MCD’s Blue Lighthouse Program mobilizes Vietnam’s youth providing invaluable experience in ocean conservation. Vietnam’s coast is affected by plastic pollution— many of Vietnam’s young people are trying to remedy this problem.

MCD’S Blue Lighthouse Program Youth are spreading awareness, educating about the harms of ocean plastics, and they were recently involved in a significant coastal cleanup in the Nam Dinh province. The event was in response to the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), an American event that was started 30 years ago by MCD’s partner Ocean Conservancy (OC).

“Previously in my time at university, I joined other environmental events—but this time it was much different, it’s very well-organized and well-prepared. It’s different when you’re working for a professional organization like an NGO. The people here bring me a lot of happiness and coziness,” says Hoang Nam, a Blue Lighthouse student. “I feel like we’re all a family here.”

Over 400 kilograms of garbage was removed from the coastline. Of the trash removed, over 60% was plastic waste. Much of the garbage was picked up, weighed and tallied by the Blue Lighthouse Youth—they were also involved in an administrational capacity. Over 200 volunteers attended the cleanup. There was many local women, MCD staff, members of the media, and representatives from the government present.

 “ I was surprised about how much plastic was there,” said Nam “It made me think about how harmful it can be, and we need to change things.”

Young people in Vietnam feel strongly about the environment, and there’s a growing sense of urgency about the future. “Things are starting to change; some restaurants don’t use plastic straws. Many people say no to straws.” said Nguyễn Nhã, a Hanoi student and MCD Blue Lighthouse Program Youth.“But it is a slow process, some people don’t care.”

“The students at ICC had so much passion,” said Giang a 20-year-old Blue Lighthouse Program Youth. “They worked very hard. I think I’ve learned a lot from this experience. I learned I can work with people from places like Nam Dinh, and learn about what they think about environmental problems; moreover, I think if we can change the minds of others we can make a big change in the future.”

Giang like the others helped in collaborating in the cleanup, she was in charge of a small group of twenty people. The not only are the students learning about ocean conservancy, plastic consumption, they’re also growing strong leadership skills.

 “At ICC I see that the students, the local women and youths care. I see this and I’m very happy.” Said Nhã, she continued that young people care. “we know plastic is bad, some of us are trying to make changes.”

The Blue Lighthouse Program Youth after the clean up in Nam Dinh

“Children and students are the future, we need to educate and spread awareness.” Said Nam. Many of the Blue Lighthouse Program students are involved in extracurricular activities to cleanup Vietnam. This has been a first time cleanup for others. All of them found the experience educational and invaluable.

The event was funded by US Agency for International Development (USAID), and the component “Promoting zero-waste initiative in Vietnam through Coastal Strongholds”, which is funded by the Pacific Environment (PE), for which MCD is the principal implementer and in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE) of Nam Dinh and other local partners. Also, World University Service of Canada (WUSC) joins hands in mobilizing volunteers from Vietnamese universities, through the MCD Blue Lighthouse Program.

Giang added “I had a fun time with the students in Nam Dinh. I hope to come back one day, and to have more experiences with the local people. Especially women and students.”

Written by: Mitch Kedrosky