Vietnam boosts marine protection and plastic waste reduction
Vietnam has taken various steps to manage marine plastic waste, including the National Action Plan to 2030. However, weak links between island and mainland development, along with increasing marine pollution, remain key challenges.
Ba Ria-Vung Tau (VNA) – A two-day workshop on marine environmental protection and sustainable blue economy has been held in Con Dao, the southern province of Ba R🍃ia - Vung Tau province by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Worldwide Fund (WWF), and the provincial People’s Committee.
The event on last weekend reviewed the reducing ocean plastic waste in Vietnam project and discussed measures to tackle marine pollution and promote sustainable island economies.
Delegates emphasised the strategic role of islands in marine biodiversity and national defense, while highlighting the severe impact of plastic waste on ecosystems, fisheries, and human health.
Vietnam has taken various steps to manage marine plastic waste, including the National Action Plan to 2030. However, weak links between island and mainland development, along with increasing marine pollution, remain key challenges.
WWF-Germany reported that over 10,600 cubic metres of plastic waste has been collected in marine protected areas, including 3,500 cubic metres from the sea. Awareness campaigns have led to 97% of households in pilot areas refusing single-use plastics, up from 47%.
In Con Dao, local authorities have implemented a plastic waste reduction plan targeting a 30% cut from 2020 levels by 2025. Initiatives include plastic-free cemeteries, green tourism, school waste programs, and composting organic waste.
Participants called for stronger island-mainland connectivity, public-private partnerships, circular economy development, and high-tech marine resource management. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to turning Vietnamese islands into models of green, sustainable development./.
The Bach Long Vi MPA covers more than 27,000 hectares and is divided into strictly protected zones, ecological recovery areas, development zones, and buffer zones.
A photo contest on actions for the blue ocean was recently launched by the Natural Resources and Environment Magazine in response to the action month for environment 2024.
Identifying marine environmental protection as an important task, the northeastern coastal province of Quang Ninh has begun the issuance of directives, resolutions, and planning at all levels to facilitate environmental conservation efforts.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
