Ba Ria  - Vung Tau promotes circular economy towards green growth  (Photo: VNA) 

Ba Ria – Vung Tau (VNA) -  A seminar discussing thepossibility to develop a circular economy model serving sustainable developmentin the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau was held on March 20 in Con Daodistrict.

The event was jointly hosted by the Institute for Circular Economy Development(ICED) of the Vietnam NationalUniversity, Ho Chi Minh City and the provincial Department ofScience and Technology, and the People’s Committee of Con Dao district.

Participants at the seminar (Photo: VNA)

In recent years, ConDao district has witnessed strong development steps, becoming an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

However, Con Dao isfacing challenges in waste treatment; the risk of ecosystem degradation due tothe impact of economic activities and climate change; the water shortage especiallyduring the peak of the tourism and dry seasons. These have affected people’slives and the development of the service - tourism industry.

Local officials have proposed the study and application of a circular economy modelin order to create a breakthrough in solving current challenges, thus meetingthe requirement of socio-economic development; protecting the environment; promotingcultural, historical and ecological values; and proactively responding toclimate change.

According to AssociateProfessor, Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan, Director of ICED, the circular economy is the model that focuseson managing and regenerating natural resources in a closed circle in order to minimisewaste generation.

The circular economyis identified as the right direction with high efficiency, especially in protectingthe environment and responding to climate change, especially in islands likeCon Dao. Many islands withsimilar conditions to Con Dao in the worlds have successfully applied the model,he said.

Nguyen Cong Danh,Director of the provincial Department of Science and Technology, said that theCon Dao districts is prioritising sustainable development for the goal of greengrowth; improving the efficiency of planning, architecture, construction, resourcemanagement, and environmental protection; and maximising advantages andpotential; and improving the quality of people's lives.

ꦓ Participants to the event agreed with the proposal to develop a circulareconomy model in Con Dao island district for the goal of green growth andsustainable development./.