While many enterprises still struggle to deal with solid waste, the Minh Quý Điện Biên Co., Ltd., a limestone mining company in Mường Ảng commune, has effectively implemented a model that combines exploitation with by-product reuse. In 2024, the company extracted about 12,547 cubic meters of waste soil and rock, of which 11,612 cubic meters, equivalent to 93%, were reused for construction, helping reduce environmental pressure. This “turning waste into value” approach minimizes emissions, cuts costs, and limits the need for landfill space, an issue many other localities are still grappling with.

The company has invested in a synchronous environmental treatment system, including water spraying to control dust, irrigation reservoirs, rainwater collection trenches, settling tanks, and septic tanks for domestic wastewater. Hazardous waste is classified, stored according to regulations, and treated through contracts with specialized agencies. The company also fulfills its environmental financial obligations, including natural resource tax, environmental protection fees, and a restoration deposit of nearly VND 230 million.

Tourism has been identified by Điện Biên as a spearhead economic sector, driving growth and restructuring the local economy. The provincial tourism industry has recognized that environmental protection is not only a responsibility but also a core factor for sustainable tourism development. Guided by this principle, Điện Biên’s tourism sector has implemented various specific measures, effectively integrating environmental protection into tourism activities across the province. Legal education on environmental protection, especially regarding the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection and its guiding documents in the cultural and tourism sectors, has been actively promoted.

Messages are widely disseminated through digital portals, LED screens, electronic boards, and social media platforms, helping raise public awareness. Activities such as mobile film screenings, cultural performances, and community sports and cultural exchanges have also incorporated environmental messages, boosting awareness among local residents, tourists, and communities in preserving a green, clean, and beautiful tourism environment.

Despite existing challenges, some positive signs have emerged in environmental protection. Many creative models have been introduced to raise public awareness, such as: properly placed waste-sorting bins, bilingual awareness signs at entrances and crowded areas, and security cameras installed at some locations to monitor littering behavior. These changes are gradually forming civil habits for both visitors and local people.

Monitoring and inspection of environmental law compliance among businesses and organizations in the province have been strengthened. Violations are promptly detected and penalized in accordance with regulations. In the first half of 2025, the province conducted 13 inspections at 14 facilities and businesses, identifying 3 violations and imposing a total fine of VND 69 million.

Economic development should never come at the expense of the environment. Environmental protection cannot rely solely on the government or enterprises. Citizens, who live directly in the affected areas, must act as “sensitive sensors” of the ecosystem. Environmental protection is a legal and moral responsibility for every individual and organization. Businesses must strictly follow regulations; authorities must intensify inspections and enforce penalties; and residents must proactively supervise and report violations. Only when these three factors work in harmony can we truly protect the environment and move toward a green, clean, and sustainable future.