The Conference was kindly hosted in Hanoi by the Government of Vietnam, with leadership from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Vietnam
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Vietnam is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Southeast Asia, home to 275 species of mammals, 800 species of birds, 180 species of reptiles, 80 species of amphibians, 2,470 species of fish, 5,500 species of insects, more than 165 coral species, and 12,000 plant species (of which only 7,000 have been identified). Ten per cent of the world's mammal, bird and fish species inhabit the country and more than 40 per cent of local plant species are believed to exist nowhere else in the world. Vietnam is part of the Indo-Burma hotspot that covers 2,373,000 km² of tropical Asia east of the Ganges-Brahmaputra lowlands. The extensive coastal area in this hotspot includes the 3,444-km coastline of Vietnam.
Vietnam is a densely-populated, developing country that, in the last 30 years, has made substantial progress in moving forward to an increased level of development and poverty reduction. In recent years, government authorities, together with non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, have been working on enhancing the policy and practice of integrated coastal management and marine protected areas. GDP growth averaged 6.8% per year from 1997 to 2004 and hit a high of 8% in 2005. Since 2001, Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and international integration. They have moved to implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. A highlight of this commitment is the recent meeting of the Asian Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) which was held in Vietnam in 2006. Vietnam's vision and economy continues to propel the nation forward as an emerging leader in Southeast Asia.
Hanoi
Often referred to as the "Paris of the East" Hanoi is the thriving capital city of Vietnam. Since its first incarnation as the capital city in 1010, Hanoi (meaning "bend in the river) has centered around its environment along the Red River. Combining French and Chinese design with its own unique blend of culture in its pagodas, temples, museums, landmarks, shopping, and cuisine, Hanoi represents the crossroads of Vietnamese culture. With its tree-lined avenues and dotted lakes, Hanoi is a visitor's delight offering, for example, a perfect setting for an afternoon walk and a stop at one of the city's many French-style cafes while taking in the bustling atmosphere. Sightseeing highlights include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum; the Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton," now a museum; the National Art Museum; Hoan Kiem Lake; and the winding maze of streets of the Old Quarter, filled with shops of all varieties. Modern Hanoi is a city unto itself that pays due respect to its past, its people, and its opportunities for the future.
Conference Venue: The Meliá Hanoi Hotel
The conference was held at the Meliá Hanoi Hotel, which is located in the heart of Hanoi. This luxurious 5-star hotel is within walking distance of beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, the Citadel of Vietnam, West Lake and the Opera House. Meliá Hanoi is situated in the center of the diplomatic and financial districts, in close proximity to most ministries and embassies. The Meliá has been host to many celebrities and heads of state: Queen Sofia de Borbon of Spain, Princess Anne of England, Princess Norodom Vacheahra of Cambodia and Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkia, to name a few.
This 22-story hotel is magnificently decorated, offering an excellent selection of services, with all the hospitality of traditional Vietnamese culture. The superior service and accommodations of the Meliá have earned it many awards including: the “Premier Award of Excellence” (1999) by Asia Travel Tips, "Best Service Hotel" 2000, "Best Business Hotel" 2001 by Vietnam Economic Times, "Best Conference Facilities Hotel" 2003 and 2004 by The Guide and “Vietnam Top Ten Hotels” by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
