Plastic pollution is the second most pressing environmental issue after climate change. According to data from the World Wild Fund For Nature in Vietnam  (WWF Viet Nam) in 2021, with more than 8,000 tons of plastic waste per day, Viet Nam is one of the most plastically polluted countries in the world.

Single-use plastics are widely used in Viet Nam, and each household consumes, on average, 1kg of nylon bags each month. In Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City alone, approximately 80 tons of plastic watseand nylon bags are discarded into the environment every day.

Plastic pollution not only poses threat to the natural environment but also carries severe health risks for humans, especially when microplastics have beenfound in essential foods and even within the human body.

The 2024 environmental initiative,  themed “Sustainable solutions forreducing plastic pollution", is jointly implemented by For Vietnamese Stature Foundation and Vietnam Zero Waste Alliance (VZWA), with sponsorship from Tetra Pak Vietnam Joint Stock Company, Bac A Commercial Joint Stock Bank and Pacific Environment.

The environmental initiative was established to to increase public awareness, encourage youth participation in environmental protection activities across the country.

In 2024, the environmental intiative will fund initiatives that address plastic pollution through:

• Education and communication to raise public awareness about plastic pollution, reusing/recycling plastic, avoiding single-use plastic, and introducing and spreading alternative solutions to the alarming situation of single-use plastic consumption.

• Technical ideas and solutions with practical applications to tackle plastic pollution, minimize and replace single-use plastic products. For exemple: products/models that reduce waste,models for plastic reuse/recycling, etc. 

Note: Initiatives should prioritize solving the problem of plastic pollution and reducing single-use plastics in areas such as tourism, food, beverages, consumer goods, cosmetics, e-commerce, logistics, medical, etc.

1. Conditions for receiving funding

• Initiatives must be proposed and implemented by an individual or youth groups. The proposal should focus on educational communication initiatives  or technical solutions aimed at contributing to reducing single-use plastics and addressing plastic pollution issues.

• Participants: Young people aged 18-30 who are interested in environmental issues and social activities, with creative and innovative ideas for environment protection.

• A letter of endorsement or recommendation from an organization that is a partner or sponsor of the initiative group is required. 

• Location of implementation: Nationwide

• Implementation period: from October 2024 to December 2024.

Note: Priority will be given to initiative groups that have experience in project implementation or those that have successfully completed the initial phase and need funding to proceed to the next phases.

2. Application documents and submission method:

The application included:

• Project proposal and budget plan: Download the proposal and budget templatesfrom the following link: https://bit.ly/4dDZalN

• Letter of endorsement or recommendation from an organization, agency that partners with/sponsors the initiative group (submit a scanned copy, stamped by the endorsingagency or organization)

• Identity card of the group leader (photo or scan) 

How to submit:

• Submit the applicatiion at: https://bitly.li/pBbg

• Clearly state: Environmental initiative 2024 - Name of individual/groups submitting the proposal

Each individual/group can submit more than one proposal.

3. Proposal selection criteria 

Relevance

• Initiatives should contribute to addressing plastic pollution issues by communication, education activities, or technical solutions with practical applications. 

• Priority is given to initiatives that addressplastic pollution and reduce single-use plastics in sectors such as tourism, food, beverages, consumer goods, cosmetics, e-commerce, logistics, medical, etc.

Effectiveness

• Does the proposal benefit vulnerable groups affected by plastic pollution? How do women and children participate and benefit? 

• What are the specific results and short-term, long-term impacts of the proposal?

• How much single-use plastic can be reduced?

Innovation

• Does the proposal introduce any new or different aspects?

Feasibility/Competence of implementer

• Are the activities, timeline and budget of the proposal feasible? 

• What are the potential difficulties and the solutions to address them? 

• Does the individual/group have enough experience and resources to implement the proposal?

Sustainability and Scalability

• How to maintain the results?

• Does the initiative have the potential to be scaled upor expanded to other regions?

4. Implementation budget 

Note: 

• The budget only covers operational costs and does not include salaries or wages for project members.

5. Timeline and funding process

5.1. Timeline:

5.2. Funding process

After the funding notification (via email), the funding application will be completed with the following contents:

• Project proposal and detailed budget plan: The individual/group receiving the funding will revise and finalize these documentsas agreed with the sponsor. 

• Signing the funding agreement: With information about the funded project, budget, terms, rights and obligations of both parties during the project implementation, and signed by representatives of both parties (the sponsoring unit and individual/group receiving the funding). 

• Financial instructions and forms: Provided by the sponsoring unit in writing or through other necessary instructional methods for the individual/group receiving funding.

6. Project implementation, monitoring and reporting 

• The individual/group receiving funding is responsible for implementing the project as well as disbursing funds according to the accurate objectives and activities agreed with the sponsoring unit. The sponsor has the rights to monitor and request reports at any time during the project. 

• Upon completion of the project, the individual/group receiving funding must complete an activity report, a financial report, and provide invoices and documents as required. The sponsoring unit will then complete funding process for funding individual/groups.

📌 For any inquiries, please contact:

Email: matxanh.quyvitamvocviet@gmail.com 

Tel.: Dương Ngọc (0869124931) - Trà My (0889666906)

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTING UNIT AND SPONSORING UNIT

1. Implementing unit

1.1. For Vietnamese Stature Foundation

For Vietnamese Stature Foundation (VSF) is a social foundation,operating for the non-profit purposes, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting the community in the fields of health protection and health care, with special priority for children in difficult circumstances; sponsoring and building programs that develop intelligence, talent, and education, contributing to the development of stature, physical strength, and intelligence of the Vietnamese people. In addition, the Foundation participates in implementing social and charity programs at the request of donors in accordance with the law. The Foundation's main programs include:

• School health program

• Young talents nurturing program

• Act for environment program

• Women development Program

• Other social security programs

Website: www.vitamvocviet.vn 

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/quyvitamvocviet 

1.2. Vietnam Zero Waste Alliance

Vietnam Zero Waste Alliance (VZWA) is a social network consisting of individuals and organizations with similar interests, sharing the goal of applying zero-waste solutions to better manage solid waste, reduce plastic, conserve natural resources and protect Vietnam's environmental. Established in 2017, VZWA aims to become a hub for providing information, knowledge and sustainable solutions for solid waste management issues in general and plastic waste management in particular through the following core strategies:

• Building Zero-waste practice models through sharing methods and experiences; collaborating in building and implementing joint initiatives suitable for the Vietnamese situation;

• Promoting collaborations in the Zero Waste ecosystem;

• Promoting effective implementation and improvement of policies at both central and local levels related to solid waste separation at source, limiting single-use plastics, promoting extended producer responsibility and circular economy;

• Strengthening members' capacity and expanding the network;

• Building and effectively implementing joint communication activities between VZWA and members of the Network.

2. Sponsoring unit

2.1. Bac A Commercial Joint Stock Bank

Bac A Commercial Joint Stock Bank operates with the philosophy of "Keeping a bright mind to reach far and wide", with five core values: "Pioneering, Professionalism, Reliability, Continuous Improvement and For People." All activities of BAC A BANK directed towards the vision of: becoming a large-scale bank serving businesses applying high technology in agriculture - forestry - fishery, clean medicinal herbs, health and education and with the Mission: Consulting for a generation of businesses to develop sustainably, create core values, bring real value to the community, and be environmentally friendly.

2.2. Tetra Pak Vietnam Joint Stock Company

Tetra Pak Vietnam Joint Stock Company is world leader in food processing and packaging solutions, as well as a pioneer in packaging collection and recycling in Vietnam. Tetra Pak has established a brand that "develops in harmony with the community and the environment." 100% of the wood fibers used to produce Tetra Pak cartons are sourced from regenerated forests and responsibly managed. In 2019, Tetra Pak Vietnam was honored to receive two sustainable development awards from the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) and the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD).

2.3. Pacific Environment Vietnam

Pacific Environment promotes environmental and health protection activities. We support environmental pioneers and international policies in the Pacific region.

Pacific Environment was recognized by Vice magazine as one of 12 environmental justice organizations "most worth investing time and money in" to address the climate change crisis (2020).