Vietnam joins global efforts to fight plastic pollution
Vietnam will join global efforts to stop the production and use of single-use and non-recyclable plastic products, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha told Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Erik Solheim.
At the 54th session of the sixth Global Environment Facility Assembly (GEF 6) in the central city of Da Nang. (Source: VNA)
Da Nang (VNA) – Vietnam will joinglobal efforts to stop the production and use of single-use and non-recyclableplastic products, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Hatold Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Erik Solheim.
Their meeting took place on June 26 on thesidelines of the sixth Global Environment Facility Assembly (GEF 6) in the centralcity of Da Nang.
Vietnam will promptly issue financialregulations on plastic bags as many countries worldwide have imposed tariffs onthe products, helping to reduce 90 percent of the usage, Ha said.
The minister thanked cooperation and supportof the UNEP as well as the Executive Director for Vietnam and his ministry inparticular over the past time.
The UNEP has helped Vietnam with technologiesand consultants in building environmental laws and policies, providedscholarships for Vietnamese environmental workers, and assisted the country inenvironmental projects and programmes, he said.
For his part, Erik Solheim said contents ofhis discussion with the minister will be added to the list of the UNEP’sactivities during the GEF 6.
He also spoke of the Kigali Amendment tophase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) adoptedby member countries in October 2016.
The Kigali Amendment will enter into force onJanuary 1, 2019, provided that it is ratified by at least 20 member states ofthe Montreal Protocol. To date, 38 countries have approved the document,according to Erik Solheim.
During the meeting, the two sides comparednotes on maritime waste in the context that maritime plastic waste is a globalissue.
Ha said Vietnam has the responsibility forjoining the world to address the challenge.
A recent internationalsurvey revealing that Vietnam is one of the five countries in the worlddischarging the most plastic waste, with about 1.8 million tonnes dumped each year.
According to earthday.org,8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic has been produced since plastic wasintroduced in the 1950s. The amount of plastic produced in a year is roughlythe same as the entire weight of humanity. 91 percent of plastic waste isn’trecycled. And since most plastics don’t biodegrade in any meaningful sense, allthat plastic waste could exist for hundreds or even thousands of years.
Of note, 8 million metric tonnes of plasticwinds up in the oceans each year. That’s enough trash to cover every foot ofcoastline around the world with five full trash bags of plastic compoundingevery year. -VNA
The East Asia Summit (EAS) on tackling plastic waste in the ocean took place in Bali, Indonesia on September 6 and 7, with the participation of 85 representatives of EAS member countries.
US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Mary Tarnowka has called for actions to improve public awareness of plastic waste as well as measures to reduce and recycle plastic waste.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organised a programme titled “Joining hands to protect the ocean” in Da Nang on June 26 in response to one of the themes of the 6th GEF Assembly which is taking place in Da Nang.
The UN Human Settlement Programme (UN Habitat) is willing to cooperate with Vietnam in urgent issues such as plastic waste and preservation of ancient cities, said Maimunah Mohd Sharif, UN Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Habitat.
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.
At the 54th session of the sixth Global Environment Facility Assembly (GEF 6) in the central city of Da Nang. (Source: VNA) 
