Halong Bay: The fight against plastic waste is gaining momentum!

Halong Bay: The fight against plastic waste is gaining momentum!

Vietnam's Halong Bay, known for its stunning limestone islands and rich biodiversity, is facing a serious challenge: plastic waste. Booming tourism has led to a drastic increase in pollution. How star According to reports, 8.5 million visitors are expected in 2023, which will further increase the burden on the sensitive ecosystem.

The authorities have responded to this problem. On September 1, 2019, a ban on plastic bags and single-use plastic products came into effect in Halong Bay. The managing authority has initiated measures to combat plastic waste in order to reduce the increasing waste. Tourist boats now have to sign a declaration of commitment to avoid plastic waste. Loud Vietnam.vn 204 companies and households in the tourism sector have pledged to stop using single-use plastic products.

Initiatives to avoid waste

The implementation of the measures is already showing initial success: plastic waste from sightseeing and tourism activities in the bay has been reduced by over 90%. Styrofoam buoys on floating structures have also been reduced by 94%, representing an important step towards keeping waterways clean. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense. As garbage collector Vu Thi Thinh reports, large amounts of garbage have to be removed every day, and seven million tourists were counted in 2022 alone.

The city of Ha Long has difficulty disposing of wastewater in an environmentally friendly manner, as only 40% of wastewater can be treated. In addition, the decline in coral species in the bay is alarming: the number has fallen from 234 to around 117. Despite efforts, there are reports of fishermen throwing old Styrofoam buoys into the water, making cleanup difficult.

Future prospects

A comprehensive plan is being pursued to reduce plastic pollution by 50% by 2025 and eliminate it completely by 2030. In Van Don County, a plan to reduce plastic waste in five island municipalities was released on April 24, 2024. There are also innovative projects in Minh Chau that promote the message of “no plastic waste”. The Phoenix Hotel in this area already uses recycled materials and avoids single-use plastic.

The population is encouraged to actively participate in environmental protection measures. In Co To, tourists collect trash together on the beach as part of the “Co To District Has No Plastic Waste” movement. In addition, new “garbage collection tours” offered by some accommodations are enjoying great popularity. These initiatives show that the fight against plastic waste is driven not only at the regulatory level, but also through community engagement.

Overall, Halong Bay is a symbol of the challenges facing many tourist destinations in Vietnam. While tourism is an important economic driver, it also places a significant burden on the environment. Hope lies in the continued measures to combat plastic pollution and the commitment of both authorities and visitors.