The Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Communication (under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) recently held a press conference to introduce the Art for Climate Festival Ha Long 2025 (ART FOR CLIMATE FESTIVAL HALONG 2025).
According to the Center, Ha Long Bay — a UNESCO World Heritage site — was chosen to host this year's Art for Climate Festival due to its iconic status and unique natural landscape. Ha Long Bay also faces significant ecological threats from climate change and human activities.
The ART FOR CLIMATE FESTIVAL HALONG 2025 merges artistic expression with environmental protection efforts, aiming to honor and promote the heritage value of Ha Long Bay.
The program will feature over 20 events until June 2025, mainly in Ha Long City. Key activities include: Exhibitions showcasing paintings and photographs by both Vietnamese and international artists; An art auction to raise funds for environmental protection and heritage conservation; The "University Activation" campaign to raise environmental awareness among students nationwide.
Notable events also include: An online creative art competition themed "Future On Earth"; A series of "University Activation" events to engage students in environmental protection efforts; Panel discussions under the Art for Climate theme, educating participants on environmental responsibility; An innovation contest focused on designing tools and machines for recycling waste, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly solutions; A scientific seminar on global climate change.
A highlight of the event is the expected participation of around 200 global billionaires who plan to create a "Billionaires' Garden" in Ha Long.
At the press conference, the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals (UnASDG) — an international community organization supporting governments and partners in advancing sustainable investment in technology, planning, environment, humanitarian efforts, and finance — announced a $500 million grant to implement eight environmental protection projects in Quang Ninh Province.
The $500 million will be invested in the key community and environmental projects in Ha Long Bay and Quang Ninh, including: The Cam Phu Fishing Port project (Cam Pha City); Modernizing Hon Gai Fishing Port (Ha Long City); A wastewater collection and treatment project in Cam Pha City; A solid waste treatment project in Hoa Binh Commune (Ha Long City); An integrated solid waste treatment complex in Mong Duong Ward (Cam Pha City); An international meditation village in Yen Tu; A large-scale afforestation project for timber production.
Remarkably, this $500 million grant will be provided to Quang Ninh without repayment obligations or additional conditions.
Earlier, during a visit to Quang Ninh, UnASDG representatives discussed with provincial leaders setting environmental goals, waste management strategies, educational programs, and plans to restore forests damaged by natural disasters.