Co To Island: Protecting the environment for sustainable development

In implementing Resolution No. 10-NQ/TU of the Provincial Party Committee, dated September 26, 2022, on strengthening the Party's leadership over resource management, environmental protection, disaster prevention and mitigation, climate change adaptation, and ensuring water security for the period 2022-2030, Co To district has focused on implementing comprehensive solutions in environmental protection work in the area.

The Youth Union of Co To district participated in raising awareness and encouraging tourists not to use plastic bags and single-use plastic items when visiting Co To. Photo: Thu Cuc (Co To Information and Culture Center)

The Standing Committee of the Co To District Party Committee has directed units, departments, and the People's Committees of communes and towns in the district to seriously implement the dissemination and understanding of the resolution, while also integrating the directives on environmental protection, natural resource utilization, disaster prevention and mitigation, climate change adaptation, and water security into the annual resolutions on the direction and tasks of local work.

Based on this, the dissemination of information among the people has been carried out extensively by all levels of government, the Fatherland Front Committee, and political and social organizations from the district to the commune level, using forms appropriate to each target group such as: loudspeakers, leaflets, neighborhood meetings, conferences, launching environmental sanitation campaigns, etc. Through this dissemination, the awareness of cadres, Party members, and all strata of the people has been raised, creating a positive effect in organizing and successfully implementing the objectives set forth in the resolution.

The Standing Committee of the Co To District Party Committee has also issued many decisions and projects related to environmental protection in the area, especially the "Co To District Free of Plastic Waste" project. In particular, the district has strengthened propaganda to raise public awareness about not dumping plastic waste and protecting the environment in general, along with implementing the prescribed sanctions. The focus is on implementing waste sorting at source, waste collection and treatment; preventing the discharge of waste from boats and ships into the sea; and avoiding the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and single-use plastic products.

Therefore, to prevent the negative impacts of plastic waste on the marine and island environment, protect and develop marine resources, ensure people's livelihoods, and preserve the natural landscape and environment, while promoting sustainable tourism development... From September 15, 2023, Co To district requested all tourists not to bring plastic bags and single-use plastic items to the island. The District People's Committee also required 100% of agencies, units, schools, markets, service businesses, passenger and cargo transport vessels, and fishing vessels... in Co To district not to use plastic bags, single-use plastic items (plastic boxes, plastic cups, disposable plastic straws, etc.) and other materials that pose a risk of polluting the marine environment.

In addition, Co To district has maintained and implemented many meaningful environmental protection activities and movements, such as: the "Clean the Sea" campaign; the Thursday and Saturday general sanitation movement; the implementation of "Waste Sorting at Source" projects; the flower-lined road movement, etc. Through these movements, residents and tourists have increased their responsibility in participating in environmental sanitation, raising awareness of disposing of waste in designated places, and protecting the ecological landscape. This has greatly contributed to creating a green, clean, and beautiful environment at beaches and residential areas, and building a culture of environmental protection in the district. According to Co To district's assessment, the district has currently completed 6 out of 8 targets of Resolution No. 10-NQ/TU. Specifically, the rate of household waste collection and treatment in urban areas has reached 98%, and in island communes with tourism activities, it has reached 99%; the forest cover rate is over 58%. 98% of urban households and 80% of rural households have access to clean water that meets standards…

In particular, environmental protection activities have seen positive changes among the people. The natural environment in the district is increasingly being protected effectively. Many rare marine species have returned to the waters of Co To: whales, dolphins, turtles, etc. According to scientists and marine environmental experts, the frequent appearance of marine life is evidence that the marine environment in Co To is improving, the protection of aquatic resources, and the prevention of overfishing are being carried out effectively, and many marine species are recovering. It can be seen that the resolute efforts in environmental protection, combating waste pollution, especially plastic waste, and the determination to build a green, clean, and beautiful Co To island have brought positive results, leading to the sustainable development of Co To district and the preservation of its natural environment.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/co-to-quyet-tam-bao-ve-moi-truong-3324098.html