Denmark to help Vietnam with environmental management HANOI - The Danish government will provide US$ 890,000 to Vietnam to help the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) raise its capacity for planning the strategic development of environment-related projects. To this effect, an agreement was signed in Hanoi on May 17 by MPI Deputy Minister Vo Hong Phuc and Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Ove Ullerup. The project on strengthening capacity and supporting project management for MPI's Education and Environment Department would be implemented over the next two years. At present, environment-related projects are managed by different ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Environment Department, the Ministry of Construction and provincial People's Committees. The coordination and exchanges of experience amongst ministries has faced many difficulties. As an agency in charge of developing plans and distributing natural resources, the MPI will take environmental factors into consideration when making decisions on investment. The project will help the MPI ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, and urban and industrial development in Vietnam. It will support the National Environment Department, an agency responsible for the management and protection of the nation's environment. This project is part of Denmark's program to support Vietnam in environmental protection. It consists of 15 projects on four themes, namely the protection of biodiversification and natural reserves; management of coastlines and protected coastal areas; the protection of urban and industrial environments and education and raising awareness of the environment. Vietnam News Agency - May 18, 2000.