The World Wild Fund (WWF)’s ‘Earth Hour Capital 2016 of Vietnam’ title was presented to the central city of Hue at a ceremony held in the city on June 28.

The city was recognised for its policies and initiatives to become a leading city in the country in sustainable development and environmental friendliness.

As its first time taking part in the WWF-initiated campaign, Hue met strict criteria to be recognised with its target to reduce emissions by 20% by 2020 in comparison with the emissions levels in 2011 and seven specific action plans focusing on urban greening, green tourism development, effective sewage and rubbish treatment, smart public lighting networks and the use of renewables and environment-friendly construction materials.

Chairman of the Hue municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Thanh expressed his honour to receive the recognition, saying that it would encourage local authorities and people to fulfill their tasks for a sustainable future.

He stressed that Hue would intensify efforts to become a more liveable city and a reliable friend of other cities and all people.

Taking part in the campaign for the first time, Hue was recognised among 125 cities from 21 countries around the world. The other recognised cities comprise Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Boulder, US; Chiang Rai, Thailand; Edmonton, Canada, Jakarta, Indonesia; Lappeenranta, Finland, Monteria, Colombia; Murcia, Spain, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia; Quito, Ecuador; Rajkot, India; Santa Rosa, Philippines; Shenzhen, China; Singapore City, Singapore; Tshwane, South Africa; and Umea,Sweden.

The WWF’s initiative aims to call cities around the world to take actions for an environment-friendly globe in the future, devising and realising ambitious plans on mitigating and adapting with climate change.

Cities taking part in the campaign must have a report on carbon emissions and at least one commitment and a sustainable development action plan for the environment, construction, transportation, energy, food and water sources. Recognised cities at the national level will represent their countries in a final round to be honoured globally.