EU helps Vietnam cut plastic litter in oceans

The European Union (EU) will always stand by Vietnam in implementing initiatives to combat climate change, protect the environment, and reduce marine plastic waste.

Ambassador Julien Guerrier, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, made the statement at the first Vietnam-EU Day hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee last weekend.

Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Julien Guerrier addresses the Vietnam-EU Day in Ha Long City. Photos: Baoquocte

The Vietnam-EU Day with the theme "Vietnam-EU: Joining Hands for a Clean Environment" was initiated by the MoFA to help raise awareness among businesses and people about responsible behavior towards the environment and the natural ecosystem, contributing to preventing pollution and degradation of the marine environment.

Ambassador Julien Guerrier underlined the importance of the event for Vietnam's efforts to achieve green and sustainable development. 

Representatives of EU, MOFA, and Quang Ninh Province join the event.

Acknowledging Vietnam's commitment to building a green and circular economy and achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the official reiterated that the EU will support Vietnam in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said that many companies in the renewable energy sector in the world and the EU would like to see Vietnam follow the roadmaps.

Joining the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said that Vietnam was one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change and environmental pollution.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and delegates take part in litter-picking activities at Bai Chay Beach and Ha Long Bay.

Hang emphasized that the protection of the marine environment faces many challenges, such as the risk of pollution from untreated waste and sewage and limited public awareness of the issue.

"To address these challenges, the MoFA has been actively promoting cooperation with other countries and international organizations in terms of environmental protection and climate change response," she stated.

Vietnam expects to continue receiving effective cooperation and support from the EU and its members in raising awareness and capacity to adapt to climate change, promoting environmental protection and restoration of land, forest, and ocean ecosystems.

 "The EU and its members have made significant contributions to environmental protection and climate change response worldwide. They have actively supported Vietnam in this regard through cooperation projects on climate change response, biodiversity conservation, forest protection, and waste treatment, among others," Hang said.

The delegation joined by many residents and tourists participate in the trash collection along Bai Chay Beach and Ha Long Bay.

As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam is committed to achieving net zero emissions and is closely coordinating with international partners, including the EU and its member states, to achieve this goal.

In recent years, the EU and its member countries have actively supported Vietnam in this area through cooperation projects on climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, forest protection, waste management, and others.

With the positive support of the EU, Vietnam has established the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with the International Partners Group (IPG) to seek financial resources and technological assistance for Vietnam's energy transition and green economy efforts.

Any trash on the beach, no matter how small, is picked up.

After cleaning and collection, waste is sent for treatment according to proper procedures.

Vietnam is coordinating with the international community to protect the sea, according to the General Department of Seas and Islands.

Vietnam's revised Environmental Protection Law focuses on the management, reuse, recycling and treatment of plastic waste and the development of a circular economy.

Vietnam has adopted a National Action Plan on Marine Plastic Waste Management to 2030 and joined the Global Plastic Partnership Action Program, aiming to reduce marine plastic waste by 75% by 2030.

In 2017, Vietnam was one of 127 countries to adopt the United Nations Environment Program's United Nations Environment Council resolution on plastic waste and marine microplastics. 

In 2020, Vietnam participated in bilateral and multilateral dialogues with governments of other countries to find solutions and strengthen international cooperation to address ocean plastic waste pollution. Last year, the Prime Minister approved a project representing Vietnam's participation in the Global Agreement on Ocean Plastic Pollution.