Plastic waste is currently a threat to the environment. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – “Promoting the role of science and technologyorganization in the management and reduction of plastic waste" was the topic of a scientificconference that took place in Hanoi last week.
The event was co-held by the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations(VUSTA) and the German Development Cooperation Organisation (GIZ) on October 11.
The conference aimed to create a forum for scientists andpolicy makers to exchange and share information about national plans andprogrammes on plastic waste management and reduction, while discussing thechallenges in creating data sources to manage plastic waste in Vietnam.
From there, the delegates proposed recommendations on scientificmethods to create data sources for the management of plastic waste, as well as policies,mechanisms and financial resources to mobilise the participation of scientistsin the field.
In his openingremarks, VUSTA Vice President Nghiem Vu Khai said plastic waste is currently a threat to the environment,seriously affecting ecosystems, water quality and people's livelihoods.
The Ministry ofEnvironment and Natural Resources is urgently drawing up the National Action Plan for Ocean Waste Management witha vision to 2030, hesaid.
According to the draft plan, by 2030,all coastal tourism and service areas will stop using disposable plasticproducts, the country will reduce 75 percent of its ocean plastic waste, and all marineprotected areas will no longer have plastic waste.
Vietnam will expand its monitoringsystem and periodically evaluate the state of plastic waste in the estuaries ofits six major riverbasins.
The delegates also listened to presentations about plastic wastepollution in the SaigonRiver, the currentstatus of plastic disposal in Vietnam and the role of science and technology in the waragainst plastic waste,and an assessmentof current plastic waste pollution in Vietnam’s coastal tourist areas.
Three group discussions were also organised, focusing onchallenges in developing data resources, propermethods and approaches to creating data resources; and policies to facilitatescientists’ activities todevelop data sources./.
