More than 1,000 people engaged in activities in the northern province of Hoa Binh on September 23 in response to the “Clean Up the World 2017” campaign, which focuses on waste management for sustainable rural environment.
Deputy Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan said rural environmental pollution has resulted in social and economic losses, directly impacted local life, and influenced rural landscapes. The rate of people with diseases linked with rural pollution is on an upward trend, especially in polluted production areas or areas near pollution sources.
Some pressing rural pollution issues include weak waste collection and treatment, mismanagement of plant protection packages and chemicals, pollution in craft villages, and rural communities’ limited access to clean water, he noted.
He added it is necessary to perfect policies and regulations relevant to rural environment, strengthen the environmental protection force at all levels, mobilise funding for the work, and increase technological and technical solutions.
Vice Chairman of the Hoa Binh provincial People’s Committee Bui Van Khanh said Hoa Binh has made considerable strides in managing environmental protection and improving public awareness, particularly among young people.
While tree planting and environmental cleanup are held regularly, various activities also take place every year to mark the World Environment Day and the International Day for Biological Diversity. Notably, events in response to the “Clean Up the World” campaign have also been organised annually and attracted widespread support of local people, he said.
As part of the campaign, activities aside from cleanup were also held in Hoa Binh to encourage locals to reduce outdoor burning, sort waste at source, make use of rice straw, and reduce, reuse and recycle wastes.-VNA