Implementing the National Action Program to address plastic waste

Overview of the workshop. Photo: BL

On September 16, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment coordinated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam to organize a workshop on the Working Group implementing the National Plastic Action Partnership Programme (NPAP) in Vietnam.

NPAP in Vietnam is chaired by UNDP in Vietnam, the program is a multilateral, multi-stakeholder partnership platform established on the basis of formal cooperation between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the World Economic Forum (WEF), enabling cooperation between the Government and other key partners to turn commitments on plastic waste and plastic pollution into action.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said: 2024 marks the 4-year implementation of NPAP in Vietnam with exciting and active activities. Through strategic pillars, NPAP focuses on promoting policy dialogue, innovation, investment opportunities, and financial flows for practical solutions to address the problem of plastic waste and plastic pollution in Vietnam in recent times.

Mr. Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Vietnam, emphasized that NPAP in Vietnam will continue to implement practical activities, closely linked to the current situation and needs in regions and areas that are hotspots of plastic waste; promote policy dissemination and communication to change the awareness and actions of businesses and people. At the same time, promote regional cooperation to share experiences and coordinate actions to address cross-border plastic pollution.

Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, spoke at the workshop. Photo: BL

To reduce ocean plastic waste pollution, according to Dr. Nguyen My Hang, Head of the Department of Science , Technology and International Cooperation, Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), Vietnam needs to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of plastic pollution in general and ocean plastic pollution in Vietnam in particular. Raise public awareness, build urban models to reduce plastic. Strengthen international cooperation, technology transfer, mobilize financial resources, develop environmentally friendly plastics, alternative plastics, recycling, etc.

At the workshop, the decision to reorganize the NPAP Working Group was announced, in accordance with Decision No. 1922/QD-BTNMT of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issued on July 12, 2024. This reorganization demonstrates Vietnam's determination to promote connectivity among members, expand the scope of impact, and strengthen the governing role of government agencies. The Working Group, comprising 33 representatives from ministries, sectors, development partners, businesses, organizations, and research institutes, will collaborate to implement the national roadmap for reducing plastic waste and promote circular economy solutions.

Source: https://dangcongsan.vn/xa-hoi/trien-khai-chuong-trinh-hanh-dong-quoc-gia-giai-quyet-van-de-rac-thai-nhua-678012.html