(VOVworld)-The August Revolution Square in the heart of Hanoi will host a ceremony to switch off lights from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on Saturday in response to Earth Hour 2012. Similar events will take place in the ancient town of Hoi An in the central region and HCM city in the southern region. 47 provinces and cities nationwide have registered to participate in this year’s Earth Hour campaign.

Authorities in Yen Bai province have urged enterprises to save energy by applying advanced technologies and making full use of natural light sources. Nguyen Van Thuc, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said: “We have encouraged businesses and people to turn off electricity for one hour. We hope to attract a larger crowd to this year’s campaign.”

In Phu Yen province, 300 volunteers have taken part in discussions and a quiz on how to save energy and protect the environment.

At 8:30pm on Saturday (31 March), more than 6000 cities and towns across 147 countries and territories will switch off their lights for Earth Hour, sending the message that it’s time to act for a more sustainable future.