INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS DISCUSS SOLUTIONS TO CONTROL POLLUTION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

On the morning of March 2, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE), in coordination with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), organized the Regional Pollution Forum (RPF) with the theme “Addressing pollution to improve community health.” The forum takes place over two days, March 2–3, 2026.

The event brought together nearly 80 delegates representing state management agencies, experts, scientists, and organizations from Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, as well as many Southeast Asian and European countries, to discuss the current state of pollution and propose solutions to strengthen environmental protection in the region.

Forum Participants

In recent years, environmental pollution has been identified as one of the main causes of many diseases, seriously affecting ecosystems, public health, and causing significant economic losses worldwide. In Vietnam, with the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, agencies, organizations, and communities are actively implementing various solutions to respond to climate change and control pollution.

In the context where production and development activities continue to place pressure on the environment, the RPF Forum is organized as an open dialogue space to strengthen coordination and share knowledge and practical experience among countries to address pollution, protect health, and promote sustainable development.

At the forum, experts analyzed environmental challenges through pilot projects, clarifying emission sources, exposure pathways, and impacts on human health. On that basis, the participants proposed priority measures to control air pollution, chemicals, plastic waste, and promote smart waste management.

A key topic presented was the “Environmental Pollution Program in Vietnam (EPP-VN),” reflecting practical lessons from localities. The collaborative approach between scientists and farmers from small-scale experimental models to large-scale application has contributed to developing sustainable farming solutions, bringing benefits to health, the environment, and the economy.

The EPP-VN Program and the RPF Forum are funded by UK International Development through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Sinh, President of VACNE, delivers a welcome speech at the forum

Speaking at the forum, Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Sinh, President of VACNE, emphasized: Environmental pollution is a global and transboundary issue that requires the joint efforts of multiple stakeholders. The forum is an opportunity for all parties to exchange views, clarify the current situation, and identify the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder involved. Since its establishment in 1988, VACNE has consistently committed to working alongside domestic and international partners, promoting dialogue that connects science with policy and practical action, thereby contributing to the broader community’s efforts in nature and environmental protection.

Activities within the framework of EPP-VN implemented by VACNE and GAHP in recent years have helped raise awareness, transfer technology, and build a foundation for future projects aimed at sustainable agriculture, emissions reduction, and climate change adaptation. This model has not only proven effective in Vietnam but has also expanded to Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Nepal, and Tanzania.

Ms. Maria Paola Lia, Executive Director of GAHP, shared: “Pollution is a major but preventable cause of many diseases across Southeast Asia. The RPF forum focuses on practical, evidence-based solutions that deliver clear health benefits, including outcomes already demonstrated through programs implemented in Vietnam.”

She also highlighted a flagship project titled “Assessment of the current situation and proposals for solutions to reduce the impacts of open burning and the use of crop protection chemicals in agriculture on climate change, human health, and biodiversity in Vietnam.” The project supports farmers in Southern Vietnam, the Central Highlands, and Northern Vietnam in applying integrated pest management (IPM), utilizing agricultural by-products to cultivate straw mushrooms, raise earthworms, and produce organic fertilizer and animal feed helping increase income while reducing emissions.

According to Ms. Toks Akinseye, a representative of Defra, the UK Government prioritizes cooperative projects that propose sustainable solutions proactively implemented by local communities themselves. The RPF Forum in Ho Chi Minh City is an important part of the environmental pollution program initiated by Defra, promoting a multilateral approach for the shared benefit of countries and communities.

The outcomes of the RPF Forum are expected to become an important information foundation, guiding a regional cooperation roadmap for pollution control and contributing to the protection of public health and the promotion of sustainable development in Southeast Asia.

The forum is divided into multiple discussion sessions on different topics

Source: VACNE