The European Union Delegation to Vietnam held a free screening of “Chasing Coral” documentary at the L’Espace in Hanoi on October 3, to raise public awareness of environmental protection.

A still image from “Chasing Coral” documentary - Photo: Courtesy of organizer 

The event, which was part of the European Union Climate Diplomacy Week 2019, took place back-to-back with a ceremony organized by the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union to reward the winners of a photo competition promoting climate action, organized in collaboration with the French Development Agency and the European Union.

Around 200 youngsters attended the movie screening, among which were 150 students from universities in Hanoi.

 Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam Giorgio Aliberti said, “We chose the movie because not only it’s an interesting documentary which showcases the underwater world, but also sends a strong message on the negative impacts of climate change. It is also in line with the growing awareness of Vietnam's society on the importance of the ocean and why we need to protect marine resources.”

 “Chasing Coral” is the story of a former advertising expert, a man passionate in coral, camera designers, and marine biologists as they film dying coral reefs.

The film was produced over a period of three years, with about 500 hours underwater, including footage from over 30 countries, and was made with the support of more than 500 people all over the world.

 With many awards at multiple international film festivals, “Chasing Coral” is considered one of the most worth watching environmental documentaries.

 Within the framework of the European Union Climate Diplomacy Week, a cycling event was organized last week in Hoi An City to encourage young people to use bicycles as a sustainable means of urban transport.

 The European Union Delegation to Vietnam also organized a workshop on “Youth Action for Climate”, in collaboration with Danang University, Danang City, and many non-governmental organizations who are working on initiatives to address climate change. Some 200 students of universities in Danang attended the workshop.

 In addition, a Red River cleanup campaign in the Long Bien Bridge area in Hanoi will take place on October 5 and 6. Hundreds of volunteers will collect garbage to make the area cleaner.