A forum on the role of youth in the fight against climate change opened in Hanoi on May 9. It was held to enhance relations among young people, socio-political organisations and coastal communities.

As a key force with vigour and creativity, young people play a leading role in environmental protection and coping with climate change.

Nguyen Van Cu, General Director of the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands said the youth is an extremely important force in close touch with the community. Thus, they can help raise public awareness of climate change’s harmful impacts on daily lives.

On the occasion, organisations and individuals were urged to join the youth to protect the environment in coastal areas and island via the “Green Lighthouse” programme.

It aims to facilitate specific initiatives in response to climate change.

Nguyen Thu Hue, Director of the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development said the “Green Lighthouse” programme partly aims to help local people sustain their livelihoods. For example, they can learn about what plants to grow and which fowl to breed in a way that is adaptable to climate change.

Initially, 28 Green Lighthouse groups will be set up. They will receive training and develop skills to deal with climate change. The groups will also work with organisations to focus on environmental and community development.

The programme is expected to spread the climate change message to one million students in cities and provinces nationwide.-VNA