Religious followers in Hanoi joined municipal authorities in an environmental protection campaign launched at the church of Hoang Nguyen Parish in Tri Thuy commune, Phu Xuyen district, on June 5^th.

Residents in Tri Thuy commune of Phu Xuyen district, Hanoi, clean a canal near Provincial Road 428 after an environmental protection campaign launched on June 5^th. (Photo: VNA)

The campaign was part of activities in response to the World Environment Day (June 5^th) and the action month for the environment.

At the launching ceremony, President of the municipal Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Vu Hong Khanh said religious organisations have done good work to protect the environment.

Efforts to protect the environment and respond to climate change in the capital city have resulted in many positive outcomes over the last couple of years, he noted, elaborating that the municipal committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has combined environment-related content with activities of Buddhist training schools.

The Caritas of the Archdiocese of Hanoi has organised “Green Saturdays” to promote clean-up activities. The Hanoi Capital Oratory of Caodaism has encouraged followers to practice food safety and use vegetarian food. Meanwhile, dignitaries of the Bahá'í Faith called on its followers to popularise environmental protection messages on the occasion of the bicentenary of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, last year, the official added.

He asked authorities, religious organisations and local residents to continue working to protect the environment and respond to climate change.

Priest Joseph Dao Ba Thuyet, head of the Caritas of Phu Xuyen Deanery, described the campaign as a driving force for religious followers to be more responsible in environmental protection. He also called on all Catholics to act for a clean and beautiful world.

According to the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment, activities have been taking place across the city from May 15^th to July 31^st in response to the action month for the environment, including promoting waste collection and treatment, stepping up examination and settlement of projects with high pollution risks and enhancing cooperation with foreign partners to ensure effective and sustainable use of water resources./.

VNF/VNA