Aiming to boost administrative reform and enhance the efficiency of marine resource and environment management, the Hai Phong City People's Committee has officially announced a list of 17 amended and supplemented administrative procedures in the sea and island sector. These procedures are standardized to create the most favorable conditions for organizations and individuals involved in the exploitation and use of marine resources within the city.
Strong Decentralization and Shortened Processing Time
The highlight of this reform is the significant reduction in appraisal time compared to previous regulations. Specifically:
- Provincial-level sea area allocation procedures: The appraisal time has been cut from a maximum of 40 days to no more than 32 days starting from the receipt of complete and valid documents.
- Procedures for extending sea area usage: This has been shortened to 12.5 days, reducing the previous 25-day requirement by half.
These procedures are implemented through a one-stop or inter-agency one-stop mechanism at the City or Commune Public Administration Service Centers, as well as on the National Public Service Portal, enhancing transparency and saving costs for citizens.
Strict Management of Aquaculture and Sea Dumping
According to the newly publicized list, sea and island activities are managed in detail across two administrative levels:
- For Individuals (Handled at the Commune level): The Chairman of the Commune-level People's Committee in coastal areas has the authority to decide on the allocation, extension, recognition, or return of sea areas for Vietnamese individuals engaged in aquaculture. Residents should note that extension applications must be submitted at least 03 months before the current decision expires.
- For Organizations and Intensive Activities (Handled at the Provincial level): The City People's Committee will directly review and decide on dossiers regarding:
- Allocating sea areas for projects by organizations and individuals.
- Issuing permits and approving plans for dumping at sea. This dumping must ensure no harm to human health, the environment, or marine ecosystems.
- Permitting foreign organizations and individuals to conduct scientific research in Vietnamese waters, ensuring peaceful purposes and no prejudice to national defense and security.
Responsibilities of Sea Area Users
The Department of Agriculture and Environment emphasizes that organizations and individuals, once allocated a sea area, are responsible for protecting the marine environment and must report on usage status periodically every year before December 31st. All acts of encroachment, occupation of the sea, or using sea areas for the wrong purpose or outside the licensed boundaries are strictly prohibited.
The publicity and transparency of these administrative procedures are crucial steps for Hai Phong to realize its goal of becoming a dynamic, civilized, and sustainable marine economic center in the new era.