Role of science-technology in plastic waste management discussed
Hanoi (VNA) – “Promoting the role of science and technology
organization in the management and reduction of plastic waste" was the topic of a scientific
conference 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 and
policy makers to exchange and share information about national plans and
programmes on plastic waste management and reduction, while discussing the
challenges in creating data sources to manage plastic waste in Vietnam.
From there, the delegates proposed recommendations on scientific
methods to create data sources for the management of plastic waste, as well as policies,
mechanisms and financial resources to mobilise the participation of scientists
in the field.
In his opening
remarks, 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 of
Environment and Natural Resources is urgently drawing up the National Action Plan for Ocean Waste Management with
a vision to 2030, he
said.
According to the draft plan, by 2030,
all coastal tourism and service areas will stop using disposable plastic
products, the country will reduce 75 percent of its ocean plastic waste, and all marine
protected areas will no longer have plastic waste.
Vietnam will expand its monitoring
system and periodically evaluate the state of plastic waste in the estuaries of
its six major river
basins.
The delegates also listened to presentations about plastic waste
pollution in the Saigon
River, the current
status of plastic disposal in Vietnam and the role of science and technology in the war
against plastic waste,
and an assessment
of current plastic waste pollution in Vietnam’s coastal tourist areas.
Three group discussions were also organised, focusing on challenges in developing data resources, proper methods and approaches to creating data resources; and policies to facilitate scientists’ activities to develop data sources./.