Circular economic model - Sustainable development direction for Con Dao district

On October 16, Con Dao district (Ba Ria - Vung Tau province) held a conference to deploy the Project "Research and application of the Circular Economy model to serve sustainable socio-economic development of Con Dao district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province in the period of 2022 - 2025, with a vision to 2030".

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Mr. Dang Minh Thong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, said that Con Dao is a tourist destination with many historical significances of the whole country and is an attractive destination for international tourists; it has an important role and position in the national defense and security strategy.

However, Con Dao district is facing challenges and difficulties such as lack of domestic water, waste treatment, energy, and the ecosystem around the island is at risk of degradation due to the impact of economic activities and climate change, affecting people's lives and socio-economic development. This poses a problem for Ba Ria - Vung Tau province in effectively solving the requirement of balancing economic development and natural resource conservation, maximizing natural values, creating green momentum to promote sustainable socio-economic development of Con Dao district.

Therefore, the circular economic model has been chosen by the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province as a solution to promote the strengths as well as solve the challenges of Con Dao, meeting the requirements and policies of sustainable development and green growth set forth by the Party and the State. At the same time, it will create many positive changes in serving to promote the sustainable growth of the island district, becoming a pioneer island district and a typical model in applying circular economy in the province and the whole country.

The project will be implemented through 6 groups of solutions including: Education on circular economy awareness; waste reduction, no plastic waste; water circulation; development of green transport and efficient use of energy; biodiversity conservation; sustainable tourism associated with circular economy application, with an implementation roadmap through two phases 2022-2025 and 2026-2030.

Speaking at the conference, Secretary of the District Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Con Dao District, Le Van Phong, emphasized that implementing the circular economy project brings balance between socio-economic development and environmental protection, while focusing on exploiting cultural and ecological values. This helps Con Dao to be ready to adapt to environmental changes and meet the requirements of sustainable development and Green growth.

Comrade Le Van Phong said: To implement the project, it is necessary to focus on building links and increasing value between Research Institutions, Government, Enterprises, people and stakeholders. The goal is to provide scientific and practical solutions. The project will utilize resources from research combined with national and local programs. Seek funding from international funds to contribute to global programs on biodiversity conservation, greenhouse gas emission reduction and promotion of cultural and social values. In addition, it will attract funding from private and business sectors through production pilot projects. Develop management and incentive policies to recommend the transformation of the current economy towards a circular economy.

According to experts and scientists, Con Dao district is a pioneer in applying the circular economic model not only in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province but also in the whole country. Delegates highly appreciated the determination of the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province to turn Con Dao into an island that both develops the economy and develops tourism and preserves natural resources. The application of the circular economic model in Con Dao will bring many benefits to the locality, both from the perspective of the people and businesses, and in the long term, Con Dao can attract many domestic and foreign tourists with the green tourism development model.

Delegates recommended that in the coming time, Con Dao needs to have propaganda to the people so that they can clearly understand the circular economic model and apply it to their daily lives. In terms of businesses, the problem is financial resources to innovate technology and apply the circular economic model, so there needs to be solutions from the government to support businesses, so that they can apply circular business models.

Circular economy is a model that is encouraged not only in economic development but also has a very positive impact on nature conservation. The circulation of a chain of renewable and reusable resources will greatly support the protection of natural resources, water, air, as well as the circulation of waste, environmental protection and forest and marine ecosystems. To implement this model, it requires the cooperation of local authorities, the entire community and businesses.

In addition, at the Conference, experts, scientists, and businesses also proposed other solutions to develop a circular economy for areas such as agriculture, tourism, industry, and services. Delegates also recommended that there should be clear legal corridors and specific criteria in determining circular tourism projects and models using innovative methods to maximize the life cycle of all used tourism resources such as renewable energy, recycled materials for licensing and development support. There should be clear regulations and policies on support and sanctions for businesses and people in the production process according to criteria towards a circular economy.

The project "Research and application of circular economic model to serve sustainable socio-economic development of Con Dao district in the period of 2022-2025, with a vision to 2030" was approved by the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province on March 16, 2023 under Decision No. 495/QD-UBND.

The project aims to achieve by 2030 that Con Dao achieves a rate of 50% of domestic solid waste collected and treated to meet standards through circular economic models, 100% of organic waste; a rate of rainwater collection and treatment for daily life reaching 10%; an increase in the area of coral reef planting and restoration to 7 hectares. Strive to achieve 100% of passenger transport vehicles replaced or newly invested in using electricity and green energy; the rate of vehicles using electricity and green energy reaching 30%. Encourage the collection, repair, refurbishment and reuse of used products on the island to reach 15%. Promote activities to build production and business processes towards circular economy and grant certificates to Enterprises reaching 10%.

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