After a one-year trial period of not using single-use plastic items, Co To island (Quang Ninh province) has gained positive results in field of environmental protection. Coming to Co To, visitors will be able to "live green" without plastic bags, plastic waste, and see how local people develop this island district in a sustainable way.
The poetic beaty of Co To island (Photo: Hung Son)
Located north-east of Quang Ninh, Co To Island boasts huge potential for maritime tourism. The number of domestic and foreign visitors has been on the rise over the years.
In order to build a sustainable green tourism environment, from September 1, 2022, the People's Committee of Co To island district piloted regulations that tourists should not bring plastic bottles, plastic bags, and materials with risks of environmental pollution. Tourists visiting the Co To Island have been subject to a new rule: no plastic bags or single-use plastic items allowed since September 15, 2023.
Administrative bodies, schools, markets, businesses, and fishing vessels within the island district have been prohibited from using plastic bags and disposable plastic items.
To implement this regulation, authorities have set up a checkpoint at Co To Port, where transport operators, passenger trains, tourism services, and accommodations have been required to educate visitors about the new rules and replace plastic items with eco-friendly alternatives.
Dozens of trash bins have been installed at public places, beaches, and markets. Households on the island have been also provided with environmentally friendly bags to reduce the use of plastic.
By Hoang Quynh