MCD swings into action for trash-free seas in Nam Dinh

The community clean-up project of MCD helped clean up a key fishing area of Nam Dinh

On September 22, 2019, the MCD, in collaboration with local stakeholders and relevant agencies, organised the Community Coastal Clean-up for Trash Free Seas event in the coastal area of Xuan Thuy National Park, Nam Dinh province’s Giao Thuy district.

This activity is organised in response to the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), which was initiated over 30 years ago in the United States by the Ocean Conservancy (OC) organisation, an international partner of MCD. The coastal clean-up is also in response to the Anti-Plastic Waste Movement launched by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on June 9, 2019.

Ho Thi Yen Thu, permanent deputy director of MCD

Ho Thi Yen Thu, permanent deputy director of MCD, said, “The Community Coastal Clean-up event is annually supported by MCD at coastal and island areas in order to attract the participation of coastal communities in protecting and keeping the environment clean and green, thereby raising awareness and responsibility, actively promoting local action in preserving the ecosystem and environment, and minimising marine waste.”

“Plastic waste in Giao Hai fishing area is an urgent problem, with significant impacts on the landscape, environment, and people's lives,” said Tran Van Huyen, Vice Chairman of People's Committee of Giao Hai commune. “The Community Coastal Clean-up event will efficiently raise awareness and helping local people to recognise how the familiar coast, the backdrop to their childhood and livelihood, will be more beautiful without the smell of waste, plastic bags bobbing in the water, and the numerous health concerns they bring.”

This event took place within the framework of the “Comparative pilot waterway municipal plastic waste management practices for reducing marine plastic pollution in Coastal World Biosphere Reserve of Nam Dinh, Vietnam," funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Volunteers collecting waste

Besides, MCD is a principal implementer of Pacific Environment (PE) which funds the component project on “Promoting zero-waste initiative in Vietnam through Coastal Strongholds” in co-ordination with the Nam Dinh Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other local partners.

MCD is also rolling out the MCD Blue Lighthouse programme with World University Service of Canada (WUSC) to mobilise volunteers from Vietnamese universities.