Policies on reducing plastic waste in oceans
To realize the target 14.1 stated in the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations on reducing ocean plastic pollution, the 12th Party Central Committee issued Resolution No.36-NQ/TW regarding Vietnam’s sustainable maritime economic development to 2030 with a view to 2045, while the Prime Minister issued Decision No.1746/QD-TTg approving the national action plan on ocean waste management to 2030.
The country set itself a target of preventing, controlling, and significantly mitigating marine pollution and playing a pioneering role in the region in reducing plastic waste in oceans.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has been ordered to prepare and carry out cooperation initiatives at regional and international forums as well as promote the formation of partnerships in ocean plastic waste prevention and combat.
A project in Vietnam to reduce plastic waste in oceans was approved in July, sponsored by the German Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety.
It is designed to build guiding documents and implement prioritized policies on plastic waste and communications, to raise public awareness and change attitudes towards plastic waste.
The project will be rolled out in seven localities in the Central region and the Mekong Delta and the three marine protected areas of Cu Lao Cham, Con Dao, and Phu Quoc.
Vietnam’s efforts in joining hands with the international community to reduce ocean plastic waste have also received support from international organizations via the creation of projects.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Vietnam Country Director Van Ngoc Thinh said the WWF appreciates the Vietnamese Government’s engagement and commitment in activities to cut plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems and environments.
Measures taken to cut plastic waste in oceans
Relevant agencies have been urged to compile a project on Vietnam’s participation in talks for a global deal to stop plastic waste at sea for submission to the Prime Minister for approval in the second quarter of 2021, and to prepare for the fifth meeting of the U.N. Environment Assembly, slated for February next year.
The Vietnam Administration of Sea and Islands will partner with coastal localities and international organizations in the future on rolling out action plans and tasks related to reducing the amount of plastic that is washed into the world’s oceans.
Raising public awareness has a significant role to play in cutting plastic waste in oceans, to create positive change in consumer behavior, especially by women, thereby encouraging the use of environmentally-friendly products and the collection and recycling of plastic products.
In addition, policies and regulations need to be strengthened to create a clear and effective legal corridor, in keeping with the circular economy, digital transformation, and corporate social responsibility.
Close cooperation with international organizations and development partners, plus the sharing of information and experience between countries and territories in plastic waste management, have also brought positive results.
MoNRE has also taken part in the Global Plastic Action Partnership and will kick-start programs on plastic and reducing plastic waste in oceans.
Source: VNA