Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: VACNE Launches Environmental Contest in Vietnam

GAHP, the Vietnam Association for the Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE), in collaboration with the Vietnam Environmental Incident Response Center (SOS Environment), has launched an inspiring new initiative aimed at empowering Vietnam's youth to address critical environmental challenges. The “Reducing Open Burning, Increasing Safety with Pesticides Use” contest invites high school and university students across the country to develop innovative solutions to reduce outdoor straw burning and promote the safe use of pesticides in agriculture—a pressing issue that directly impacts both the environment and public health.

A Vital Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture

Straw burning and the overuse of pesticides are significant environmental concerns in rural Vietnam. These practices contribute to air pollution, soil degradation, and long-term health risks. The contest is a key activity under the broader project “Assessment of the current situation and research proposals for applying solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of outdoor burning and the use of pesticides in agriculture on climate change, human health, and biodiversity in Vietnam.” This project is conducted by VACNE through a collaborative effort with the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) and funded with UK aid from the UK government.

Key Dates and Participation Details

The contest officially launched on August 30, 2024, calling for submissions from students in Vietnam’s high schools and universities. The submission window is open from September 1 to October 15, 2024. During this period, students can submit their entries in the form of Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, or video clips, with each format designed to encourage creative and practical solutions that are feasible for real-world application.

The top 10 submissions will be announced in late October 2024, and these finalists will then participate in a social media outreach campaign. The final round, where the top ideas will be presented and evaluated, is scheduled for early November 2024 in Hanoi.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

This contest represents more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders in Vietnam. Students are encouraged to leverage their local knowledge and personal experiences to propose solutions that address the harmful effects of straw burning and improper pesticide use. The competition aims to spark creativity and critical thinking, with the most innovative and feasible ideas having the potential to be implemented at the local level.

Prizes and Recognition: To recognize and reward these young innovators, the contest offers significant incentives:

• First Prize: VND 20,000,000

• Second Prize: VND 10,000,000

• Third Prizes: VND 4,000,000

• Social Media Outreach Prize: VND 5,000,000

In addition to monetary awards, all finalists will receive certificates of recognition from the Organizing Committee, and travel and accommodation expenses for the final round will be covered for the top 10 contestants.

Engaging the Broader Community

While the contest is specifically targeted at Vietnamese students, its impact has the potential to resonate far beyond the country’s borders. The lessons learned and solutions developed could serve as a model for sustainable agricultural practices in other regions facing similar environmental challenges. VACNE’s initiative underscores the importance of youth engagement in environmental protection, a priority that GAHP strongly supports.

Stay Informed and Support the Cause

At GAHP, we believe in the transformative power of education and community involvement. We are proud to support VACNE in this endeavor and encourage our network to stay informed about the progress and outcomes of this contest. By fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability, we can all contribute to a healthier planet and a brighter future for generations to come.