This is part of a project funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to build a global action programme (GAP) to protect the marine environment from land-based activities.

According to current statistics, about 50-70 percent of waste discharged into the sea comes from the mainland.

Dr. Nguyen Van Cu, head of the Vietnam Sea and Island General Department, emphasised that it is essential to manage waste discharge in coastal areas. This is a difficult task that requires joint efforts by functional agencies, he said.

To reduce sea pollution, the Vietnam Sea and Island General Department is cooperating with international donors on technical assistance projects like this one.

The General Department aims to evaluate the waste discharge from the mainland into the sea, build a national action plan on waste management, and implement a pilot project in Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province.

Razi Latif, an expert from UNEP, says GAP is a global project that is being carried out in Vietnam to help the country protect the marine environment and reduce sea pollution.