PHONM PHEN —A community-led project to manage some 28,000 tons of plastic waste and prevent 5,000 tons from ending up in the ocean is being supported by the UN in one of the most popular tourist attractions in Viet Nam.

People are increasingly involved in plastic waste management at a community level in Vietnam.

The waste in Ha Long Bay, an area which is known as the Dragon’s Jewels, is generated mainly by the local tourism and fishing industries.

So far, 1,000 tons of plastic waste have been properly separated, and 150 tons collected by freelance waste workers as part of a Global Environment Fund project, which is implemented by the UN Development Program (UNDP).

“Previously, we didn’t know how to separate the waste, how to compost or why we need to reduce plastic”, said farmer Đinh Thị Luyến. “We have been provided with material and equipment; we are so thankful.”

You can find out more about Ha Long’s plastic waste challenge, and how it is being tackled by the local. — UN News