Once reliant on diesel generators, the frontline island of Bạch Long Vĩ is now illuminated at night by solar energy. As the northernmost offshore island of Vietnam, it is also embarking on a green transition through waste sorting at source.

Behind this transformation lies the collective effort of youth volunteers, local authorities, and, notably, the support of the For a Green Future Foundation, an initiative of Vingroup, within the framework of the Green Summer Campaign 2025.

Lighting a Remote Island with Renewable Energy

Bạch Long Vĩ holds strategic importance as a national fishing ground and plays a vital role in national defense, security, and maritime economic development. However, due to its distance from the mainland, the island has yet to be connected to the national power grid. For years, residents have depended on diesel generators and a limited amount of wind power, solutions that are costly, unstable, and environmentally harmful.

“Streetlights frequently broke down, leaving many areas in darkness and significantly affecting daily life,” shared Vũ Đức Thuận, a resident of Residential Area No. 2.

In response, the “Lighting Up Bạch Long Vĩ Island” project, implemented by the Youth Union of Thuy Loi University, installed 230 solar-powered lighting systems, including 48 streetlights, 4 school lights, and 178 household lighting units.

Despite harsh weather conditions, the installation took more than three months. The lighting systems were designed as durable, all-in-one units resistant to strong winds and sea salt corrosion. The supplier also conducted training sessions for volunteers and transferred maintenance knowledge to local residents. As a result, roads, schoolyards, and homes are now consistently illuminated, enhancing safety and improving overall quality of life on the island.

“The community is truly delighted. For the first time, people can organize activities in the evening instead of living with unstable electricity,” said Phạm Thị Diệu Linh, Standing Committee Member of the Hải Phòng Youth Union.

To complete the project, 30 student volunteers braved rough seas and multiple schedule changes before finally arriving on the island on August 14 to carry out installation and guide residents on usage.

Dr. Nguyễn Thu Nga, Secretary of the Youth Union at Thuy Loi University, emphasized: “These solar lights not only bring illumination to every household but also raise awareness about clean energy, helping residents gradually move away from fossil fuels.”

Spreading a Strong Message of a Green Future

Alongside renewable energy, Bạch Long Vĩ is piloting the “Green Frontline Island” model, a waste sorting and treatment initiative implemented by the Youth Union of Hanoi University of Culture.

Due to the nature of fishing livelihoods, many residents spend extended periods at sea and have paid limited attention to systematic waste management. With a total natural area of just 2.33 km², much of which is designated for protective forest and defense land, traditional waste disposal methods are no longer sustainable.

To shift community habits, the project introduced sets of three-compartment waste bins made from sun-resistant, anti-tip materials, along with 10 pilot organic composting kits. These serve as an initial step to help residents distinguish between organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable waste.

“Previously, all waste was mixed together. Now, with the three-compartment bins, my family has started sorting waste. It requires a bit more effort, but recyclable materials can be reused, while organic waste can be composted,” shared Trần Trí Tráng from Hamlet 1.

To make adoption easier, student volunteers developed communication leaflets using simple language and clear visual illustrations. Thirty copies were distributed directly to households and placed at key locations such as the local administrative office, health station, and schools.

Both initiatives have received strong support from the Hải Phòng Youth Union and local authorities. Initially implemented on a pilot scale to test feasibility, participating households are expected to serve as “core nodes” for expanding the model across the island.

“These green projects at Bạch Long Vĩ not only improve local living conditions but also serve as models that can be replicated in other coastal and island regions in the future,” said Trần Chiều Phụng, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union at Hanoi University of Culture.

From newly lit roads to the early adoption of waste sorting practices, Bạch Long Vĩ is steadily transitioning toward a greener, more sustainable future. This transformation is not only meaningful for a remote island at the nation’s edge but also sends a powerful message, one that radiates from the frontline of the sea to communities across the country.