Ping Kitnikone, Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam has praised efforts and progresses made by the Hanoi authority in protecting and improving the environment.
Representatives from foreign embassies in Vietnam attend the event (Source: VNA)
Speaking at the Green Living Festival in response to the national action month for environmental protection and World Environment Day which took place in the capital city on June 1-2, she said representatives of embassies and international partner agencies had been working hard to launch a communication campaign against plastic pollution in Vietnam.
Notably, representatives from 41 embassies and international organisations will sign a code of conduct on plastic pollution prevention, committing to reducing plastic waste by adjusting internal regulations, and encouraging partners to apply solutions to minimize or eliminate plastic waste, she said.
She added that international diplomatic missions in Vietnam hope to work with the Vietnamese government and people, enterprises and other partners to continue joint efforts, aiming to reduce plastic waste in the country.
The municipal authorities pledged to gradually phase plastic bags out and replace them with more durable materials.
With sustainability in nature, plastic waste (plastic bottles, nylon bags, plastic food boxes and cups ...) along with other environmental pollutants have been negatively impacting on the environment, economy social and human health.
In that context, through the "Green Living Festival" with concrete and practical activities, Hanoi has expressed its determination and efforts in appealing consumers to save and recycle plastic waste; encourage the use of environmentally friendly energy, technologies and products; the electronic waste collection, towards a green and sustainable environment in Hanoi.
According to the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment, “the national action month for environmental protection” kicked off in many district and towns on May 15 and will last until July 31.
A series of activities in the framework of the programme have been organised, focusing on how to address issues related to management of natural resources; environmental protection; and collection, treatment and management of waste.
Attention has been also paid to intensifying the inspection, supervision and thorough treatment of projects prone to causing high environmental pollution; exploiting, using effectively and sustainably the water resources; and promoting the special control of production establishments, which are likely to cause high environmental pollution.
The Green Living Festival was organised by the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem district, and Live and Learn Vietnam.
An activity themed “What is happening to the environment in Hanoi?” features games providing information about environmental pollution, along with an exhibition of installation art works made from plastic straws, plastic bags and bottles.
Street music performances are also set to be a special treat for participants in the festival.
On June 5, a clean-up campaign will be launched in Tri Thuy commune of Phu Xuyen district to clean the environment, dredge cannels, sort waste and plant trees. It is hoped to draw 500 local residents.
These events are part of efforts to connect state managerial agencies with civil organisations, schools and businesses to encourage joint efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.-VNA