The Clean Up Day was successfully carried out with active participation from volunteers, local communities, and Hoi An government agencies. Cleaning events took place in five locations along the Thu Bon River in and around Hoi An as well as by and in My Son. Collected waste was transported by boat, hand and trolley to a central collection point where the district waste disposal company took it to official land fill sites.

The event was coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment with logistical support from New Century Tourism and Hospitality Company, WWF and Pan Nature. The local government provided a central coordination area, loud speaker system, toilet facilities and the waste disposal companies time and resources. The Hoi An river front was visibly litter free after the event; a transformation remarked on by locals and tourists alike!

The event was scheduled during the weekend (September 17 and 18). However, due to heavy rain and impact of the storm including flooding of the Hoi an harbour area, the second day of the Clean Up event had to be cancelled. Although the event was shortened, its results were very impressive:

• Over 400 volunteers participated in Hoi An, including local people, youth volunteers, staff of local business, government agencies, and foreign tourists

• Amount of waste collected in Hoi An: 32 tons

• Amount of waste collected in My Son: 1 ton.

In addition to cleaning up the Thu Bon river, this event also helps raise awareness of local people in Hoi An about the need to keep their river clean and healthy. This event was featured in local media such as Quang Nam Newspaper, Quang Nam Television, and national press such as Netnam Media.

Due to fantastic local support and donations from tourists and local businesses support was provided to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to place no littering signs and litter bins along the harbour front and at the market.

The Thu Bon River Clean Up Week was made possible through the support of numerous organisations and individuals and the New Century Tourism and Hospitality Company would like to thank all for their generous support.

The primary source of financial support was provided by the workshop grant of the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program to who we are very grateful.

Technical support was provided by the WWF MOSAIC project and Pan Nature.

Logistical support was provided by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Nam province and Hoi An People’s Committee.

UNESCO Vietnam provided great help in organising volunteers in both Hoi An and My Son.

The Hoi An Life Resort provided workshop room, facilities and one lunch, massively reducing the need for financial support. Moreover volunteers from the hotel supported the river clean up events.

Finaicial support was provided by many people and local companies. Special thanks goes to Intrepid Travel, Ross Goddard, Paul Levrier and John Powell whose support enabled the production of T-shirts so that all who participated in the clean up received a gift of thanks.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) kindly supported the provision of gloves and masks to ensure the safe collection of litter and protection of volunteer’s heath.

Hoi An Tourist Company provided boats for the clean up and Huong Thao Water Company provided water for all volunteers. The Hoi An Garbage Company were fantastic and the event simply could not have occurred without their help.

The following all provided financial support: Emma Denny, John Wright, Barrie Robertson, Mark Kearney, Allan Wilkinson, Helen Anderson, Michael Nielsen & Ditle Andersen, John Mallia & Catherine O'Connor, Manuela & Ewald Geisser, Active Travel, Mr Hung, Kim Durphy, Mr Robert Active Travel, Searle Linden & western, Wilma & Bill Armstrong, Reaching out & Emma Butcher, Mary Ferguson, Mr. Long and DAM - Vegetarian Restaurant, The Volunteers of ‘Bien Xanh’, UNESCO and all of Hoi An and My Son – Thank you