnam’s natural beauty, International Travel Insurance ensures you’re covered for emergencies while witnessing these eco-friendly initiatives.

Ethical tourism practices in Vietnam to comply with the environmental laws

The Vietnam environmental regulations aren’t yet completely defined but the regulatory bodies are working hard to ensure that tourists and locals follow the guidelines. Apart from the usual stuff, here are some guidelines you can follow on your trip to Vietnam for ethical tourism:

1. Opt for public transport instead of private cars and bikes. It is true that public transportation does consume the same amount of fuel and emits equal parts of Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. However, they ferry multiple people at once in a single vehicle. This helps reduce the amount of emissions from individual cars.

For instance, if three couples and at least two families of 4 to 5 people take public transportation to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, there may be two tons of emissions entering the atmosphere. However, if you took a separate vehicle and so did the couple and the other family, then each vehicle emits two tons of Co and CO2, which is a total of 10 tons.

2. Don’t take corals or seaweed when exploring the coasts of Vietnam. This puts a lot of pressure on natural resources and causes a massive imbalance through a ripple effect.

3. Don’t litter the coasts and beaches of Vietnam. The water washes some of the litter into the ocean when the tides hit. Therefore, not only is it unsanitary to swim or partake in water activities, but marine life is negatively impacted. They could die from suffocation or the inability to swim when caught in litter.

4. Instead of purchasing small bottles of water to carry around, purchase larger jugs with taps. You can still drink safe and distilled water by pouring it out in cups and glasses (not plastic) to avoid waterborne diseases. You also don’t end up littering or causing plastic pileups.

5. Use recycling bins and get rid of trash.

6. Ask the locals where to purchase sustainable souvenirs. That way, not only do you bring back incredible memorabilia of your trip but you also discourage locals from indulging in unlawful degradation of the environment to make a few quick bucks.

It is true that everyone has the right to travel whenever they want and however, they please to enjoy the pleasures of different countries. That does not imply that we can take the Earth and its resources for granted. That is the precise thought behind the Vietnam Environmental regulations.

As tourists, you have a responsibility to uphold another country’s beliefs and social practices. When you practice the Vietnam Environmental Regulations, you don’t just do it for them. You do it for yourself, so you have a beautiful place to come back to and enjoy again in the future, and so can your family and friends.

FAQs

1. Are there any fines if I break the laws or don’t follow the Vietnam Environmental Regulations?

The government of Vietnam is swiftly working towards a system to implement the Vietnam Environmental Regulations. There will be fines levied for those who violate these regulations for both tourists and locals.

2. How to travel sustainably if I don’t like public transport?

It is understandable if you don’t want to travel with a heavy crowd on public transportation. However, you do need to be mindful of the use of fossil fuels and CO and CO2 emissions. Therefore, an ideal alternative would be to avoid buses but opt for vehicles that help transport 2-3 families or couples at a time. These are easily accessible and still contribute to protecting the environment. You won’t have to travel in large crowds, but a handful of other people will share your ride.

3. Why are Vietnam Environmental Regulations so important?

Since Vietnam is still largely using fossil fuels and the country is rich in natural settings, the Vietnam Environmental Regulations strive to bring a semblance of balance between man and nature. They are also working to transfer their needs to sustainable and renewable sources of energy and in the meantime, they need to regulate the use of non-renewable resources.

4. Do the locals follow the Vietnam Environmental Regulations?

Yes, the locals of Vietnam are largely focused on upholding the Vietnam Environmental Regulations. While tourists are expected to follow the rules and keep Vietnam sustainable, there is no bias. The locals have to follow stricter laws to uphold the standards being set by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.