Solid wastes discharged in HCMC can generate huge export earnings if there are suitable projects to turn the rubbish into power, gas or fertilizer under the world-recognized Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and create the so-called certified carbon emission reduction commercialized in the global market, a local official said.

Dao Anh Kiet, director of the city’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said at a seminar here on Tuesday that the city could have around five million units of certified carbon emission reduction from current landfills for sales to developed countries under the Kyoto Protocol.

Under the Clean Development Mechanism of Kyoto Protocol, which was ratified in February 2005, developed industrial countries can buy certified carbon emission reduction (CER) units from developing countries with negotiable prices.

Kiet said that one unit of CER, equivalent to one ton of converted carbon dioxide-CO2e, costs 180 euro, and that big money for the city is expected if all wastes at the city’s landfills are developed properly.

The city each year discharges over 20 million tons of waste, potential sources for CDM projects, Kiet said at a training course on environmental issues on Tuesday.

Representatives of the U.S. foundation Clinton Climate Initiative and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday started a training course on waste management for 90 trainees who are State officials and teachers from universities of the city.

The training course, at the Continental Hotel on February 24-25, will help city officials know how to manage solid wastes and introduce steps for developing the programs of clean development mechanism.

Representatives of the two U.S. agencies also suggested the city do overall surveys on all gas reserves at the landfills around the city for more CMD projects.

The Clinton foundation, established by former U.S. president Bill Clinton, and the World Bank will help provide consultancy and other assistance for the city to carry out CDM projects for commercial purpose on the world market.

VietNamNet/SGT