Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province: For a "Civilized, Green - Clean - Beautiful" Con Dao

April 19, 2024, the Con Dao District Heritage Management Board issued document No. 271 announcing the implementation time for "Saying no to paper offerings" at heritage sites managed by the district.

Accordingly, from July 1, 2024, heritage sites managed by the Con Dao District People's Committee, including: Cau Temple, Tomb of 75 Soldiers - Residential Area No. 1; Tho Dia Temple - Residential Area No. 2; An Son Temple - Residential Area No. 3; Nui Mot Pagoda - Residential Area No. 3; and Ngu Hanh Temple - Residential Area No. 10, will officially implement the "Say no to the burning of paper offerings."

After the implementation period, Con Dao District assessed that the initiative to say no to burning paper offerings at heritage sites has received general support from residents and visitors. The amount of paper offerings and sacrificial items has been limited, and the burning of incense has gradually decreased at heritage sites, contributing to environmental protection and fire prevention. However, many businesses selling sacrificial items have not yet agreed with the district's policy. Some business owners have posted information opposing the district's policy on social media, causing mixed public opinion and affecting Con Dao's tourism image.

According to the district's policy, residents and visitors can choose environmentally friendly offerings such as fruits and eco-friendly items for rituals and incense burning at heritage sites, showing sincere respect without using paper offerings, plastic bags, or single-use plastic items. This effort contributes to Con Dao District's environmental protection, reducing plastic waste, and minimizing pollution from burning paper offerings, thereby building a green, friendly, and civilized Con Dao.

Saying no to burning paper offerings at heritage sites managed by the district also aims to implement the project "Applying the circular economy model to serve sustainable socio-economic development in Con Dao District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, for the period 2022 - 2025, with orientation to 2030," approved by the provincial People's Committee in Decision No. 495 dated March 16, 2023. Therefore, Con Dao District calls on all residents and visitors to join local authorities in the commitment to "Say no to the burning of paper offerings at sites and monuments in the district," contributing to environmental protection, community health, ensuring security and order, and building an increasingly civilized, green - clean - beautiful Con Dao.

By Hoai Le