On the morning of June 7^th, 2025, the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ca Mau Province and People’s Committee of Khanh Binh Tay Commune organized the event titled “International coastal cleanup (ICC) 2025 in Ca Mau – Clean Sea – Green Living – Strong Community” at Hon Da Bac coast in Ca Mau Marine Protected Area, Khanh Binh Tay commune, Tran Van Thoi district, Ca Mau province.

This activity aimed to raise awareness about the conservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity, promote active participation from local communities and stakeholders in reducing marine pollution, contributing to marine conservation efforts and supporting the Ca Mau Marine Protected Area. It was also to enhance understanding of and compliance with environmental protection and fisheries resource management regulations in the coastal areas of Ca Mau province. The event was a part of the series of activities organized by MCD and Ca Mau province in response to Vietnam Sea and Island Week (June 1st –8th), World Environment Day (June 5th), World Oceans Day (June 8th), and the Month of Action for the Environment.

The event attracted the participation of representatives from various agencies and organizations including MCD, Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ca Mau Province, and various units including Sub-department of Seas, Islands and Fisheries Surveillance, Sub-department of Fisheries, Livestock and Animal Health, Border Guard, People’s Committee of Khanh Binh Tay commune, media and press units, and especially over 250 volunteers comprising youth, students, and local residents.

Photo: Delegates participating in the ICC event on June 7, 2025

At the event, Mr. Chau Cong Bang – Deputy Director of the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment – emphasized: “The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ca Mau province is honored to collaborate as a focal partner of the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) in implementing various activities related to marine conservation, protection of fisheries resources, and sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and processing of aquatic products in Ca Mau. We sincerely appreciate the valuable contributions of MCD, especially for community activities such as capacity building and communication initiatives for coastal residents. We believe this event will draw attention and inspire actions from agencies, organizations, and communities on environmental issues in general, and ocean plastic pollution in particular. It also supports the management of the Ca Mau Marine Protected Area and the protection of the province’s aquatic resources.”

Photo: Mr. Chau Cong Bang, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ca Mau, delivering the opening speech at the event

Representing MCD, a partner supporting Ca Mau province in the protection of fisheries resources, marine environmental conservation, and community livelihood development — and a co-organizer of this event — Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang shared: “MCD regularly supports International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) community event in coastal and island localities, with the aim of encouraging the participation of coastal communities and stakeholders in practical actions. These efforts help raise awareness, foster responsibility, and promote individual and collective action in reducing marine litter and protecting marine ecosystems and the environment. This year, we combine ICC event with a communication campaign for sharing information about the newly established Ca Mau Marine Protected Area, as well as relevant laws and regulations on environmental protection and the sustainable use of marine fisheries resources, targeting local communities and stakeholders. MCD believes that this activity will make a positive and effective contribution to marine conservation and the protection of fisheries resources in Ca Mau province”.

Photo: Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, MCD Officer, speaking at the opening session of the event

After the opening ceremony, under the technical guidance of staff and experts from MCD, delegates and volunteers joined in cleaning up waste over the area of more than 500 meters of coastline and 200 meters landward at Hon Da Bac of Khanh Binh Tay commune. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the activity took place with great enthusiasm and energy from the participants. Over 500 kilograms of waste were collected with plastic waste accounting for approximately 60%. This meaningful effort contributed to promoting actions that helped preserve a green, clean, and beautiful landscape for the local community.

In parallel with the ICC event, MCD also collaborated with the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ca Mau Province, the Sub-Department of Seas, Islands and Fisheries Surveillance, the Sub-Department of Fisheries, Livestock and Animal Health, as well as local authorities in conducting a local radio broadcast program from June 3^rd to June 10^th in coastal communes and wards. This program aimed to disseminate information and knowledge about marine conservation, the Ca Mau Marine Protected Area, and legal regulations on environmental protection and marine fishery resources management. The initiative sought to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and promote compliance among local communities and relevant stakeholders.

Photos: Delegates and volunteers participating in ICC Ca Mau 2025

The above activities were implemented within the framework of the Cooperation Plan for the period 2024-2025 between MCD and Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ca Mau on “Technical support for promoting co-management and marine conservation practices in Vietnam and engaging in relevant regional collaboration”.