Green transformation for sustainable development

Dramatic climate change is unpredictable, causing an imbalance between economic development and environmental protection, making green development an inevitable trend. With the longest coastline in the country (385 km), a temperate climate, and more than 300 sunny days a year, Khanh Hoa boasts great potential for developing renewable energy from waves, tides, sunlight and wind. Its rich marine and forest ecosystems also help balance economic growth and environmental protection, making it favorable for green development.

Artistic representation of Nha Trang City in the future created by AI,  DALL·E 3.

Vietnam has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. The Politburo's Resolution No. 09 on the construction and development of Khanh Hoa Province till 2030 with a vision till 2045 confirms the development of Khanh Hoa must be based on reasonable resource exploitation, environmental protection and climate change response.

The "Green Transformation of Khanh Hoa Province 2024 - 2030" project aims to turn Khanh Hoa into a smart and sustainable city, leading the way in achieving the goal of zero emissions by 2050. The project will promote renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and develop green transport. To implement the green transformation, Khanh Hoa encourages investment in developing eco-tourism, organic agriculture, renewable energy and high-tech industry with capital and tax incentives.

The province is developing green transportation with electric buses, while preserving marine and forest ecosystems of Nha Trang Bay and Hon Ba, promoting coral regeneration programs and ocean clean-ups. In rural areas, the province encourages tree planting and forest protection to reduce environmental degradation.

Artistic representation of what Nha Trang might look like in 2050 created by AI,  DALL·E 3).

Sustainable policies rely not only on the government but also on the consensus of the community and businesses. In Khanh Hoa, some businesses have succeeded with green development models. Luxurious resorts are pioneering in reducing plastic waste, using solar energy and treating wastewater on-site, attracting sustainable tourists. Farmers in Khanh Son and Khanh Vinh districts have transitioned to organic agricultural production, supplying clean vegetables and safeguarding the environment.

Local startups develop solar energy solutions and bio-paper bags, ensuring profits while reducing pollution. Khanh Hoa residents have protected the environment with activities such as cleaning the sea; building green economy, urban areas, transportation and developing green lifestyles; raising environmental awareness of both residents and tourists. In the construction of new rural areas, localities have promoted tree planting, waste classification and the use of renewable energy. Environmental education is integrated in schools, encouraging students to plant trees and recycle, raising environmental protection awareness among younger generations.

For sustainable development, Khanh Hoa needs to synchronously implement solutions such as developing renewable energy by installing rooftop solar panels and promoting public-private partnerships in energy projects, especially offshore wind power and wave power); building a green transport system by encouraging the use of such public transport as electric buses and bicycles and providing incentives for switching from gasoline cars to electric cars; reducing and recycling waste (sorting waste at source, supporting businesses in using biological and recycled materials, building modern waste treatment plants and recycling systems at source); developing eco-tourism associated with biodiversity conservation and carbon emission reduction.

Enterprises need to participate in the carbon credit market to promote green transformation; protect coral, sea grass and mangrove forests and promote the destination of Khanh Hoa.

Besides, the province needs to develop sustainable production and consumption models (support businesses and farmers to switch to organic production, build green agricultural markets connecting with consumers) and develop smart agriculture with the application of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (artificial intelligence) in agricultural management to help increase productivity, minimize resource use and improve product quality. These technologies not only improve farming efficiency but also contribute to greening the environment, moving towards the goal of Net Zero (zero emissions).

In addition, it is essential to propagate, educate and encourage people to participate in green transformation, circular economy, environmental protection and civilized urban construction. Workshops on green transformation, green growth and circular economy help to propose sustainable development solutions for the province. The province needs to promote digital transformation, encourage green transformation and circular economy, and adjust policies based on actual situations.

T.Thach

Translated by N.T