Plastic-Free Schools – Action for a Green Generation

We are living in a reality where plastic waste is present everywhere, from cities to rural areas, from rivers to oceans.

Yet, amid this bleak picture, glimmers of hope shine through from schools, the very places that nurture the seeds of the future.

In recent years, Vietnam has had eight schools recognized as ASEAN Eco-Schools. These achievements stand as proof of the country’s future generations those who dare to dream, to think, and to take action for a greener planet.

Schools are where dreams of a Green Planet are nurtured. There, love and responsibility for the environment are taught and learned as a natural part of school life.

The ASEAN Eco-School Award is not merely a title. It is a shared commitment to action across the region, contributing to the creation of sustainable and happy learning environments.

Theme 2025: Plastic-Free Schools

Change can begin with education. From small steps, we can build a strong network of eco-schools that spread green messages across Vietnam and the region.

Vietnam has proudly marked its place on the ASEAN eco-education map with eight schools recognized for their achievements.

Building on these successes, the 2025 Award with the theme “Plastic-Free Schools” responds to the United Nations’ call to “End Plastic Pollution.”

This is an opportunity for Vietnam to take the lead by developing a clear and practical model, helping shape sustainable solutions and contributing new initiatives for the entire region.

Rules and Criteria for the ASEAN Eco-School Award Vietnam 2025

The ASEAN Eco-School Award Vietnam 2025 is organized with thorough preparation. On July 2, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Decision No. 2494/QĐ-BNNMT to establish the Organizing Committee and the Selection Council for the ASEAN Eco-School Award Vietnam 2025 – Plastic-Free Schools. Under this decision, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh was appointed as Head of the Organizing Committee and concurrently Chairman of the Selection Council.

On August 7, 2025, the Head of the Organizing Committee issued Decision No. 01/QĐ-BTC on the adoption of the Implementation Plan for activities related to the ASEAN Eco-School Award Vietnam 2025 – Plastic-Free Schools.

On August 29, 2025, the Head of the Organizing Committee issued Decision No. 02/QĐ-BTC on the adoption of the Rules and Criteria for the Award.

• 1. Eligible participants:ll primary schools, lower secondary schools, and upper secondary schools nationwide. For multi-level schools, applications must clearly specify the category of evaluation corresponding to each educational level.
• Regulations on Award Application Dossier:

The application dossier includes:

- The submission must be clearly presented, with a maximum length of 1,500 words.

- Supporting materials may include photos or video clips illustrating activities (if available). Each application may contain up to 10 individual photos or photo series (each series not exceeding 5 photos) reflecting the same subject matter.

- Photos must be in color, taken with a digital camera or mobile phone, in JPG, PNG, HEIC, or TIF format, with a resolution of at least 72 dpi.

- Video clips must have a duration of 3–10 minutes; accepted formats are Audio Video Interleave (.avi) or Windows Media Video (.wmv), with narration or captions included.

- Photos and video clips must not be altered with editing software or artificial intelligence tools that distort content; they must not be taken from other schools or from different time periods.

- Other supporting documents and evidence may also be submitted.

- All Word documents, converted PDF files, photos, and video clips must be stored together in one folder to be sent to the Organizing Committee (if necessary, the Selection Council may request additional printed documents or hard copies of photos).

Each school may submit only one application in Vietnamese (or accompanied by a Vietnamese translation if another language is used), and is responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.

• Timeline and Submission Method:

3.1. Application period

- Achievements will be considered up to September 30, 2025.

- Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2025, based on the postmark date or the confirmation on the website www.Ecoschool.vn for electronic submissions.

3.2. Submission method

- Printed copies: Send to Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper, Lot E2 Duong Dinh Nghe Street, Hanoi City.

- Electronic copies: Compress into a single file and upload to www.Ecoschool.vn.

• Scoring method and Evaluation criteria:

4.1. Scoring Method: Total score: 100 points.

4.2. Evaluation Criteria: The Award is assessed based on three main criteria:

* Criterion 1 – Action Plan (up to 40 points):

  Reflects the school’s strategic vision through long-term plans, concrete programs to reduce plastic use, waste segregation and recycling, accompanied by allocated budgets and summary reports.

* Criterion 2 – Curriculum and Learning Activities (up to 30 points):

Evaluates the integration of knowledge on plastic waste into at least one subject, capacity-building programs for teachers, and the establishment of clubs to spread green initiatives.

* Criterion 3 – Facilities and Innovation (up to 30 points): Highlights breakthrough ideas, from the use of sustainable materials and unique initiatives by teachers and students, to community engagement activities aimed at reducing plastic waste.

Additionally, the Selection Council will award bonus points to schools with outstanding initiatives, the application of environmental protection technologies, or effective activities in remote, border, and island areas.

The fairness and professionalism of the Selection Council are key factors that give the Award its value. Under the direction of Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh, together with leading experts in the field of environment, the Council will carefully review applications to identify the most deserving schools.

Award Selection Council:

The Council will evaluate and verify the submitted applications, consolidate reports for the Organizing Committee, and oversee the issuance of decisions recognizing the Award results.

- Chairman of the Council: Mr. Le Cong Thanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment

- Vice Chairman: Mr. Bui Duc Hieu, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department

- Members of the Council: Mr. Ta Ngoc Tri, Deputy Director of the Department of General Education, Ministry of Education and Training; Ms. Nguyen Thi Thien Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; Mr. Vu Minh Viet, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper; Mr. Nguyen Van Trieu, Deputy Chief of Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Kim Chi, Environmental Expert; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Cuc, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Environment, Thuy Loi University; Ms. Nguyen Thi Cam Uyen, Senior Specialist, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

The Council operates collectively; each meeting must have the attendance of at least two-thirds of its members. Decisions of the Council are valid only when approved by at least three-quarters of the members voting.

Action for a green generation

Education is the key to opening the door to a sustainable future, where every student not only excels academically but also understands their role in protecting our planet.

Let us spread inspiring stories and positive actions from schools across the country. Every seed sown today will grow into the green forests of tomorrow.

For more details, please visit the official program websites. We look forward to welcoming you at the Award Ceremony, where efforts are recognized and beautiful stories continue to unfold!