Circular No. 18/2004/TT-BTNMT guiding the implementation of the Government's Decree No. 109/2003/ND-CP on the conservation and sustainable development of submerged areas.

The present Circular guides the implementation of Decree No. 109/2003/ND-CP providing for the management, conservation and sustainable development of wetlands. In particular, it sets out conservation criteria by the identification of those wetlands that shall undergo a conservation programme. The Circular deals, inter alia, with the following matters: characteristics essential for the definition of wetlands, the seasonal or perennial habitat of rare or endangered species of fauna and flora, the presence of water birds, as well as the local, historical or environmental importance of their location; zoning shall be operated in these wetlands according to the criteria of Section I. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for the formulation of projects on wetlands, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Fisheries shall be responsible for the organization and formulation of projects on the establishment of reserves. Boundaries shall be assessed, buffer zones established and protection sub-zones defined in order to prevent and limit any damages to the protected areas.