Joining hands to protect environment on Con Co Island

Socio-economic development coupled with protecting natural resources and the marine and island ecosystem has been a priority for Con Co Island since its establishment. For that reason, improving household solid waste management and reducing ocean plastic pollution become top priorities to transform the island into a destination for tourism, culture, safety, and a “Pearl of the East Sea” in the near future.

The communication center at Con Co Island promotes green development in the locality. Photo: H.T

Con Co Island is located in a marine area with diverse and abundant resources, spanning approximately 9,000 square kilometers. This region is home to both northern and southern Gulf of Tonkin marine species, with 224 recorded species of offshore fish out of the 960 species found in the Gulf of Tonkin, including high-value species like groupers, tuna, crabs, squid, and lobsters.

Additionally, there are 113 species of hard coral, 56 species of seaweed, 46 species of finfish, 20 species of crustaceans, 87 species of reef fish, phytoplankton, and rare species such as dolphins, chelonidae turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles.

Con Co is one of the few areas in Vietnam where tropical marine ecosystems remain relatively pristine, boasting a high level of biodiversity. The coral reefs around Con Co are considered to be in excellent condition, with high coverage and species diversity.

According to Truong Khac Truong, Vice Chairman of the Con Co Island District People’s Committee, the island district has consistently viewed the preservation of a clean marine environment and the creation of a green, clean, and beautiful island as urgent tasks.

The local authorities have launched different campaigns to raise public awareness of environmental protection and foster a sense of responsibility among agencies, businesses, and the community to help build a civilized, green, and beautiful island district.

The Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee has also implemented plans to establish a special-use forest to protect the landscape of Con Co Island. This initiative aims to safeguard both forest and marine ecosystems while benefiting the local community through the sustainable use of natural products and the promotion of eco-tourism, all while ensuring national defense and security.

In 2024, the Con Co Island District People’s Committee developed an action plan for managing plastic waste on the island through 2024, with a vision to 2030. The goal is to raise awareness and improve solid waste management at the source, reduce plastic waste from the community and businesses, and work towards building “Con Co – a Green Island Free from Plastic Pollution” by 2030.

The plan also seeks to improve solid waste management, prevent the leakage of solid and plastic waste into the environment and oceans, and promote recycling and reuse of plastic waste, creating new life cycles for ocean plastics.

In addition, the district’s agencies have worked to intensify efforts in promoting environmental protection through new and effective models, such as planting colorful bougainvillea along the island’s main roads, implementing self-managed coastal areas, and organizing beach cleanup campaigns.

The district has also launched practical activities to combat plastic waste, including signing agreements between the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Con Co Island, and travel agencies operating on the island to reduce plastic waste.

Meanwhile, the military and civilians have been mobilized to collect plastic waste and clean the island, while training sessions on plastic waste reduction have been held for officials, soldiers, and residents. Initiatives such as releasing juvenile fish to restore marine resources in Con Co Island’s Marine Protected Area have also been implemented.

At a recent conference on plastic waste reduction and solid waste sorting at the source, held on Con Co Island, Cao Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Communication Center for Natural Resources and Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, praised the environmental protection models implemented on the island. He called on the authorities and residents to continue preserving the island’s greenery and pristine environment, with a focus on reducing plastic waste and sorting solid waste at the source.

The district is committed to implementing the Government’s Strategy for Sustainable Marine Resource Utilization and Environmental Protection by 2030, with a vision for 2050, as well as the 2020 Environmental Protection Law and related regulations.

Special emphasis is placed on using environmentally friendly technologies and products that consume less energy and limiting the use of materials that generate waste and cause pollution, particularly single-use plastics.

The district is working on improving the collection, sorting, and treatment of household and plastic waste at the source while ensuring that leadership remains accountable for managing, utilizing, and conserving marine resources for sustainable development.

Ha Trang – Linh Pham