Green cards will be granted to territories which meet such criteria as efficient exploitation, social security, environmental protection and ecological safety. These cards will be granted for a temporary period only, and will be revoked for areas violating the prescribed criteria. The "Geographical area trademark" for Vietnam's sea will be registered with international organisations for recognition.

The department proposed a list of 15 marine protected areas (MPA), four of which have been established namely Hon Mun in Khanh Hoa province, Cu Lao Cham islands in Quang Nam province, Phu Quoc islands in Kien Giang province and Con Co islands in Quang Tri province.

The remaining 11 areas will be established between now and 2015, accounting for 0.24 percent of Vietnam's sea area. Currently, the department is co-coordinating with localities to complete documents recognising such islands as Ly Son, Co To, Cat Ba and Con Dao as MPAs.