Australian Government supports Clean Up the World in Vietnam

Continuing a tradition established in 1994 when Vietnam joined the Clean Up the World campaign, the Australian Embassy is supporting the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)’s National launch in Da Lat this year. With the slogan “Our place…our planet…our responsibility” the organisers of this event hope that provinces and cities in Vietnam will actively respond to the campaign by cleaning up their work, living and community areas.

In addition to the National launch, MONRE will also organise a conference on the protection of water resources bringing together scientists and environmental management officials from central and provincial governments. Da Lat University students will also plant trees, clean up their campus and surrounding areas as part of this campaign.

Ms Angela Pickett, First Secretary, who will represent the Embassy at the National launch, said she was pleased to know that volunteers in Da Lat would participate in the clean-up activities. Da Lat is well known for its natural beauty and preserving this will ensure the continued benefits of local and international tourism.

Clean Up Australia was founded by Australian Yachtsman Ian Kiernan in 1990 and encouraged Australian people to clean up their local areas. In 1993, the event went global with the launch of Clean Up the World. It has become a community-based environmental campaign that inspires and empowers communities around the world to clean up and conserve their environment

“Communities working in partnership with Clean Up the World, can turn biodiversity loss around. Preventing and removing waste from the environment is an important first step, as that stops the accumulation of pollution. Protecting and preserving our environment is the next stage.” said Mr Kiernan.

Millions of people from over 130 countries have participated this campaign in different ways such as collecting classifying and recycling rubbish, recovering natural resources and providing environmental education.

In Vietnam, more and more community groups, schools, businesses, and local governments supporting environmental programs such as Voluntary Saturdays and Green Sundays which encourage people to plant more trees, clean up canals, ponds, sewage systems and say “No” to plastic bags.

More and more local campaigns are also being organised such as ‘Clean Up Sapa’ which will also happen this weekend. Sapa O’Chau, the organiser of this local campaign was founded by a Hmong woman Shu Tan and has now become a local organization. Students, staff of Sapa O’Chau and participants from local companies will clear the Muong Hoa valley of rubbish as they trek through Lao Chai, Ta Van, Cat Cat and Xin Chai villages.

For further information please contact Ms Dinh Thi Viet Anh, Public Affairs and Media Liaison Manager at the Australian Embassy (tel: 04-3774 0232 or email: [email protected]).