Turning a sustainable mindset into action

Turning a sustainable mindset into action

RMIT University students continue to raise awareness of the fight against environmental challenges within the tourism sector in Vietnam.

Over 210 students from RMIT University’s Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management program engaged in a clean-up campaign in Vung Tau recently in an effort to address the environmental issues plaguing the country’s many tourism destinations.

Over 210 students from RMIT University’s Tourism and Hospitality Bachelor program engaged in a clean-up campaign in Vung Tau recently.Over 210 students from RMIT University’s Tourism and Hospitality Bachelor program engaged in a clean-up campaign in Vung Tau recently.

Vung Tau, a popular getaway destination for Southern residents thanks to its beautiful beaches and fresh seafood, has been suffering from plastic waste leaks, rubbish, and ocean pollution. With permission from the Ba Ria – Vung Tau provincial authorities, RMIT students decided to address this ongoing issue and raise awareness to transform Vung Tau by cleaning it up.

In Tao Phung Mountain and Nghinh Phong Cape, the students collected bottle caps, PET bottles, plastic straws, paper packaging, cigarettes and even swimming clothes during a two-hour cleaning journey.

The field trip was a part of the Ecotourism and Sustainability Hospitality Management course, which aims to cultivate a sustainable mindset and sustainable problem-solving skills in the future leaders of this important service industry.

The students collected bottle caps, PET bottles, plastic straws, paper packaging, cigarettes, and even swimming clothes during a two-hour cleaning journey.The students collected bottle caps, PET bottles, plastic straws, paper packaging, cigarettes, and even swimming clothes during a two-hour cleaning journey.

Joining the event was Dr Tran Anh Tu from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, who explained and discussed various perspectives on environmental challenges. The students learned about microplastics, how they are wasted, sorted or recycled in Vietnam, and plastic waste generation.

Trinh Gia Han, a student participating in this movement, said: “I learned about the harmful factors towards our planet and how we can protect our environment. Additionally, this activity gave me a great experience as I could enjoy the beautiful scenery – I can’t believe how picturesque my country is!”

Vietnam generates around 3.7 million tonnes of plastic waste every year with only around 10-15% collected for recycling. This echoes research by Ocean Conservancy ranking Vietnam as the fourth biggest polluter of oceans globally.

The country also finished in the bottom five of a global sustainable tourism ranking, placing 96th out of 99 economies, according to a Euromonitor International report published in March 2021.

RMIT course coordinator Dr Daisy Kanagasapapathy stated: “We strive to provide quality education by using various teaching tools to engage the students. Through this sustainable activity, the students learned and experienced first-hand what sustainable tourism could be like.”

“The event also created awareness of investing in our planet, and deliberate action towards realising the UN Sustainable Developments Goals 14 (life below water) and 15 (life on land),” she added.

The clean-up campaign is a deliberate action towards realising the UN Sustainable Developments Goals 14 (life below water) and 15 (life on land).The clean-up campaign is a deliberate action towards realising the UN Sustainable Developments Goals 14 (life below water) and 15 (life on land).

The Vung Tau clean-up campaign is the latest addition to a series of environmental protection efforts by RMIT Tourism and Hospitality Management students.

In 2021, a group of these students became champion of the UNWTO Students’ League global competition for their sustainability action plan to reduce plastic waste in Phu Quoc Island. The team proposed innovative solutions including reducing plastic items in hygiene and sanitation, educating tourists about plastic waste and cooperating with the Organic Trade Association (OTA) to develop green badges for a resort in Phu Quoc.

Dr Jackie Ong, RMIT Senior Program Manager of Tourism and Hospitality Management, said: “A clean and healthy environment is an attractive environment for everyone to enjoy and live in. We are part of the environment, and it is thus our responsibility to protect it.”

“To align with global sustainability practices and the Sustainable Development Goals, our Tourism and Hospitality Management program puts great emphasis on the concept of sustainable development in our curriculum.

“Our students, many of whom will become future business leaders, are learning the importance of hands-on sustainability actions through community work to protect and keep our environment clean,” she said.

Story: Dr Daisy Kanagasapapathy and Ngoc Hoang

09 May 2022

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