Phu Quoc goes green for APEC 2027: Sustainable vision amidst waste challenges

The province is rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at turning Phu Quoc, which was selected to host APEC 2027, into a model green city, though the road to such eco-friendly reform is fraught with challenges, especially waste.

Despite its growing popularity among tourists, Phu Quoc City grapples with a significant waste management crisis.

The city produces between 180 and 200 metric tons of waste daily, much of it consisting of plastic bottles, single-use containers, and household trash.

Meanwhile, the Dong Cay Sao waste treatment facility in Cua Duong Commune has a daily incineration capacity of just 144 metric tons, resulting in the expansion of a nearby temporary landfill, which emits foul odors and attracts pests.

Community action and awareness

Nguyen Van Khuong, a resident of Duong Dong Ward, said that the city has seen noticeable improvements in cleanliness.

He, however, stressed that public awareness remains uneven as several markets and the banks of Duong Dong River are still filled with trash.

“Over the past few months, many volunteers and I have collected garbage along the river and beaches to spread the message of environmental protection to locals and tourists,” he said.

He suggested that local authorities should install cameras at waste hotspots and adopt drastic measures to prevent littering.

Nguyen Thi Luyen, director of Viet Contact Company in Hanoi, affirmed that Phu Quoc’s tourism is thriving.

Its well-developed infrastructure and numerous four- and five-star hotels make the city attractive to international tourists from India, South Korea, and China.

However, waste and plastic bags continue to mar public spaces, so she suggested launching community campaigns, such as reward-for-trash initiatives, to promote environmental stewardship among residents and visitors.

Huynh Van Dinh, head of the division of agriculture and environment of Phu Quoc City, said that local authorities have launched the ‘Phu Quoc Environment Day’ campaign to mobilize public workers, businesses, and residents in clean-up drives.

Waste segregation, ‘trash-for-gifts’ programs, and the installation of more public trash bins are part of the broader efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the growing tourism industry.

The city aims to cut plastic waste by 30 percent by 2030 and has begun penalizing environmental violations.

In 2024 alone, five environmental infractions led to fines totaling over VND270 million (US$10,380).

Several companies are also enhancing efforts to protect the environment, contributing to building a green city.

Phu Quoc Express JSC, which operates 16 high-speed boat routes connecting the island with the mainland, has stopped offering plastic water bottles.

Instead, it is serving water from large bottles using paper cups.

Moreover, the firm’s express boats are equipped with German MTU engines, known for high efficiency and low emissions, fueling eco-tourism goals.

At Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc, phasing out plastic products in favor of eco-friendly alternatives has increased operating costs.

However, operations director Tran Quoc Chau viewed this as a social responsibility for the city’s long-term sustainability.

Essential measures

Local authorities are tightening environmental oversight.

Giang Thanh Khoa, vice-chairman of the Kien Giang People’s Committee, has called for intensified inspections and encouraged the public to report environmental violations.

The province is also working to eliminate pollution hotspots and penalize offenders.

The province is implementing multiple environmental projects at a total cost of VND2.6 trillion ($100.7 million) in preparation for the hosting of APEC 2027.

These include new waste-to-energy plants, fresh water reservoirs, and wastewater treatment facilities in An Thoi and Duong Dong Wards.

Vo Van Len, deputy director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, said that the province is stepping up action to implement waste classification at source and leverage smart technologies to monitor and enforce environmental regulations.

“From now until 2027, we aim to align Phu Quoc’s development with the government’s vision for a green economy, ensuring the island is ready to host APEC 2027,” he said.