Vietnam strives to become regional pioneer in reducing ocean plastic waste
Vietnam is striving to become a regional pioneer in reducing ocean plastic waste, heard a recent virtual meeting of environmental officials of Vietnam, Germany, Ecuador and Ghana.
Berlin (VNA) -Vietnam is striving to become a regional pioneer in reducing ocean plasticwaste, heard a recent virtual meeting of environmental officials of Vietnam,Germany, Ecuador and Ghana.
At the event, theydiscussed the holding of a Ministerial Conference set for September to reach aglobal strategy to end marine litter and plastic pollution, with an aim to ensuringa future with clean seas.
Ta Dinh Thi, DirectorGeneral of the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI) under theMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment, underlined that the time is nowfor countries to come together to develop a cohesive global framework - withclear milestones, stakeholder roles and responsibilities and progressindicators - to tackle transboundary marine litter and plastic pollutionissues.
“South-East Asia is ina unique position with a significant role to play here, and a new globalagreement will provide the essential boost to our regional and national actionsagainst the global plastic crisis," he added.
Vietnam has adopted adevelopment strategy to promote the maritime economy in parallel withprotecting maritime environment and ecosystems, specifying "Preventing,controlling and significantly mitigating marine environmental pollution; beinga regional pioneer in reducing ocean plastic waste" amongst the country’sobjectives for 2030.
Inger Andersen, ExecutiveDirector of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), called fortransformational action now to put the brakes on plastic pollution.
She affirmed that the UNEPstands ready to support member states' discussions towards stronger globalaction on single-use plastics, while urging them and other stakeholders tostart the work of eliminating single-use plastics where possible.
According to theorganisers, a global agreement is needed to build consensus on the threat ofmarine litter, in a bid to unlock funding and provide the framework and impetusfor action and change at local, national, regional and international levels.
More than 120countries have some sort of legislation in place to regulate or ban the use ofsingle-use plastics, heard the meeting.
In Africa, 34 of 54nations have instituted bans on single-use plastics, while the European Unionhas also introduced a single-use plastics ban as well as an export ban onunsorted plastic waste.
However, the flow ofplastic into the ocean continues, and is projected to nearly triple by 2040./.
The sustainable development of the marine economy in association with the consolidation of defence and security is among the important sections of a resolution from the Communist Party of Vietnam on the “Strategy for the Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Marine Economy by 2030 with a Vision to 2045” aimed at making Vietnam a strong and prosperous country in terms of marine affairs.
The Vietnamese Government has over the past time exerted a great deal of effort in addressing plastic waste in oceans by introducing various policies and regulations to tackle the scourge.
Vietnam will actively join activities of the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change (AWGCC), as well as continue its coordinating role in performing relevant activities in 2021, according to the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN)’s office in Vietnam (ASOEN Vietnam Office).
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.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
Its Forest Protection Sub-department has applied various specialised software and information technologies in forest management and protection and fire prevention.
In 2005, Nghe An had 570 captive bears, the largest number in Vietnam. Thanks to efforts by local authorities, forest rangers, and rescue forces, the number has fallen to just 15.
An aerial view of Cat Ba island (Photo: VNA) 
