In response to this, raising awareness and taking specific actions to protect the environment and address climate change are not only the responsibilities of relevant authorities but require the coordinated efforts of the entire political system and society.

A familiar sight in Noong Hẹt commune (Điện Biên district) in recent years has been the clean, well-maintained concrete roads, the absence of trash in streams and ditches, and the residents’ continued efforts to maintain cleanliness, clear drains, and promote environmental protection. This success has been attributed to the local authorities’ emphasis on public awareness and advocacy, often integrating environmental protection messages during community meetings, voter contact sessions, or social group activities.

Trần Công Kha, Secretary of the Noong Hẹt commune Party Committee, said: “We are fully aware that environmental protection is a key element in building a new countryside. Therefore, every week or month, the people not only clean up waste, clear drains but also actively plant and care for trees. Thanks to this persistent and appropriate approach, Noong Hẹt has maintained strong environmental criteria since 2020, becoming a model in the new countryside movement of Điện Biên.”

In Mường Ảng district, alongside raising awareness for residents to join in protecting the environment and combating climate change, the district has also implemented systematic approaches linked to economic development. For instance, the district’s forest plantation model demonstrates this commitment. After the 22nd Party Congress in 2015, the district clearly identified reforestation as a key ongoing mission. The district developed a reforestation project, assigning specific tasks to each party organization and asking Party members of the Standing Committee to oversee the project. As a result, forest planning and adjustments for production forests have been systematically and scientifically implemented. The district has also mobilized the participation of the armed forces, youth unions, and students to help the locals with planting and maintaining the forests.

Thanks to the resolute leadership and coordination of local Party committees and authorities, and the active participation of residents, since 2020, thousands of hectares of forest have been planted. From 2024 onwards, over 300 hectares of forest have been planted, not only greening barren lands and hills but also opening up sustainable pathways for forestry economic development, improving income, and living standards for locals. This effort has helped raise the forest coverage rate in the district to nearly 35%.

Protecting the environment and responding to climate change can only be effective when the entire political system is involved. Therefore, recently, various levels and sectors in the province have increased educational efforts to raise community awareness through various forms and content suitable for different groups and localities. Social organizations such as the Youth Union, Farmers’ Association, and Women’s Union have become core forces, organizing many practical activities that resonate within the community. Among them, youth members play an active role through campaigns like “Saturday Volunteering,” “Green Sunday,” and “Youth Month for the Environment.” Local Farmers’ Associations also promote safe agricultural practices, protect water sources, and ensure the proper use of pesticides; they have established self-managed farming groups and community water management committees in villages. The provincial Women’s Union launched the “Anti-Plastic Waste” movement, encouraging members to use environmentally friendly products, organize waste collection, and separate household and hazardous waste.

Đặng Thành Huy, Secretary of the provincial Youth Union, said: “Recognizing environmental protection as a regular task linked to educating ethics and lifestyles for young people, the Youth Union at all levels has innovated its activities, integrating environmental protection into various movements and action programs for youth. Notably, activities such as tree planting, cleaning streams, dredging canals, waste collection, and building bright, green, clean, and beautiful roads have been widely implemented, contributing to positive changes in awareness and actions within youth and the community.”

As the weather and climate become increasingly complex, protecting the environment is no longer just the responsibility of relevant authorities or local governments but requires the collective efforts of the entire political system and society. When all citizens, organizations, and communities act together for a sustainable environment, efforts to respond to climate change will truly be effective, opening up opportunities for green, safe, and long-term development.