INTRODUCTION
Vietnam is home to approximately 1,450 craft villages that significantly contribute to rural development and local economies However, these villages face serious environmental challenges due to economic growth, as outdated technologies, low material efficiency, and limited manufacturing space cause substantial pollution A government report highlights that craft village development has led to severe environmental impacts, with 90% of these villages experiencing pollution levels exceeding national standards (MONRE, 2008; EPA, 2009) Addressing these environmental issues is crucial for sustainable rural industrial growth in Vietnam.
Van Phuc handicraft village, located on the Nhue River about 10 km southwest of Hanoi, is a historic silk village with over 1,200 years of tradition Recently, it has faced severe environmental challenges, particularly pollution of water resources caused by untreated wastewater and organic matter, threatening the village’s craft sustainability Most wells in eastern Van Phuc contain arsenic levels 10 to 50 times higher than the World Health Organization's safety guidelines, posing serious health risks to local residents Despite the critical state of water pollution, many residents lack fundamental knowledge about water protection and pollution reduction, exacerbating the environmental concerns.
Public relations (PR) is a strategic management function that evaluates public attitudes, aligns organizational policies with public interests, and implements communication programs to foster public understanding and patience (Public Relations News) In the digital age, PR plays a crucial role not only in business but also in natural resource management, serving as an effective communication tool However, in Vietnam, PR is a relatively new approach in natural resource management and has yet to be widely adopted by environmentalists to enhance stakeholder engagement and environmental awareness.
Based on the practical significance outlined above, I conducted research on a "PR Program to Improve Water Pollution in Van Phuc Handicraft Village, Hanoi." This study identifies the key issues contributing to water pollution in Van Phuc and proposes targeted PR strategies aimed at improving the water quality The research highlights the importance of effective communication and community engagement in addressing environmental challenges in Van Phuc Village Implementing tailored PR campaigns can raise awareness and promote sustainable practices to mitigate water pollution in this iconic handicraft community.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals
The general goal of the research is to raising local’s awareness on water pollution situation in Van Phuc Handicraft Village, Ha Noi.
Objectives
The objectives of this thesis are as follows:
(1) To assess water pollution situation in Van Phuc Handicraft Village;
(2) To ascertain awareness and behavior of villagers on water pollution situation and ability to build PR campaign in Van Phuc Handicraft Village;
(3) To establish PR program for improving water pollution situation and raising fund to build waste water treatment system in Van Phuc Handicraft Village;
(4) To evaluate the effectiveness of the PR program in Van Phuc Handicraft Village.
SITE DESCRIPTION
Van Phuc handicraft village, also known as Van Phuc Silk Village, is located along the Nhue Thi River near Ha Dong city, just 10 km southwest of Hanoi, Vietnam Accessible in only 30 minutes by motorbike from Hanoi city center, this historic village borders Van Mo district to the east, Dai Mo and Tu Liem districts to the north, La Khe to the west, and Quang Trung to the south.
Van Phuc village is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of sericulture and silk weaving, making it a prominent hub for high-quality silk products Despite historical changes and urbanization causing the decline of traditional silkworm breeding, the village’s silk weaving industry has thrived for over 10 centuries Today, Van Phuc continues to advance as a leading center for silk textiles and garments, preserving its cultural heritage while embracing modern growth.
Figure 1 Geographic location of Van Phuc Village
Historically, there were three types of producing organizations, including cooperatives that operated around 200 weaving machines managed by contract workers responsible for each production step However, traditional cooperatives no longer exist, now focusing solely on managing inputs and outputs, supporting product marketing, and promoting image branding Currently, household-based production dominates, with households typically owning around 10 looms and frequently hiring external workers to assist with manufacturing.
According to Google Maps and the author, small household producers earn between 600,000 and 700,000 VND per month, working 10 to 12 hours daily These families typically own 1 to 5 looms and usually manage all production processes themselves without hiring external labor, demonstrating their self-sufficiency in household-based manufacturing.
Van Phuc village, covering approximately 143.97 hectares and comprising 12 groups, is home to around 16,705 residents across 4,361 households, according to a survey conducted on August 5th, 2015 The village's textile industry includes 2 state-owned enterprises, 28 private companies, 3 cooperatives, and 1,780 households engaged in textile production and trading, representing a significant portion of the local economy With over 1,100 silk weaving machines and multiple dyeing workshops, the craft attracts 3,600 local inhabitants and thousands of external laborers Textile materials are sourced from various domestic providers, and while manual weaving tools have been largely modernized with machines, most production continues to happen at home, blending living and working spaces for local households.
METHODOLOGIES
Existing data collection
This method was employed to assess water pollution levels in Van Phuc handicraft village, Ha Dong, Hanoi To identify the pollution sources and their locations, I focused on water quality analyses in two key sites: the canal in Hong Phong hamlet and the pond within Van Phuc village Using archived data, the study aims to determine the extent and origins of water pollution in these areas.
Based on the "Report of Environmental Information – Ha Dong District" from the Ha Dong Natural Resources and Environment Department (2010, 2012, 2014) and water sample analysis results conducted by the Environment Analysis Department on domestic wastewater and water from Van Phuc Pond during the same years, significant insights have been gained to address the first objective.
Primary data collection
To assess the awareness and behavior of the local community and explore opportunities for a public relations campaign in Van Phuc handicraft village, I conducted a comprehensive survey utilizing both structured and semi-structured interviews This approach enabled me to gather valuable insights from numerous residents efficiently and effectively, providing a solid foundation for developing targeted marketing strategies and promoting the village's rich cultural heritage.
- Structured interview: Using questionnaire survey in two sample with different objects
A sample size: 50 local people - Selected sample randomly
A sample size: 30 primary students in age from 10 - 15 years old of Van Phuc school – selected sample randomly
A semi-structured interview utilizes open-ended questions to encourage respondents to share their experiences and perspectives on local water issues This approach allows participants to discuss relevant issues rooted in their behavior and attitudes, providing rich, qualitative insights The method enables researchers to gather reliable and comparable data that reflects the complex social and contextual factors influencing water management at the local level.
At least 10 people interviewed about relevant information
Village residents express growing concern about water resource quality and recognize key sources of water pollution in their local area They are aware of pollution origins such as improper waste disposal and contaminated runoff, highlighting the need for targeted environmental education The community actively participates in developing solutions through local engagement and PR programs, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental preservation Their recommendations include improved waste management, regular water quality monitoring, and increased awareness campaigns to ensure sustainable water use and protection Involving villagers in pollution mitigation efforts is crucial for effective and lasting environmental improvements.
It will be setup in Vietnamese language, using multiple choices and open question
This study employs direct observational methods without intervention, including visits to silk production facilities and local households in Ha Dong, combined with taking notes, photos, and videos to capture the environment and practices The focus is on assessing the attitudes and awareness of local residents regarding silk production, as well as observing behavioral changes before and after the implementation of the PR program This approach provides valuable insights into community engagement and the program's impact on local silk producers.
This article examines the current water pollution status in Van Phuc village, highlighting the severity of environmental degradation in the area By utilizing visual evidence and data collection within a specific timeframe, the study provides a comprehensive and illustrative overview of pollution levels This approach not only strengthens the validity of the research but also offers clear insights into the ongoing environmental challenges faced by the community.
Based on the qualitative data from interview and making survey, this research describes some characteristics and current situation of water use of the Van Phuc villagers at study site
Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 22, ensuring precise and reliable statistical processing Percentage calculations were employed to interpret the qualitative information collected from respondents, providing clear insights into the data.
Excel software is widely used for data analysis, statistical hypothesis testing, and the creation of graphs and charts This research examines the relationship between local residents’ awareness and the current water pollution situation in Van Phuc village, providing valuable insights into community understanding and environmental conditions.
This study employed regression analysis, specifically stepwise multiple linear regression, to identify how demographic and socioeconomic variables such as sex, age, education level, occupation type, income, and local awareness of water pollution influence residents' attitudes The analysis aimed to determine which factors significantly explain variations in attitudes, considering the complex interplay of multiple influences within the local community.
This research examines how local residents' attitudes towards water pollution and their willingness to donate for water treatment infrastructure are influenced by demographic factors such as sex, age, education level, occupation, income, and local environmental communication Using statistical models, the study identifies significant relationships between these dependent variables and independent demographic variables The findings reveal that attitudes toward water pollution and the willingness to contribute financially vary significantly based on individual characteristics, including gender, age group, job type, income level, and education, highlighting the importance of demographic factors in environmental engagement.
Table 1 Sign Expectation of Regression Coefficients with attitude towards water pollution situation
Variables Variable Explanation Expected Sign
Sex Sex of interview (1: male; 0: female) +/-
Level of age (Young, mature and old generation)
Level of education Schooling levels +
Jobs/Occupations 2 types of jobs surveyed
Income High, moderate, low level of income +
Approaching to means of environmental communication
To identify factors influencing to attitude towards water pollution situation, this research gives out the expected sign of coefficient as follows:
Sex and age influence people's concerns regarding an issue; under the same conditions, individuals generally share similar attitudes, but variations in sex and age lead to different concern levels The coefficient signs are expected to be both positive and negative (+/-), reflecting the nuanced impact of demographic factors on perceptions.
Higher levels of education significantly enhance local residents' awareness of water pollution issues As education increases, individuals tend to be more informed and conscious of water quality and pollution impacts, indicating a positive correlation (+) between education level and environmental awareness Promoting education can therefore play a vital role in improving community understanding and engagement in water pollution prevention.
There are two types of jobs: silk handcrafters and non-silk handcrafters Silk handcrafters often use chemicals during weaving and dyeing processes, which can lead to wastewater being discharged directly into water bodies without proper treatment While experienced silk handcrafters are aware of the environmental damage caused by these practices, many ignore the negative effects for financial gain.
The expected sign of the coefficient is negative, indicating an inverse relationship However, since non-handcrafters belong to various groups such as workers, officials, manual laborers, and shoppers, there are differing attitudes toward water pollution As a result, the coefficient may have either a positive or negative sign, reflecting the complex and dual nature of these perspectives.
Income levels significantly influence environmental awareness; when people are busy struggling for subsistence, they often overlook environmental issues Conversely, with an improved quality of life, individuals tend to prioritize sustainable development and environmental concerns This correlation is a positive sign that higher income and better living standards can lead to increased attention to environmental protection.
Effective local environmental communication significantly influences residents' attitudes toward water pollution When local governments provide continuous access to environmental information, community awareness about water pollution increases This heightened awareness typically leads to more proactive behaviors and support for pollution prevention efforts, representing a positive development in environmental management.
Besides, the same factors influencing to willingness to pay or donate money for building water treatment system also are pointed out in table below
Table 2 Sign Expectation of Regression Coefficients of willingness to pay or donate money for building water treatment system
Variables Variable Explanation Expected Sign
Level of education Schooling levels +
Jobs 2 types of jobs surveyed +/-
Incomes High, moderate, low level of income +
Building PR campaign (June, 2015- June, 2016)
PR strategies were carried out in two campaign
The first phase focuses on transforming awareness and behavior through environmental education, involving three lectures on water conservation and protection for 30 students at Van Phuc Primary School This initiative aims to increase students' understanding of water resource conservation, highlighting water's vital role in human life and the environment Engaging videos are incorporated to present basic information about water resources, providing an effective and accessible method to educate children about the importance of protecting water.
I am organizing the "Save Water – Save Future" exhibition, focusing on water-related topics such as water pollution and the vital role of water for humans The display will feature photos and drawings created by students participating in our training course, showcasing their understanding and creativity All students' parents will be invited to attend, fostering community engagement Additionally, the exhibition serves as a platform for raising funds to establish a wastewater treatment system in Van Phuc, supporting sustainable water management in the area.
The second phase aims to quickly raise funds through a targeted crowdfunding campaign to support both the Van Phuc community and outside beneficiaries These campaigns typically involve monetary donations, where all contributions are directed entirely to the charity or group, and merchandise sales, with either all or part of the proceeds donated to the cause Implementing a well-structured crowdfunding effort is essential for efficiently gathering financial support in a short period.
RESULTS
Water pollution situation in Van Phuc handicraft village
Van Phuc village historically faced significant environmental challenges, with over 90% of craft villages surpassing national pollution standards set by MONRE in 2008 Notably, many wells in eastern Van Phuc are contaminated with arsenic levels 10 to 50 times higher than the WHO guideline for safe drinking water, posing serious health risks to local residents (van Geen et al., 2013).
Diagram 1 The comparison some water indicators in with the standards of Vietnam
Source: Environment Analysis Department - 2010, 2012, and 2014
Waste water causes serious pollution on surface and ground water environment out of being discharged directly to the environment The water issues at Van Phuc Handicraft
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B OD5 co n ce n tr atio n [ m g /l]
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The TSS QCVN14: 2008/BTNMT standard regulates dyeing and weaving activities, which significantly impact environmental quality Approximately 85%–90% of chemicals used in these processes are water-soluble, leading to high volumes of wastewater rich in organic matter Without proper wastewater treatment systems, the expansion of production activities results in deteriorating water quality and increased environmental pollution.
The analysis of water samples from Hong Phong canal in Van Phuc village reveals significant pollution due to domestic waste over three periods Over the years, the water has become eutrophic with high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, along with suspended solids and organic matter, indicating ongoing water quality deterioration The BOD5 concentration remains high, exceeding Vietnam’s standards for domestic water use as per QCVN14: 2008/BTNMT Although coliform levels show a decreasing trend over time, they still surpass the permissible limits set by the standards In contrast, TSS concentrations are below the standard limits specified in QCVN14: 2008/BTNMT.
In search of finding out the reason why water quality therein has experienced this trend, the results in interviewing local officials in Van Phuc Committee showed that since
Since 1998, local governments have adopted craft sustainability policies to better understand and address water pollution drivers in their areas, focusing on reducing centralized production, minimizing the scale of dyeing households, and supporting local artisans who avoid chemical dyes These policies have promoted the purchase of color silk threads and shifted traditional handcraft villages toward solely weaving and selling products to preserve cultural heritage However, effectively solving water pollution requires sustainable collaboration and measures from both government authorities and local residents.
Diagram 2 The comparison some water indicators in with the standards of Vietnam –
Source: Environment Analysis Department 2010, 2012, and 2014
Water quality analysis of Van Phuc village’s pond indicates that the pond’s water nearly meets Vietnam’s QCVN14: 2008/BTNMT standards, demonstrating acceptable quality levels However, without effective and efficient management and usage, the pond is at risk of pollution, highlighting the need for proper environmental care Regular monitoring and responsible practices are essential to maintain water quality and prevent future contamination.
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Awareness and behavior of villagers on water pollution situation and ability to build
With respect to selected socio-demographic characteristics of the local residents interviewed, the information about the personal profile of interviewers is displayed in table 3
Table 3 Descriptive results for selected variables
Source: Results calculated by the author based on data surveyed, 2015
A total of fifty respondents participated in the survey, with 72% men and 28% women This distribution does not indicate a gender imbalance in the study area Most respondents were involved in non-silk handcrafts and belonged to the 36-45 age group Education levels varied, with the majority holding college or university degrees, followed by those with high school education Regarding income, the largest proportion of respondents reported a monthly income of less than four thousand units.
Despite widespread awareness of water pollution, many local residents have not taken practical actions to reduce the issue Table 4 highlights respondents' perceptions and understanding of the water pollution situation in Van Phuc, emphasizing the need for increased community engagement and proactive measures to address water quality concerns effectively.
Most respondents (96%) are knowledgeable about water pollution issues and have received recognition on the topic A significant 98% believe that the water in their local area is polluted, with 36% specifically concerned about domestic water sources being contaminated Despite this awareness, only 20% feel personally responsible for protecting water resources Additionally, over 90% of respondents support the construction of wastewater treatment facilities in their local area to address pollution concerns.
Interview findings identify two primary causes of water pollution issues Firstly, local residents have limited awareness of the health impacts of water pollution, resulting in a lack of responsibility for water protection Additionally, they lack practical knowledge and rarely access reliable information sources on how to prevent and manage water pollution Notably, only 5% of households use water purification or treatment methods, highlighting the need for increased education and awareness efforts.
Table 4 Local’s awareness about water pollution situation in Van Phuc
Awareness about water pollution situation
Think about personal directly responsibilities for protecting water resources
Personal opinions about water pollution
Is water surrounding local area polluted?
Is domestic water using polluted?
Source: Results calculated by the author based on data surveyed, 2015
Regression analysis reveals that age, education level, monthly average income, and local environmental communication positively influence respondents’ attitudes toward water pollution, with all coefficients highly significant at p < 0.005 Conversely, sex and occupation negatively impact attitude, with their regression coefficients significant at p = 0.024 and p = 0.016, respectively.
Table 5 Effect of some selected variables on respondents’ attitude towards water pollution situation
Attitude towards water pollution situation
Monthly average income 0.174 0.918 0.003 0.025 Local environment communication 0.160 1.154 0.002 0.013
Source: Results calculated by the author based on data surveyed, 2015
Our data analysis demonstrates that age, education level, monthly income, and local environmental communication significantly positively influence residents' attitudes toward water pollution Specifically, residents with better living conditions, higher income, and formal education tend to have greater awareness and concern about water source degradation and environmental issues Exposure to environmental information further enhances their proactive attitudes towards addressing water pollution problems.
Women play a significant role in water use and are key contributors to water pollution, particularly in Van Phuc handcraft village where they are responsible for dyeing and weaving silk threads Despite men often being household heads, women actively engage in water-intensive activities like washing and cleaning, which increases their impact on water resources Their high level of awareness about water consumption highlights their crucial influence on water pollution dynamics in the area.
This study analyzed respondents’ willingness to pay for building wastewater treatment, exploring various payment scenarios Participants were asked whether they were ready to pay, needed more time, would pay only if certain conditions were met, or were not willing to pay at all Additionally, respondents ranked different conditions based on their preferences, assigning scores from 5 (most preferred) to 1 (least preferred), providing insights into their priority levels for payment commitments.
Table 6 Willingness to pay for building waste water treatment
Pay money only if certain conditions will fulfil 9 18
Amount willing to pay for built waste water treatment per household member Rank
Source: Results calculated by the author based on data surveyed, 2015
According to Table 6, 66% of respondents are willing to pay for wastewater treatment, while 10% still need more time to decide, 18% will pay only if certain conditions are met, and 4% did not provide any response The survey also ranked different payment amounts, revealing insights into respondents' willingness to contribute financially toward wastewater treatment solutions.
According to estimation, the total willingness to pay of all residents in Van Phuc village is from 334.1 million VND to 835.25 million VND
A recent survey reveals that 64% of local residents are eager to see solutions to environmental issues, particularly water pollution Additionally, 28% of the community members are willing to actively participate in efforts to find effective solutions These findings highlight a strong local concern and a notable willingness to engage in addressing water pollution challenges.
Diagram 3 The percentage of local's concern about PR program
Source: Results calculated by the author based on data surveyed, 2015 Table 7 Effect of some selected variables on respondents’ willingness to pay for building waste water treatment
Willingness to pay for building waste water treatment
Source: Results calculated by the author based on data surveyed, 2015
Locals' concern about PR program
Desiring to have a solution to water pollution situation
Willingness participate to find out solution
Occupation has a significant negative effect on respondents’ willingness to pay, indicating that individuals in non-silk handicrafts such as officials, workers, and manual laborers are less inclined to contribute financially Many of these respondents perceive their work as not directly linked to water pollution and consider their responsibility to be invisible, which may diminish their willingness to pay Consequently, nearly half of the respondents are not willing to pay without any conditions, highlighting the influence of occupation on environmental responsibility and financial support.
A recent survey at Van Phuc Primary School revealed that 70% of students are interested in participating in environmental training courses Additionally, 22% of students expressed their willingness to share environmental messages with others, particularly their parents These students demonstrate the potential to effectively implement impactful PR campaigns to promote environmental awareness.
PR program for improving water pollution situation and raising fund to build waste
This public relations program aims to raise local awareness about water pollution in Van Phuc Handicraft Village to fund and build effective wastewater treatment solutions Initially targeting 30 primary students, the initiative offers three informative lectures covering water pollution issues, water resource basics, and conservation methods By engaging students through these educational sessions, the program fosters a greater understanding of water protection and the importance of sustainable water management.
"propagandists" and continue to sharing such knowledge learned to their parents
The following stage of PR program, on one hand, the photo and drawing exhibition
The "Save Water – Save Future" campaign features students creating photos and drawings as part of an environmental training course, promoting awareness about water conservation This initiative also leverages social media platforms to raise funds through crowd-funding and photo or artwork auctions, supporting environmental causes and sustainable future efforts.
The campaign's strategies are divided into two main groups: first, targeting local residents in Van Phuc village to raise awareness and encourage behavior change; and second, engaging donors to raise funds necessary for building a sustainable water treatment system These targeted approaches aim to empower the community and secure financial support, ensuring the project's success and long-term impact.
A significant portion of the campaign budget will be dedicated to preparing and printing educational materials for the environment training course, as well as developing a crowd-funding website to support the initiative Additionally, the campaign will generate potential news stories to be published in local newspapers and relevant publications, thereby increasing public awareness and outreach for the environmental PR campaign.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign, we observed that primary school children consistently submitted their homework each week after participating in our educational lectures, demonstrating increased awareness and proactive behavior in water resource conservation Additionally, the success of the crowdfunding campaign will be assessed by the total amount of donations received on the website after six months, measuring public engagement and support for water conservation initiatives.
Based on survey and questionnaire data, the majority of the general public is aware of the water pollution issue, but many lack understanding of its main causes, prevention measures, and comprehensive solutions Currently, efforts are primarily focused on promoting the Van Phuc Silk trademark and tourism, with little attention given to the sustainable management of natural resources, especially water resources Effective water management campaigns are necessary to address the full scope of water pollution challenges and ensure lasting environmental health.
According to a ten-year development projection, a water treatment system is planned to be built, but the project requires a substantial budget, leading to delays in execution As stated by Mr Hai, Vice President of Van Phuc Committee, the high costs have prevented the implementation of this plan.
“governments and citizens join hands together”, a crowd-funding campaign finds it possible to mobilize the later support to the former
The total willingness to pay among residents of Van Phuc Village is estimated to range from 334.1 million VND to 835.25 million VND, reflecting strong community support for the project Currently, an additional 100 million VND is needed through crowdfunding efforts, as stated by Mr Hai, Vice President of Van Phuc People’s Committee This funding gap emphasizes the community’s commitment and the importance of collective contributions to achieve the project's goals.
The goals of PR program are to raise awareness of local residents about water pollution situation and to develop a fund for building waste water system
In August 2015, a comprehensive environmental training program was launched for primary students at Van Phuc Primary School, aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues among young learners By the end of the course, 30 students successfully completed the training and passed the final assessment, demonstrating their understanding of environmental concepts Following the training, a photos and drawing exhibition was organized in September 2015 to showcase students’ creativity and promote environmental education Additionally, a crowdfunding website was launched to mobilize community support and raise funds for constructing a water treatment system, with the campaign running until June 2016 to ensure sustainable access to clean water.
“Save Water - Save Future” is the key message throughout the PR program.
Table 8 SWOT analysis of PR program
Experience organizing environment courses for students’ primary school
Ability to design intuitive lessons and website
Support partners: GoGreen Club and Action For Water Project
Such environment training courses fail to maintain the effective after the end Hardly do people change their attitude, especially behavior which has been existed for a long time
Online and digital inform and educate the public for water pollution situation
Gain more support and funding for the project
Crowd-funding campaign is new in Vietnam It is hard to have trust in people
WHAT - Achieving “Save Water - Save Future” - conveying the message friendly living with environment; especially the young or youth
WHY - Rising a fund and increase awareness of people in water using and sustainable management field
HOW - Throughout environment training course and crowd-funding campaign
WHERE - Van Phuc Village – Hanoi for the first campaign
- Online website – All public audiences for the second campaign
WHO - Collaborative effort by partners
The PR campaign primarily targets two key audience groups: internal publics, including current volunteers and support partners, and external publics, such as Van Phuc primary students, the local community, mass media, government agencies, financial institutions, action groups, and the general public Additionally, the campaign segments audiences by age groups to effectively raise awareness and identify major donors for fundraising efforts This strategic approach aims to maximize engagement and support across diverse community segments.
With each objects of target publics strategies and tactics will require different communication channels to covey massage most effectively
The primary goal is to raise awareness among primary students and the Van Phuc villagers about environmental conservation An exhibition titled "Save Water, Save Future" showcases photos and drawings created by students participating in an environmental course, highlighting the importance of water conservation Additionally, a crowd-funding campaign was launched to support the construction of a wastewater treatment system in Van Phuc, aiming to improve local environmental conditions and promote sustainable practices.
To effectively reach our diverse target audience, we utilize multiple information channels tailored to different age groups For primary students in the 10-year-old age group at Van Phuc School, I developed and delivered three engaging lectures within a month This approach ensures age-appropriate content delivery and enhances engagement across various segments.
The lectures aimed to educate children about the vital role of water on our planet and emphasize the importance of water resources and hygiene in daily life By increasing awareness of water conservation and proper water hygiene, children can adopt healthier habits while helping to preserve water resources for future generations These educational efforts are essential in fostering responsible water usage and ensuring a sustainable future.
“Exploring day” (Ngày khám phá)
Providing students with basic knowledge and fun facts about water resources
“Learning day” (Ngày tìm hiểu)
Discussing about the water pollution situation in local area and give ideas to solve this issue Lecture 3 (25/08/2015)
“Action day” (Ngày hành động)
Draw pictures and take photo about water topic with their parents
To create the most effective lesson plan, I coordinated with my sponsor partners, GoGreen Club and AFW Project, to review and incorporate their materials and lecture notes throughout this course, ensuring comprehensive and impactful content.
Diagram 4 The plan of 03 lectures on environmental training course
After each lecture, students are required to complete homework by asking their parents to answer questions and follow tips on saving water at home During the first two lessons, students actively took on the role of their parents’ advisors, becoming responsible for sharing water conservation practices This interactive approach encourages student engagement and promotes practical water-saving habits within families.
Evaluation of PR program
Evaluating PR campaigns can be challenging due to time and budget constraints As a result, measuring the effectiveness of a PR program through its outputs — the activities and initiatives implemented during the campaign — is often considered the most practical approach for assessment.
Following the initial campaign, a banner was displayed to promote awareness Educational materials, including 30 badges, fact sheets, flyers titled “Water Diary,” and handbooks supported by the Action For Water project were distributed to students and their parents Additionally, three videos were created to enhance students' understanding of the course content and promote water conservation awareness.
Table 11 The list of video performed in the environmental training course
Link 1 http://khoahoc.tv/giaitri/video/56040_v ideo-nuoc-tren-trai-dat-bat-nguon-tu- dau.aspx
What sources of water around the world?
Link 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m
Save water for your children future
Link 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7
Causes and consequences of water pollution
All students participated enthusiastically in the course, learning simple, practical tips for conserving water at home through engaging lectures They gained essential knowledge about water resource protection and management, enhancing their understanding of sustainable water usage.
In pursuit of organizing an exhibition “Save water, save future”, 08 photos and 12 drawing pictures were chosen out of such students’ works
The environmental training course drew great attention from 1000 students in Van Phuc primary schools, around 30 teachers and school officers and at least 30 students’ parents
Students’ homework flyer – Water diary FlyerHandbook
Figure 2 The lists of photos and drawings performed in exhibition
Source: Providing by students and author collection
Source: Providing by students joined in environmental training course
Crowd-funding campaign effectiveness will be evaluated whether or not by the amount of money donated through the website “Hanhdongvinuocsach” after 6 months running campaign in 2016
Figure 3 Website model of crowd-funding campaign
DISCUSSION
Experimental setup performance
The basis of the research was the assessment awareness of local people towards water pollution, therefore defining the target publics and the main effected people through
Public relations programs play a crucial role in raising awareness about water pollution; however, this research failed to effectively classify their impact The primary source of water issues stems from dyeing and weaving activities, highlighting the need for targeted environmental training Therefore, environmental education should particularly focus on primary students, who closely interact with handcrafters and indirectly influence the success of PR initiatives in promoting sustainable water management.
Financial constraints have caused a two-month delay in the PR campaign schedule, highlighting the lack of contingency planning Additionally, the success of PR programs largely depends on the reach of mass media communications, yet studies have not effectively utilized these tools to enhance campaign popularity.
Data analysis performance
The study was the first of its kind in the area of Van Phuc Handicraft Village and also quite new in natural resource management field in Vietnam
The research conducted during the initial three months of the PR campaign is ongoing and will continue through June 2016, limiting its current comprehensiveness As this is the first study of its kind at the site, the findings may not fully represent the broader effectiveness of the PR efforts for future scientific evaluation Without prior research, it was challenging to predict and effectively implement the campaign without meticulous survey planning, highlighting the preliminary nature of these results.
Future research
Future research should expand to additional study areas within Vietnam or other fields related to natural resources management, such as air and soil pollution Extending the research timeline would enhance the ability to evaluate and assess the long-term effectiveness of PR campaigns Additionally, increasing the sample size and diversifying respondent groups can provide deeper insights into selecting primary target publics and affected publics, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of PR strategies.
CONCLUSION 36 REFERENCES
Over a time span of approximately three months from early June to last August of
2015, initially, water pollution and locals’ awareness were measured, besides, the first campaign of PR program were performed in Van Phuc Primary School
The study highlights that Van Phuc Village's water resources are critically threatened by high arsenic levels and other concerning indicators A significant contributing factor is the limited basic knowledge among local handcrafters and residents regarding proper water usage Additionally, their attitudes towards water conservation are influenced by social-demographic factors such as age, gender, occupation, educational level, and income These characteristics also impact residents' willingness to invest financially and participate in public awareness and resource protection programs.
Based on the survey data, a PR program has been established to enhance community engagement and awareness The campaign includes two main initiatives: an environmental training course conducted in August 2015 to promote sustainability, and a public fundraising campaign planned for June 2016 to support future community projects.
Douglas L Gilbert's 1964 work, "Public Relations in Natural Resources Management," emphasizes the importance of effective communication strategies for sustainable resource management Additionally, the 2009 Scientific Report by the Vietnam Environmental Police Agency (EPA) highlights critical measures for preventing and combating violations of environmental protection laws in craft villages, underscoring the need for strict enforcement and community awareness to ensure environmental sustainability.
Van Geen A et al., 2013 The article “Retardation of arsenic transport through a
Pleistocene aquifer”, http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v501/n7466/full/nature12444.html
Ha Dong Natural resources and Environment Department, Report of Environmental information – Ha Dong district, 2010, 2012 and 2014
MONRE, 2008 Environment report of Vietnam, 2008: Craft village environment'/'Bao Cao
The Vietnam Environment and Natural Resources Sector Overview 2008 highlights the critical state of the country's environment, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) in Hanoi plays a key role in safeguarding Vietnam's natural resources, advocating for policies that promote environmental protection Videos such as "Water on Earth: Unsustainable Sources" illustrate the growing challenges related to freshwater scarcity and the need for responsible water usage These resources underscore Vietnam's commitment to environmental awareness and action, aligned with global sustainability goals Protecting water sources and promoting eco-friendly practices remain vital for Vietnam's sustainable development and environmental health.
This survey is part of a comprehensive study assessing water pollution levels, villagers’ awareness, and their behaviors related to water quality in Van Phuc Handicraft Village, Ha Dong, Hanoi The research also evaluates the community’s capacity to develop effective public relations campaigns to promote water conservation and pollution prevention.
Research conducted by Le Thi Dao, a student in the K56 Natural Resources Management program specializing in advanced curriculum, in collaboration with Colorado State University and Vietnam Forestry University, highlights significant insights into sustainable forestry practices.
This interview aims to raise awareness about the water pollution issue in Van Phuc handicraft village, Ha Dong, Hanoi It also seeks to assess residents' willingness to pay for the construction of a wastewater treatment facility, highlighting the community's commitment to improving environmental conditions.
This survey questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and participation is entirely voluntary You have the freedom to decide whether to take part, with no negative consequences for choosing not to participate While there are no direct benefits from participating, your input is valued and helps improve our understanding Rest assured, declining participation will not affect you in any way.
Your personal information will remain confidential and solely used for academic purposes No identifying details, including your name, will be disclosed in any publications resulting from this research.
Thank you very much for your participation!
Instruction for completion: Select the right option and tick in appropriate square
Write briefly the answer on the … Open lines
5 Job: • Silk handcrafts • Non – silk handcrafts
Primary school College or University
High school Other (Please specify……….)
8 How many people in your family: persons
9 How much your monthly average income?
1 Do you aware any water pollution situation happened in your local area?
If the answer is YES, please give some example:
2 Do you think that you have directly responsibilities for protecting water resources?
3 In your opinion, water resource surrounding your house is polluted?
If the answer is Yes please specify:
4 In your opinion, domestic water used in your household is polluted?
If the answer is Yes please specify:
5 Does your house use water purify or other relevant water treatment?
6 In your opinion, what drivers cause water pollution?
□ Industrial activities in large and small scale
7 From your point of view, who are the main forces of saving and improving the environment, especially water resources?
8 In your idea, should we do build a treatment system to relieve water pollution situation?
9 Are you willing to pay money for water treatment to keep water clean and drinkable?
Pay money only if certain conditions will fulfil
If yes: what amount are you willing to pay for waste water treatment system per household member? (Rank from 5 to most prefer and 1 to least prefer)
10 Do you want a solution to solve environmental contamination at your local area?
Desiring have a solution to environmental problems
Willingness participate to find out solution
11 Do you have any suggestions for the state authorities to enhance water quality of water at your local area?
SURVEY ON ATTENTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ENVIRONMENTAL CLASS PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS
The children's responses in this survey provide valuable insights into their awareness of environmental issues and their concern for the environment today These findings can guide the organization of environmental education classes, encouraging active participation among children to foster greater environmental responsibility By understanding their perspectives, educators can design engaging programs that raise awareness and promote sustainable behaviors from a young age.
Class: _Date: _ (Circle one): Male Female
1 Have you ever seen water source polluted in your local areas? a Yes b No
2 Have you ever joined any environmental classes or educational extra activities?
(including in and out of school) a Yes b No
If you answer YES, list them in these blanks below:
3 If you say NO,choose the reason why: a I am not interested in joining those classes b T are no classes related to these environmental classes in my school c Other:
4 Would you like to join an environmental classes? a Yes b No
5 If you answer YES, register the class “I am A WATER HERO” for protecting environment and spreading messages to other people
Write your name to register as a “Water Warriors” in the blank:
1 The general information about Van Phuc silk village: History, area, administrative maps
According to the latest statistics from [Source, Date], the area has a total of [Number] households and a population of [Number] There are [Number] households and manufacturers engaged in silk production, specializing in [Number] different types of manufacturing, including items such as woven silk fabrics, silk garments, scarves, and accessories The region hosts approximately [Number] silk shops, serving both locals and tourists Additionally, there are [Number] silk production plants and companies operating within the area, contributing significantly to the local economy and the silk industry sector.
List some large plants and companies
3 Does the entire area has any clean water systems? If so, which certain plants? (In case it rains, had it happened to any roads flooded?)
How to treat household wastewater?
How to treat enterprise wastewater?
4 Regulations and policies issued in the management and treatment of water resources in the area
5 Was, is or may be environmental project – water source protection implemented in the area?
The decline in the popularity of dyed silk fabric among regional producers began due to shifting market preferences and the rise of cheaper industrial alternatives This trend started in the early 2000s, as mass-produced fabrics gained dominance As a result, traditional dyeing methods and the production of natural-dyed silk decreased significantly Instead, producers increasingly relied on synthetic dyes and industrial processes, while natural dye materials were sourced less frequently from local plants and natural sources, leading to a decline in the use of traditional natural dyes.
7 Evaluate the impact of assessment village location issues on environmental and water resources
8 About noise pollution, air pollution, especially water pollution
The analysis was conducted in accordance with Vietnamese standards, specifically QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT, established by the Compilation Board of National Technical Regulations on Water Quality These regulations were approved and issued under Decision No 16/2008/QD-BTNMT by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on December 31, 2008.
Table 12 The result of analyzing water sample in the canal Hong Phong hamlet of Van
Phuc village which is the place received domestic waste
This standard defines the pollution parameter values used to determine the maximum permissible limits for domestic wastewater discharged into water resources These limits ensure that the water quality remains suitable for domestic water supply, maintaining conditions equivalent to those specified in Column A2 of the national technical regulation on surface water quality.
Table 13 The result of analyzing water sample in Van Phuc village’s pond
This standard defines pollution parameter values used to determine the maximum permissible levels in domestic wastewater discharged into water resources It specifies that these limits apply to water not designated for domestic supply, ensuring that discharged wastewater maintains water quality comparable to column B1 and B2 standards outlined in the national technical regulation on surface and coastal water quality.