Meeting discusses source-to-sea approach for Hoi An’s plastic pollution
The application of source-to-sea (S2S) approach on managing plastic waste in the central province of Quang Nam’s Hoi An city was discussed at an online meeting on July 14.
Hanoi (VNA) – The application of source-to-sea(S2S) approach on managing plastic waste in the central province of Quang Nam’sHoi An city was discussed at an online meeting on July 14.
Held by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the meeting was partof a project on the matter that lasts until May 2022.
Bui Thi Thu Hien, Marine and Coastal Programme Coordinatorat the IUCN Vietnam, said it is the first activity to connect sides involved inthe project.
According to Hien, S2S is an approach to reduce marine wastethrough connectivity and interrelation between river basins and coastal areasto address the overall problem of land and freshwater management and ecosystemsto control and limit plastic waste from different sources poured into the seaand freshwater systems.
Kieu Thi Kinh from the University of Science and Educationunder the University of Da Nang, reviewed an audit report on Hoi An’s plasticwaste in 2020.
She said the city’s main emission sources include households(accounting for 45 percent), business establishments (40 percent), markets (12percent), schools and offices (2.7 percent) and craft villages (0.3 percent).
The total amount of plastic waste generated in Hoi An ismore than 8,909 tonnes a year, half of which was nylon and packaging. More than519 tonnes, mainly valuable plastic of high value and large size, of the totalare recycled.
For a greener Hoi An, Kinh recommended waste classificationat sources, the reduction of plastic bags and single-use plastics, andincreasing management for agrofishery, construction, and street waste.
Ruth Mathews, a representative from the SIWI, said the approach’s intendedoutcome is to identify appropriate actions in response to changes in majorflows, generating economic, social and environmental benefits.
Participants suggested the local authorities come up withmechanisms to encourage individuals and businesses to invest in wastetreatment; build standards for and put into operation solid waste treatmentplants; and form norms on waste collection and transportation at source./.
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Illustrative photo (Source: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn) 
