Reducing Plastic Waste in Con Dao to Protect the Green Environment

Over 25 Tons of Waste Generated Daily in Con Dao

Con Dao is not only a national historical site but also a significant marine biodiversity conservation area, attracting many tourists. However, in recent years, waste has become a significant pressure on this beautiful destination.

Mr. Dinh Van Tuan – Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines – participated in tree planting in Con Dao – Photo: VNA

According to Mr. Trần Thanh Huyền, Vice Chairman of the Con Dao District People's Committee, the daily waste generation in Con Dao now exceeds 25 tons, with plastic waste accounting for nearly 20%.

It is predicted that by 2026, the total daily waste in Con Dao will reach around 31 tons, with more than 4 tons of that being plastic waste. Currently, the organic waste generated daily is about 18 tons, and recyclable waste (plastic and metal) is about 0.76 tons, while non-recyclable waste accounts for more than 12 tons per day.

This waste not only impacts the living environment of the residents but also negatively affects the tourism sector, which is the economic backbone of the district. Therefore, enhancing waste collection and processing capabilities is an urgent need. Additionally, reducing plastic waste from economic and daily activities is also crucial.

Mr. Đặng Minh Thông, Vice Chairman of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, stated that Con Dao is the only island district in the Southeast region of Vietnam, located at the forefront of the southeastern seas of the country. It plays a vital role in the national sustainable marine economic development strategy, as well as in protecting national defense and security.

Con Dao is also a national historical monument, a marine biodiversity conservation area of national and international importance, with special values related to historical revolutionary sites and rich biological resources. However, Con Dao now faces challenges in waste management, energy, and environmental degradation due to economic activities and climate change, affecting the lives of residents and economic-social development.

This situation requires urgent action to effectively balance economic development with the conservation of natural resources, maximizing natural values, and creating green economic momentum for the sustainable socio-economic development of Con Dao.

Encouraging Tourists to Reduce Plastic Waste in Con Dao

To address this issue, the Con Dao District People's Committee has launched several activities to reduce plastic waste in the environment and participate in the "Reducing Ocean Plastic Waste in Vietnam" project. They have also developed circular tourism products with a "No Single-Use Plastic" policy in all tourism and daily activities on the island.

Since 2022, Con Dao, along with Phu Quoc and Cu Lao Cham, has been one of the three key marine conservation areas selected for the "Reducing Ocean Plastic Waste in Vietnam" project, organized by the Vietnam Marine and Island Department in collaboration with WWF Vietnam. The project aims to eliminate plastic waste from nature and turn Con Dao into the 9th locality to join the urban plastic reduction program.

The Con Dao District aims to ensure that 100% of visitors are aware of the local activities focused on reducing plastic waste.

Vietnam Airlines Takes Action to Protect Con Dao's Environment

In response to the call from Con Dao, Vietnam Airlines, in collaboration with the Con Dao District Youth Union, launched the “Fly Light to Con Dao” campaign with the meaningful activity “Con Dao Green Festival.”

From September 23 to 30, Vietnam Airlines and the Con Dao Youth Union collected over 820 kg of plastic waste. More than 420 kg of recyclable plastic and aluminum cans were sorted and sent to the mainland for proper processing, transforming into green recycled products such as tables, chairs, and plant pots to be donated back to Con Dao.

Recycled Products from Plastic Waste Collected in Con Dao

At the campaign launch event on September 30, Vietnam Airlines and VASCO presented a meaningful gift: 10 sets of tables and chairs made from recycled plastic waste collected in Con Dao. These items will be placed at various tourist and residential locations throughout Con Dao as a powerful message about environmental protection, raising awareness among locals and tourists about reducing and recycling plastic waste.

On the same day, Vietnam Airlines and VASCO also donated 400 plant seedlings to Con Dao and, in collaboration with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Con Dao, organized a tree planting ceremony with the "Medicinal Herb Garden – Greening Waste Sites" model. Local leaders and residents participated in planting medicinal plants like lemongrass, lingzhi, and cinnamon, as well as flowers that are well-suited to Con Dao's climate.

Mr. Đinh Văn Tuấn, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, expressed his belief: "Protecting Con Dao's environment is not just about preserving the landscape and living environment today but also a precious gift for the future. By ‘flying light’ in this way, each of us contributes to preserving Con Dao, the ‘Pearl Island,’ for many generations to come."