On the morning of June 1, at the 30/10 Square in Ha Long city, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee and relevant agencies, held a meeting in response to World Environment Day (June 5) and officially launched the Action Month for the Environment 2025.

This year's event carries the global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This is the second time in three years (2023-2025) that this theme has been selected, reflecting a clear global priority in controlling plastic pollution, while reaffirming commitments to efficient resource use, biodiversity protection, and strengthening regional - global cooperation towards a circular economy and sustainable development.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh emphasized: “Plastic pollution is no longer the issue of a single nation, but a global threat that requires urgent and coordinated action.”

Speaking before a large audience of delegates, local residents, and tourists, the Deputy Minister expressed his sincere gratitude to the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, the People's Committee, local departments, agencies, and the people of Quang Ninh for their wholehearted support in organizing the solemn ceremony at Ha Long Bay - a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Meanwhile, according to Mr. Nghiem Xuan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, the province has fully recognized the importance of environmental protection, plastic pollution prevention, and improving the quality of life.

In recent years, following the directives of the Party and the State, particularly those related to proactively responding to climate change, strengthening resource management, and environmental protection, Quang Ninh province has issued numerous foundational and strategic policy documents. These documents have helped establish a comprehensive and unified legal framework for the effective implementation of environmental initiatives.

From an international perspective, Dr. Van Ngoc Thinh, CEO of WWF Vietnam, emphasized the importance of waste segregation at source - an action that has already been legalized but remains ineffectively implemented.

According to the environmental expert, waste is still being mixed, recycling efforts are inefficient, and local models for reducing plastic and preventing pollution are largely experimental. Based on this reality, WWF Vietnam is currently implementing several projects in Con Dao and Phu Quoc, with a key prerequisite being the active involvement of local authorities from the very beginning.

The event also honored businesses that have actively partnered in environmental protection efforts, including Petrolimex, PV GAS, Petrovietnam, TKV, Vinamilk, La Vie, VIMC, EVNGENCO1, URENCO, and many other organizations.

The contribution of the corporate sector goes beyond financial resources; it also reflects a strong commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility.

Also on the morning of June 1, many meaningful interactive activities were integrated into the program. Fishermen, regarded as the “living landmarks” of the seas, were presented with recycled life jackets, which are symbols of green action and support for their ongoing journey to protect the marine environment and islands.

Tour boats on Ha Long Bay received sets of glass products to replace single-use plastics, while the Ha Long Bay Management Board was presented with non-woven fabric bags to support their efforts in tourism promotion and management.

At the exhibition area, many innovative models for handling and recycling plastic waste were showcased, such as the “Trash for Cash” program by Quang Ninh Cement and Construction Joint Stock Company, recycled products from the Green Life Ha Long Cooperative, and the green living initiatives of the Quang Ninh Women’s Union. This space served as an inspiring environment that conveyed messages about environmental responsibility and action, particularly targeting the younger generation.

This year’s meeting is expected not only to generate a positive media impact but also to spark a series of practical actions throughout the month of June. Through these efforts, a network connecting circular economy models will be established, promoting sustainable consumption behaviors and contributing to Vietnam’s green development goals.

The meeting was attended by approximately 1,000 delegates from both central and local levels, including leaders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; representatives from the National Assembly agencies, central ministries, and sectors; leaders of Quang Ninh Province; representatives from United Nations agencies and international organizations in Vietnam; political and social organizations, businesses, armed forces, students, and a large number of local residents.

Authors: Tung Dinh - Khuong Trung - Bao Thang

Translated by Kieu Chi