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Prime Minister's Decision on the programme on protection and development of fisheries resources until 2020 (No. 188/QD–TTg of 13 February 2012) sets out several specific objectives related to resource protection, including (for completion by 2015):
-a database on aquatic resources, to make forecasting of resources, fishing grounds, and fishing seasons part of the fisheries management;
-10 marine conservation zones and 19 inland water area conservation zones and, by 2020, to complete the designation of conservation zones and include them in the marine and inland water conservation master plan; and
-to have designated no-fish zones and zones subject to seasonal fishing restrictions.

The Decision also sets objectives to improve research into fisheries resources and to improve enforcement of laws as well as improving stocks and rehabilitating damaged areas. A committee was established for this programme under Decision No. 2322/QD-BNN-TCTS of 26 September 2012.

Under Decision No. 2427 of 2011, the national strategy provides, inter alia, for: non- renewable mineral resources to be managed, protected, exploited and used rationally; survey and evaluation of mineral resources to be implemented in advance to permit efficient planning; exploration and mining to be associated with the potential for processing and use of each type of mineral, in light of the needs of all economic sectors; for large-scale deposits of minerals, only processed products with high economic value to be exported; and international cooperation to be utilized to access scientific knowledge and environmentally friendly technologies. The strategy focuses on: coal, uranium, metals, non-metals, construction materials, natural thermal water, mineral water, oil, and gas. It also provides guidelines in several specific areas of regulation, i.e. management and planning, science and technology, finance, and environmental protection.

In mining, where foreign-invested enterprises account for the largest part of total output, efforts have been undertaken to promote sustainable development and ensure that mined products are used in a cost-effective and efficient way; legislative changes have affected, inter alia, the granting of mining licences and increased royalties. 

In mining, where foreign-invested enterprises account for the largest part of total output, efforts have been made to promote sustainable development and ensure that mined products are used in a cost-effective and efficient way.

Reportedly, while the recent issue of new legal instruments (see below) demonstrates efforts to draft stricter provisions on exploiting and preserving mineral resources, they imply that investors in the mining sector could face greater regulatory obstacles.

A new Law on Royalties (2009) and its implementing texts were passed during 2009-10, and became effective on 1 July 2010, thus making substantial amendments to the relevant provisions. This change was aimed at restraining rampant mineral exploitation activities, raising more local government revenue for environmental protection and infrastructure improvement, and encouraging more rational, efficient, and effective mineral exploitation.

The exploration and exploitation of gold must use in-depth processing and modern techniques that cause no harm to the environment.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment oversees and coordinates (with other ministries) the preparation of the mineral strategy, subject to the Prime Minister's approval. All mining projects must be submitted to the Appraisal Council consisting of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), the Ministry of Construction, and the relevant provincial or municipal People's Committee.326 Only projects involving advanced and environmentally friendly techniques are approved.

As from January 2012, an environmental protection tax (Table 3.5) has been levied on items, that can cause a negative environmental impact, including fuels and lubricants. The tax consists of specific rates ranging from ₫300 per litre (fuel oil, petroleum, lubricants) to ₫1,000 per litre (gasoline, aircraft fuel) set from a specific tax frame. The authorities indicated the resulting price increase will help to limit production and consumption of polluting products, encourage the efficient use of energy, and reduce negative effects on the environment. Tax revenue from environmental protection is expected to allow for more investment in improving and protecting the environment, and for sustainable economic development.