Campaign "Fly Light to Con Dao" Attracts Local Community Participation

The "Fly Light to Con Dao" campaign aims not only to reduce CO2 emissions but also to enhance waste collection, processing, and recycling, promoting sustainable aviation and tourism while shifting the economy towards a circular model in Con Dao.

The launch event was attended by leaders and representatives from the People's Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, the People's Committee of Con Dao District, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Con Dao Airport, Vietnam Airlines, the Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO, a member airline of Vietnam Airlines), social organizations, businesses, and a large number of local residents.

The campaign's goal is to reduce CO2 emissions, increase waste collection and recycling programs, and target 85% recycling of plastic waste by 2025. It also aims to develop sustainable aviation and tourism, transitioning Con Dao's economy toward a circular model.

During the ceremony, the People's Committee of Con Dao, Vietnam Airlines, and Lagom Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their commitment to cooperation and pioneering environmental protection initiatives.

This collaboration highlights the leadership of the Con Dao authorities and the efforts of the national airline to support the district's sustainable development journey, contributing to the government’s goals for green economic development, circular economy, and net-zero emissions.

The parties will coordinate various meaningful activities to reduce and offset CO2, such as encouraging passengers to reduce luggage weight, thus reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on flights. They will also organize the “Con Dao Green Festival” to promote waste collection, sorting, and recycling, and encourage a green lifestyle within the local community.

The campaign will also involve educational programs for students of all levels about environmental protection, waste sorting, and plastic recycling, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and raise awareness among the younger generation about protecting nature.

The event featured a symbolic exchange of waste for plants, where local residents eagerly brought plastic waste to select a potted plant made from recycled materials provided by the organizers.

Mr. Đặng Minh Thông, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, said, “The ‘Fly Light to Con Dao’ campaign, organized by the People’s Committee of Con Dao and Vietnam Airlines, is one of the practical activities contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and CO2 emissions. It supports the green economy, circular economy, and sustainable development goals for Con Dao.”

Mr. Đinh Văn Tuấn, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, expressed confidence: “Protecting Con Dao not only preserves its natural landscape and living environment today but also offers a precious gift for future generations. By ‘flying light,’ each of us contributes to preserving Con Dao, the ‘Pearl Island,’ for many generations to come.”

Additionally, the campaign includes activities such as forest planting, protecting the local wildlife and plant ecosystems, and maintaining a sustainable environment. The "Kiêng Nhựa" mobile app will also be launched to help residents and customers of Con Dao work together to reduce single-use plastic waste.

Con Dao is known for its pristine natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. However, the rapid growth of tourism in recent years has put significant pressure on the island's waste management infrastructure, particularly concerning plastic waste. Climate change has also affected environmental quality, threatening the island's unique ecosystems.

The "Fly Light to Con Dao" campaign, with the message "Fly Light for a Thousand Miles," is a pioneering initiative combining sustainable aviation, tourism, and economic transition to a circular model.

"Fly Light" in the message implies a new definition for Vietnam Airlines’ sustainable flights. The airline encourages passengers on each journey to reduce luggage weight, limit plastic waste, and "lighten" the weight of each flight while also reducing CO2 emissions, contributing to the success of the government's green economy and circular economy goals.