It is not the first time the works in which we play an active part are featured in national and local television. And for media literate people, we are aware that what covered in media can only tell a part of the full story – because of the defined agenda, or the limited timeframe, or many other reasons. So it is always better to try to understand the deeper meaning behind what is seen or told.
In Hoi An city, a well-known tourism destination in Vietnam, establishing and maintaining a decentralized waste management system—one that is multi-stakeholder and continuously coordinated among local authorities, businesses, solution-driven organizations, and community actors—has taken nearly 15 years of dedicated effort. The example illustrated in the video offers just a glimpse into this long-standing, complex undertaking.
Through a shared journey of experimentation, adaptation, and perseverance, stakeholders have explored what is feasible and scalable. Hoi An has gradually evolved into a leading example—not only within Vietnam but internationally—as a destination for sustainable tourism, environmental education, and hands-on learning in waste reduction and circular practices.
At the core of this progress has been a collective belief and sustained commitment.
Looking ahead, we hope the incoming local government will listen, understand, and embrace this legacy—recognizing the substantial achievements built through the dedication, sweat, and resilience of countless individuals and organizations. These efforts continue every day, driven by both heartfelt commitment and practical know-how.
Importantly, what we are co-creating extends beyond environmental impact alone. The roots of the ecological crisis lie in deeper systemic issues—psychological patterns, social dynamics, and unsustainable economic models. Addressing waste is, therefore, not only a technical matter, but a cultural and structural one.
A recent feature by VTV4 captured part of this story—though much remains untold. The segment highlighted the roles of several pioneering initiatives in Hoi An, including:
- Hoi An Eco Hub – Advancing zero-waste education and behavioral change;
- Green Youth Collective – Innovating in organic waste management and composting;
- Refillables Hoi An – Promoting reuse and refill models to reduce packaging waste.
Additionally, material recovery facility models—in which we are a part of an collaboration with partners such as Evergreen Labs, WWF-Vietnam, and others—represent a growing component of this systemic approach to local waste innovation.
Vietnam's Community Schools for Regeneration 