Vietnam will do its best to remove 75% of the plastic waste in the ocean by 2030, based on the initiatives outlined in a national action plan on the management of plastic waste in the ocean, issued by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

People collect plastic waste in Quy Nhon City of Binh Dinh Province in this file photo.
Vietnam will do its best to remove 75% of the plastic waste in the ocean by 2030
- PHOTO: VNA

The plan is expected to make the country a regional leader in reducing plastic waste discharged into the ocean, the Government news website reported.

It will also help successfully roll out the national strategy for the integrated management of solid waste until 2025, with a vision toward 2050, approved by the prime minister last year. In addition, the plan will encourage the collection, recycling and reuse of plastic waste and improve local residents’ awareness of the harmful nature of plastic waste as well as encourage them to reduce the use of single-use plastic products and plastic bags.

Vietnam has set a target for 100% of lost or discarded fishing tools to be collected and has mandated that fishing tools can no longer be dropped into the ocean.

Further, all tourist sites, accommodation providers and other tourism service providers in coastal areas will not use disposable plastic products or nonbiodegradable plastic bags. Meanwhile, all coastal nature reserves will be free of plastic waste by 2030.

The country will also assess the pollution in the river mouths of 11 major river basins and 12 island districts every five years.

To achieve these targets, specific missions have been worked out. Accordingly, the relevant ministries, agencies and coastal localities must improve locals’ awareness of plastic waste; collect, classify, transport and treat plastic waste effectively; control plastic waste at the source; enhance international cooperation and employ technology in plastic waste treatment; and build a system to manage plastic waste.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will coordinate with the governments of cities and provinces to build models to manage and reduce the use of single-use plastic products and plastic bags at coastal national tourist sites.