Coorganised by the 'Rencontres du Vietnam' Scientific Association, Loyola University Chicago of the US and the National Geographic Society, the workshop discussed measures to promote the project “Plastic waste reduction in the ocean through education in Vietnam". The highlight of the project is the training for teachers and students on ways to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
Binh Dinh is the first province in the country to be selected as a pilot model for the project.
According to Professor Tran Thanh Van, who is founder of 'Rencontres du Vietnam' Scientific Association, the recent rapid economic and industrial development of Vietnam has helped to improve the material lives of the people. However, besides economic benefits, Vietnam's environmental issues are facing great challenges.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan said that the Government of Vietnam has been actively participating in proposing global cooperation mechanisms to reduce plastic waste.
With a consistent view that economic development is attached to environmental protection, the economy, society and environment are the three pillars for Vietnam's sustainable development and are key tasks of its development process. The Government has issued and is continuing to improve mechanisms, policies and solutions to manage and control environmental pollution caused by plastic waste, and to reduce plastic waste in the ocean.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment signed with the Ministry of Education and Training a programme on Environmental Protection between the two ministries during the periods of 2019-2025, with the aim of promoting environmental protection.
Professor Hoang Chung Tham, from Loyola University, said that to overcome the problem of environmental pollution, it is necessary to tighten state management in plastic waste reduction in the environment and in raising people's awareness.
In the framework of the workshop, scientists and environmental economists from US universities have provided training courses on environment for teachers of 20 high schools in Binh Dinh.
The course aims to improve knowledge on environmental science, plastic waste pollution and its impact on ecosystems, human health,and socio-economic development.
After piloting in Binh Dinh province, the educational model will be applied to other provinces and cities.
