Seas and oceans are a significant source of life, and represent extremely important human spaces and a basic foundation for sustainable development. However, they are currently facing many serious problems, most notably pollution, and plastic pollution in particular. There have been many campaigns and initiatives at different levels to reduce ocean plastic waste, including mechanisms and policies, communication, and plastic collection and treatment, with the extensive participation of international organizations, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector.

Vietnam has made strong political commitments and has carried out practical activities to manage and reduce plastic waste, including ocean plastic waste. Resolution No. 36-NQ /TW of October 22, 2018 of the Eighth Conference of the Party Central Committee XII on the strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam’s marine economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, set the goal of “Preventing, controlling, and significantly reducing pollution of the marine environment; becoming a regional leader in minimizing ocean plastic waste.”