Protecting Marine Ecosystems in Ly Son Special Zone through Let’s Colour initiative and Born to be Wild Project

AkzoNobel, in collaboration with IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Ly Son Marine Protected Area (MPA) Management Board, and Quang Ngai Fisheries Association, organised marine ecosystem conservation training for local fishers and teachers in Ly Son Special Zone (SZ), and handed over the exterior renovation project of local homes and community murals on An Binh Island under the project Born to be Wild.

These activities are part of an MoU between IUCN and AkzoNobel to strengthen marine conservation in Viet Nam, particularly the protection of sea turtles and other marine species.

Through Born to Be Wild, AkzoNobel is advancing its Let’s Colour initiative in Vietnam. This is a global program launched in 2009 to improve living spaces and support communities through colour.

From October 2025 to February 2026, AkzoNobel, IUCN, and Ly Son MPA Management Board undertook an extensive renovation of An Binh Island, covering more than 17,000 square meters. This included repainting 83 houses, An Vinh Kindergarten & Primary School, and the Ông Mausoleum. The project also painted 20 new murals to raise awareness of sea turtle and marine ecosystem conservation among local communities and visitors. These have helped create a more vibrant and attractive landscape for An Binh Island, supporting tourism development, reducing pressure on marine resources, and improving livelihoods. The project also restored community spaces and mural artworks created in 2017 and 2018 that had deteriorated due to the island’s harsh weather conditions.

As part of the project, AkzoNobel sponsored nearly 10,000 liters of Dulux paint with vibrant colours that harmonize with the island’s natural landscape. The Colours of the Year 2026 - The Rhythm of Blues™ served as a key accent, inspired by the island’s beauty and the distinctive rhythm of life.

Alongside the renovation of An Binh Island, IUCN, Quang Ngai Fisheries Association, and Ly Son MPA Management Board, ran awareness-raising and outreach activities on marine ecosystem conservation, sea turtle protection, and plastic pollution reduction. On March 21-23, IUCN organised a training for approximately 60 teachers on marine conservation and sea turtle protection; guided nearly 50 local fishers on using a smart phone app to monitor and report bycatch of sea turtles and marine mammals; provided guidance on marine wildlife rescue and plastic waste reduction; and handed over the completed murals to local authorities in Ly Son SZ.

Jake Brunner, Head of IUCN’s Lower Mekong Sub-region, said: “This collaboration with AkzoNobel reflects our long-standing commitment to marine conservation through multi- stakeholder partnerships involving government agencies, businesses, communities, and civil society organizations. By revitalizing living spaces while creating murals about marine ecosystems, it offers a creative approach to raise awareness among residents and visitors about protecting marine life and coastal resources. We greatly appreciate AkzoNobel’s contributions and hope this partnership will continue delivering positive conservation outcomes for Ly Son and other MPAs across Vietnam.”

Within this cooperation, AkzoNobel and IUCN will continue strengthening marine conservation efforts not only in Ly Son SZ but also across other MPAs including Con Dao, Hon Cau, Cham Islands, Nui Chua National Park, and beyond. Replicable activities include mural paintings, environmental education, bycatch-reduction training for fishers, knowledge exchange programs, volunteer engagement, and technical support.

Ms. Nguyen My Lan, Business Unit Director, Decorative Paint, ASEAN, AkzoNobel, shared: “At AkzoNobel, we believe in the power of colour to transform spaces and improve quality of life. Through Let’s Colour and our partnership with IUCN, we are not simply repainting walls. We contribute to preserving cultural and natural heritage while raising awareness about protecting marine environments. The Colours of the Year 2026 – The Rhythm of Blues™ also served as a reminder of the ocean’s calm beauty and its invaluable significance to An Binh Island.”

Intending to preserve and enhance local values through colour, AkzoNobel has donated thousands of liters of paint to renovate lighthouses, heritage sites, schools, and community spaces across Viet Nam. Through the MoU with IUCN, both parties aim to continue implementing conservation and environmental protection projects in marine protected areas and national parks nationwide, contributing to the global Let’s Colour initiative, which encourages community participation and creates positive social impact.

By Van Luong, Vietnam Business Forum