CLEAR RIVERS Expands Efforts to Halt Plastic Pollution in Can Tho City, Vietnam

CLEAR RIVERS is excited to announce the expansion of its initiatives to address global plastic pollution with a new project in Can Tho, Vietnam. This vibrant city, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and extensive waterway network. Unfortunately, the region faces significant challenges with plastic waste polluting its beautiful rivers and channels.

CLEAR RIVERS has strategically deployed its innovative Litter Trap technology in Can Tho City in collaboration with the Can Tho People’s Committee and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. The Litter Trap is designed to collect floating plastic debris, preventing it from contaminating the water bodies. Constructed mainly from recycled plastics, the Litter Trap is a passive device that utilizes the natural river flow and wind to gather floating plastic debris from rivers and ports. This placement in the Rạch Cái Khế canal marks CLEAR RIVERS' first implementation in Vietnam. Due to its low investment and operational costs, the Litter Trap is a highly suitable and durable solution for halting plastic pollution in Vietnam’s numerous deltas.

CLEAR RIVERS’ Litter Trap in Can Tho City

To manage the collected plastics, CLEAR RIVERS has established a collaboration with local partners. These partners will collect the waste three times per week, sort out the plastics, analyze it, and recycle it into durable and valuable new products. This initiative not only addresses pollution but also takes a significant step towards creating a circular economy around marine plastic in Vietnam.

Emptying of the Litter Trap

Simultaneously, the CLEAR RIVERS’ team is actively conducting awareness-raising activities and cleanups with members of local communities. The project also includes community recycling programs and educational initiatives to develop sustainable waste management solutions.

Educational and awareness-raising activities in Can Tho City

The project was officially launched on Saturday, June 15, 2024, with an opening ceremony. The enthusiasm and support from the community were strong as locals and volunteers united to support our commitment to halting plastic pollution. The event was attended by dignitaries, environmentalists, and concerned citizens, all of whom joined forces to raise awareness and make a positive impact on the environment. The atmosphere was filled with hope and determination to create lasting change. Following the ceremony, a river cleanup was organized, transforming that determination into action.

Opening Ceremony in Can Tho

Community members and students participating in river cleanup

This project would not have been possible without the collaboration of the local government, environmental organizations, and passionate individuals who believe in the power of working together. We're deeply grateful for the support of both local and international partners, Audi Environmental Foundation, The Basel Convention, and The Usual.

New Litter Trap in Romania: Protecting the Crișul Negru

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from Romania! Last week, as part of our ongoing mission to halt plastic pollution, CLEAR RIVERS installed a Litter Trap along the Crișul Negru River, near the town of Tinca.

The Crișul Negru River, spanning 164 km within Romania and collecting water from 16 tributaries, is integral to local ecosystems. This marks CLEAR RIVERS' fourth installation in Romania! We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact it will have on the river's natural environment and surrounding communities.

Located close to the Romanian-Hungarian border, the Litter Trap plays a crucial role in stopping plastic debris from further polluting international rivers such as the Danube and eventually the Black Sea. This installation not only helps protect local waterways but also contributes to the larger effort of preserving international water bodies.

This installation was possible thanks to local project partners, Apele Romane, and RUS & BEN CONSTRUCT SRL. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and look forward to expanding these vital collaborations to further prevent plastic pollution in Romanian rivers.

Below, you can find some glimpses of the implementation process:

Stay tuned for more updates on our efforts to protect rivers and oceans globally.

Sorting Litter in Terneuzen

CLEAR RIVERS' Litter Trap in the Gent-Terneuzen Canal is strategically located on the east side of the canal, taking advantage of prevailing wind patterns that cause debris to accumulate on that side for approximately 40 weeks per year. Our partner Heijmans diligently removes an average of 1 cubic meter of litter every two weeks, ensuring a cleaner waterway.

We have been monitoring and sorting what our Litter Trap collects. Take a look at the pictures below to get a glimpse of our sorting activity.

Among the most frequently discovered non-organic items are nurdles (plastic pellets) and hard plastic fragments. These findings emphasize the pressing need for action to protect our seas and oceans.

A heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and partners, whose support has made this impactful initiative possible! Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in the Netherlands, Heijmans & Rijkswaterstaat.

We want to invite new partners to join us in this vital mission and help us grow our impact for the well-being of people and the planet. Let's come together to protect our precious water bodies!