Take action for sustainable rural environment” is the message of a national drive that was launched in the northern province of Hung Yen on September 19 in response to the 2015 Clean Up The World Campaign. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chu Pham Ngoc Hien said the theme stresses the important role played by rural areas in environmental protection. Rural areas, which make up 80 percent of the nation’s area and accommodates 67 percent of the national population, serve as the “green belt” to maintain ecological balance between rural and urban areas, he said. However, the official noted, the rapid economic development has brought about environmental pollution here, mainly due to spontaneous production using out-of-date technologies, and people’s limited awareness of the matter. Solid waste has emerged as the most pressing issue. It is estimated that 6.6 million tonnes of solid waste are being discharged daily in rural areas with only about 10 percent in remote and far-flung areas being collected, he said. The huge amount of uncollected waste has caused serious environmental problem, affecting locals’ living standards and health, and damaging bio-diversity. Through the drive, the ministry called on ministries, agencies, organisations, businesses and individuals nationwide to join hands in protecting the environment, especially in rural areas, with more heed paying to awareness-raising work. The global campaign Clean Up The World aims to inspire and empower communities to clean up, fix up and conserve their environment. Held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, it mobilises an estimated 35 million people across 130 countries each year.-VNA