Environment protection has become urgent and critical not only in Vietnam but also elsewhere the world over, and authorities and environmental organizations are joining forces with the community for the purpose. In Vietnam, the matter has drawn much attention from all walks of life, especially young people.
 

Members of the C4E group of HCMC gather together before starting the trans-Vietnam cycling tour to raise public awareness on environment protection.

From ideas

In big cities in the country, environment pollution is all the more critical. Besides solutions taken by local governments for minimizing pollution impacts, voluntary teams and groups are also making considerable contributions as well.

Dang Thi Huong Giang, who initiated the “Trans-Vietnam Cycling for the Environment” program, recalls how she has had chances to enjoy fresh atmosphere through charity trips to rural areas. Giang then called for young people to make the environment in big cities as pure as that in the countryside. The C4E (Cycling for Environment) Group was founded, gathering voluntary cyclists for building a green, clean and beautiful world.

Established in 2007 in Hanoi with 10 volunteers, C4E now has nearly 2,000 members belonging to 15 groups in 15 cities and provinces. Every Sunday morning, the groups join hands for various activities nationwide such as cycling for raising public awareness on environment protection and colleting garbage at public places. The activities aim to call for people to change behaviors in daily life and stop throwing rubbish to protect the environment.

“If everyone joins forces for the program, we can do everything. The activities have had positive impacts on the community where each person becomes more aware of and responsible for the environment,” says student Nguyen Phuong Lan, a C4E member in HCMC.

To actions

From early days, C4E set up practical operation criteria and actions. Its slogan is “Actions on Thursday, sustainability on Friday” which means everyone should become a green ambassador to his friends and relatives by doing small things to contribute to environment protection, says Ngo Minh Huong, manager of the C4E Vietnam. Besides, a green ambassador will help change public behaviors in environment protection through their daily activities.

C4E has launched many practical programs, such as rallying people for commitments not to smoke at public places, reduce the use of plastic bags, save on water and energy, or merely drop trash into the rubbish bin.

However, the “Trans-Vietnam Cycling for the Environment” program organized annually by C4E and Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment is the most outstanding and meaningful one. The program has received positive responses from local authorities, enterprises and overseas organizations like Environmental Development Action in the Third World (ENDA) and the LIN Center for Community Development.

The “Trans-Vietnam Cycling for the Environment” program 2010, themed heritage preservation in the time of climate change, started in HCMC on August 7 and will end in Hanoi City on September 10. During 33 days, 32 C4E volunteers will cover nearly 2,000 kilometers through 18 cities and provinces. They will call for environmental protection in the localities, collect rubbish and help locals improve critically polluted areas.

This year’s trip aims to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi and raise people’s awareness on values of cultural and natural heritages. The journey will also help young people and local residents learn about the importance of biodiversity, green behaviors, saving of natural resources, reduction of plastic bag use and green means of transport. C4E members dress themselves in green to convey a message to the community: change behaviors to protect the environment.

“A green environment is necessary to anyone of us and environment protection is the responsibility of the society, especially young people who will become leaders of the country. C4E only makes small contributions, but a joint effort of the community is needed to make urban environment green, clean and beautiful,” says C4E vice head La Thuy Diem Hang. With the practical actions, C4E has been admitted to the VACNE as an official member.