Plastic: Conference – Dialogue – Exhibition

On November 28- December 1, 2023, at the Interdisciplinary Center for International Science and Education (ICISE) in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, the project 3SIP2C – Sources, Sinks and Solutions for Impacts of Plastics on Coastal Communities in Viet Nam collaborated with the 3rd International Vietnam Conference on Earth and Environmental Sciences to organize the event “Plastics – Issues, Research Results and Solutions.” The event consisted of three main parts: a Plastic Conference session, a Plastic Dialogue roundtable discussion, and a Plastic Exhibition.

Plastic Conference

In the plastic parallel session chaired by Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong (Phenikaa University), researchers of the 3SIP2C project presented interdisciplinary research results through 8 presentations, providing multidimensional perspectives on plastic issues from the fields of environmental sciences, eco-toxicology, socio-economics, community engagement, and policy-governance. During the plenary session of the workshop, Professor Thomas Wagner (Heriot-Watt University) gave an overview presentation on “The Global Plastic Challenge” and Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong (Phenikaa University) presented initial results on the composition and distribution of microplastics in the Red River Delta and Cat Ba archipelago. The conference was attended by more than 100 delegates including scientists, managers, and experts from universities, research institutes, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations working in the fields of earth sciences, environment, policy, and fisheries. The programme and abstracts of the presentations at the conference are available here.

Plastic Dialogue

The roundtable discussion on plastic waste management policies “Plastic Dialogue”, led by Dr. Nguyen Sy Linh (ISPONRE) and Dr. Ingrid Kelling (Heriot-Watt University), attracted a diverse range of participants to discuss and consult on solutions and policies for sustainable management of plastic waste in Viet Nam. Representatives participating in the roundtable consultation included the Vietnam Women’s Union Central Committee, the Binh Dinh Provincial Environmental Protection Bureau, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Nam Dinh Province, the Management Board of Cat Ba Bay, the Management Board of Xuan Thuy National Park, the Management Board of Cat Ba National Park, the Vietnam Recycling Association, the Circular Economy Network, and the Thua Thien Hue Innovation Hub. The discussion session received practical contributions and valuable experiences from local management officers and researchers in the field of plastic waste. Project 3SIP2C will use these valuable discussions to propose policies and solutions to minimize the impact of plastic waste on coastal communities in Vietnam.

Plastic Exhibition

At the conference, the 3SIP2C project also exhibited artworks showcasing plastic issue, illustrating the actual data of compositions of various types of plastic waste collected at Giao Hai Beach, Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province. Additionally, the exhibition showcased products obtained through multiple community engagement activities to raise awareness and participations of the public about plastic waste. Activities such as boardgames about plastic waste, painting and tracking the path of floating coconuts, and observing microplastics through microscopes all attracted enthusiastic participation from attendees at the conference. Artworks and creative products from the community contributed to conveying scientific information about the current state of plastic pollution in Viet Nam in a new, community-friendly approach. Read more about this exhibition and plastic art here.

Event summaries

Professor Thomas Wagner and Dr. Ngo Thi Thuy Huong, representing the project team, affirmed that the research results of the 3SIP2C project contribute to a clearer understanding of the sources of marine plastics and the impact of plastic waste on the socio-economic activities of coastal communities, environmental quality, ecosystem health, and human health. Based on the research results, the project aim to propose policies and solutions to minimize the impact of plastic waste on coastal communities in Vietnam.

The 3SIP2C project expresses sincere thanks to the delegates for their participation, acknowledges their contributions, and looks forward to sharing information, research results, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders, especially localities and state management agencies, in implementing project activities.