Promoting the role of the front in mobilizing religions to protect the environment

The Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Binh Thuan Ward presented a waste collection cage to Pho Da Pagoda to raise awareness of waste classification at source. Photo: XUAN HAU

Many effective models

In Binh Thuan ward (Hai Chau district), where there are 7 religious establishments operating, environmental protection work is being carried out synchronously. Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward Le Thi Thanh Loan said that within the framework of the program "Promoting the role of religions in environmental protection and responding to climate change", the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward coordinated to build a model of "Green-clean-beautiful religious establishments". Religious establishments committed to carrying out many specific actions, from preserving elegant landscapes, planting trees, collecting waste in the right places, limiting the burning of votive paper, to mobilizing Buddhists and followers to live a civilized life, responsible for the surrounding environment. The Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward presented a resource waste collection cage to the Management Board of Pho Da pagoda to raise awareness of waste classification at source. It is expected that in the coming time, the program will continue to be expanded to the remaining religious establishments.

In Thuan Phuoc ward (Hai Chau district), many environmental protection models in religious establishments have been effective. The model of "Cultural, civilized residential area, living a good life and following religion" in Duc Loi 2 residential area has become a bright spot in linking religious life with environmental protection awareness. Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Le Thi Bich Hoa ward said that 100% of households in the residential area strictly carry out the garbage disposal on time, in the right place, actively participate in periodic cleaning on Sundays, especially implementing the classification of waste resources right at the household level.

In addition, the "Radish Seed Team" with nearly 20 members (from the Thanh Duc Parish youth group) on environmental protection work contributes to spreading the spirit of kindness. Every week, the team collects recyclable waste from households, sorts it and sells it to raise about 1 million VND to carry out charity programs inside and outside the parish such as supporting the poor, the disabled and difficult cases affected by natural disasters. Mr. Truong Huu Sa, Chairman of the Thanh Duc Parish Pastoral Council, Deputy Head of the Duc Loi 8 Residential Front, shared that when parishioners are aware that environmental protection is living a good religious life and serving society, then small actions also have great meaning.

Raising awareness of environmental protection

Not stopping at skillful mass mobilization models, propaganda work and raising awareness of environmental protection in religious communities are increasingly focused on, with diverse methods. In Son Tra district, the implementation of the project "Improving the quality of the natural environment in the period of 2021-2025" has achieved remarkable results from propaganda work in coordination with religious organizations. Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Man Thai ward Le Thi Hong Phan said that raising awareness of environmental protection for dignitaries, officials, monks and followers is one of the key solutions to gradually form a civilized lifestyle, friendly to nature. Propaganda activities are always associated with the spirit of religion and community responsibility, promoting activities such as: eliminating habits and living habits that pollute the environment, increasing the risk of climate change; actively building green, clean, beautiful and civilized religious establishments; Enhance capacity to protect the environment and respond to climate change.

Venerable Thich Thong Quang, Abbot of Lien Tri Pagoda (Man Thai Ward, Son Tra District) said that the pagoda has persistently encouraged Buddhists and visitors to only light one incense stick, limit the burning of votive paper to the maximum, especially not scattering votive paper during funerals. After a long period of campaigning, the pagoda grounds no longer have the burning of votive paper, instead there are green areas covered with trees, creating a peaceful space for practice and living in harmony with nature. The pagoda also regularly encourages followers to save electricity, protect water resources and raise awareness of preserving the living environment.

Recently, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Son Tra District coordinated to organize two conferences to disseminate environmental protection laws for more than 200 parishioners at the Parish of St. Joseph Lao Cong (Man Thai Ward) and the Parish of Son Tra (Tho Quang Ward). The content of the dissemination focused on the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, the impact of climate change and response solutions: from sorting waste at source, planting trees, using environmentally friendly products to proactively preventing and combating natural disasters, saving electricity and water... Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Son Tra District Bui Nguyen Tan Phong affirmed: "We consider the dissemination of awareness of environmental protection among all classes of people and religious followers as a continuous and long-term task. When awareness is raised, actions will spread widely and sustainably".

SPRING AFTER

Source: https://baodanang.vn/xa-hoi/202505/phat-huy-vai-tro-mat-tran-trong-van-dong-ton-giao-bao-ve-moi-truong-4006661/