The Vietnamese government plans to reduce 75% of ocean plastic waste and no plastic waste will be generated at tourist sites along the coast line by 2030, VnExpress reported.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has issued a national action plan on ocean plastic waste management by 2030 to fulfill Vietnam's international commitment to combat ocean plastic pollution.

Waste on a Vietnam’s beach. Photo: G.C

Under the plan, 100% of lost or discarded fishing gear will be collected, 100% of coastal tourist service providers will not use disposable plastic products and plastic bags that are difficult to decompose, 100% of marine protected areas will be free of plastic waste.

Besides, the government requests the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to expand its annual observation and assess the status of ocean plastic pollution in some estuaries and 12 island districts every five years.

To achieve the target, the Vietnamese government has set out key tasks, including raising people’s awareness and improving their behavior towards the use of plastic products and the prevention of ocean plastics pollution; collecting, sorting, storing, transporting and treating plastic waste generated from coastal and marine activities.

The related ministries and localities will inspect and supervise the implementation of regulations on collecting and treating plastic waste generated from marine economic activities.

According to the United Nations Environment Program, Vietnam is among the five worst contributor to ocean plastic pollution (together with China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka). Each year, Vietnam discharges 1.8 million tons of plastic waste and only 27% of this amount is recycled.