photo: ashdenawards.org

VietNamNet Bridge - The Government of Netherlands has agreed to finance Vietnam 3.7 million euros to build 140,000 more biogas units for small farms nationwide.

Dutch Ambassador, Andre Haspels announced his government's intentions in Ha Noi on April 16 at a ceremony to announce the Energy Globe Award, one of the world's prestigious environmental prizes, to Viet Nam 's biogas project for animal husbandry.

The biogas for animal husbandry programme, part of a cooperative agreement between the governments of Viet Nam and the Netherlands , helped build 27,000 household-based biogas units in 24 cities and provinces nationwide between 2003 and 2006.

Biogas units convert animal waste into fuel that is immediately useable for cooking, heating, lighting and generating electricity.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cao Duc Phat emphasised the project has helped boost rural development while at the same time dealt with environmental pollution issues to contribute to the improvement of the living conditions of rural people.

The awards, handed out to 10 projects from around the world, were selected from a short list of over 700 entries and were presented at a special gala event at the European Parliament in Brussels, on April 11.

(Source: VNA)