PV: Could you please tell us about the outstanding results in implementing environmental protection work in Ben Tre province recently?
Mr. Trinh Minh Khoi: In recent times, Ben Tre has focused on strengthening inspection and control of environmental pollution in the province, preventing the emergence of establishments causing serious environmental pollution and environmental incidents; in particular, 100% of information reflecting and recommendations on environmental pollution have been handled. Ben Tre Provincial People's Committee has also issued directives to resolve outstanding environmental pollution issues such as waste, pig farming, production of sintered coal (coconut shell charcoal pellets - PV), and handling establishments violating environmental laws.
During the implementation process, Ben Tre province has had many environmental protection models, especially models of waste classification at source associated with plastic waste reduction, which have achieved some positive results, bringing practical effects. Along with that, communication work on environmental protection in the province has been increasingly improved, diversified with many forms. At the same time, training programs, competitions, and propaganda on environmental protection have been regularly implemented by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. In addition, coordination between levels, sectors and political and social organizations for propaganda and mobilization of the masses has been focused on.
Up to now, emission sources in Ben Tre province have been basically controlled, environmental quality components are mostly within permissible limits, and the province's environmental index has also improved over the years. Most notably, local authorities, sectors, organizations and people have gradually raised awareness, considering environmental protection an important task and have made positive contributions to environmental protection work, helping the locality achieve the goal of sustainable socio -economic development.
Reporter: What are the current difficulties and problems in environmental protection work in the province, sir?
Mr. Trinh Minh Khoi: Environmental protection work in the province still faces certain difficulties. In particular, with the volume of domestic waste generated in the province of more than 1,000 tons/day, the province is currently facing difficulties in waste treatment because the Ben Tre Waste Treatment Plant has temporarily stopped operating since October 2022 to address environmental issues according to the Decision on administrative sanctions of the Provincial People's Committee.
Currently, landfills in the province such as Cho Lach town, Binh Dai and An Thanh commune (Mo Cay Nam), Chau Binh (Giong Trom) are still receiving and treating domestic waste generated locally. If there is no investment in waste treatment plants, these landfills will be filled up in a short time. Meanwhile, the province's financial resources are still limited, so investment in infrastructure for collecting and transporting domestic waste is not synchronized with the roadmap for implementing waste classification at source, so the rate of waste classification at source in the province is still low, reaching about 15% in 2022.
In addition, domestic wastewater from urban areas in the area has not been collected and treated centrally, and wastewater is still discharged directly into the environment, leading to signs of deterioration in surface water quality in canals and ditches. Farming and production activities in traditional craft villages on a household and small scale that emit untreated wastewater and emissions have put great pressure on the quality of the living environment.
PV: So, what solutions will the Department of Natural Resources and Environment have to overcome and effectively implement the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, towards the goal of sustainable development of Ben Tre province?
Mr. Trinh Minh Khoi: To effectively implement the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 and its guiding documents, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment has advised the People's Committee of Ben Tre province to issue documents regulating environmental protection, such as: Regulations on management of domestic solid waste in Ben Tre province, Regulations on management of medical solid waste, Regulations on sludge management, Action plan to reduce plastic waste, Green Ben Tre Project...
With the goal of "Building a sustainable lifestyle, in harmony with nature, not trading the environment for economic growth", the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Ben Tre has identified 2023 as a year of action towards the comprehensive success of the goals of green and sustainable economic development. In particular, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment will also proactively focus on implementing solutions to "Fight plastic pollution", effectively implementing the Action Plan to solve waste problems in the area until 2025.
In the immediate future, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Ben Tre will advise on the implementation of programs and action plans on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate change response in the area; at the same time, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment will strengthen coordination with relevant departments, branches and localities in environmental protection work in general, especially promoting training and extensive propaganda to people about environmental protection work associated with resource management.
In addition, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment will also coordinate with relevant departments and branches to advise the People's Committee of Ben Tre province on the construction of a waste treatment plant according to the Ben Tre Provincial Planning to 2030, with a vision to 2050; gradually close unsanitary landfills; advise and effectively implement the Action Plan to reduce plastic waste and ocean plastic waste associated with the development of the province's circular economy to 2030; continue to effectively implement the Green Ben Tre Project; coordinate with departments, branches and branches to research technology and models to thoroughly treat waste from farming and production activities in traditional craft villages.
PV: Thank you very much!
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