Viet Nam launches the blue carbon action partnership programme

The event was chaired by Le Cong Thanh, with the participation of Ramla Khalidi, Iain Frew, Alfredo Giron, along with representatives from various ministries, sectors, international organisations, research institutes, businesses and development partners.

At the meeting, delegates focused on discussing inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms and identifying priorities in implementing NBCAP in Viet Nam. Many opinions emphasised the role of nature-based solutions in conserving and restoring blue carbon ecosystems and developing sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

As Viet Nam promotes the implementation of commitments on green growth, carbon neutrality and sustainable development, blue carbon ecosystems such as mangrove forests, seagrass beds and coastal tidal flats are increasingly being recognised as strategic resources. These ecosystems not only help absorb and store carbon but also serve as “natural shields” against climate risks such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion and flooding.

In addition, conserving and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems also contributes to ensuring food security, maintaining biodiversity and supporting the sustainable development of the marine economy.

In recent years, Viet Nam has issued a number of policies to promote the conservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, such as Decision No. 1662/QD-TTg in 2021 on the protection and development of coastal forests; Decision No. 149/QD-TTg approving the National Biodiversity Strategy; and Decision No. 1539/QD-TTg on the expansion and establishment of marine protected areas.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh stated that protecting and developing blue carbon ecosystems is not only an environmental requirement but also a strategic orientation aimed at promoting the sustainable development of the marine economy, strengthening climate resilience and fulfilling Viet Nam’s international commitments.

According to Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh, NBCAP Viet Nam is expected to become a multi-stakeholder cooperation platform to promote policy coordination, knowledge sharing, resource mobilisation and the implementation of specific blue carbon initiatives.

Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of UNDP in Viet Nam, commented that blue carbon offers great potential; however, many countries, including Viet Nam, are still seeking ways to transform this potential into effective governance systems and concrete investment resources.

Meanwhile, British Ambassador to Viet Nam Iain Frew stated that NBCAP would create a connecting platform between the Government, development partners and the private sector to promote coordination on blue carbon and strengthen resilience for coastal areas.

Representing the WEF, Alfredo Giron assessed that the establishment of NBCAP demonstrates Viet Nam’s leadership role in promoting climate action, while also recognising coastal ecosystems as an important form of “natural infrastructure” for climate adaptation, livelihoods and sustainable growth.

According to the organisers, since the first launch meeting in January 2026, NBCAP Viet Nam has organised numerous technical workshops and multi-stakeholder consultations on blue carbon science, policy and finance. The programme has now mobilised the participation of more than 350 domestic and international organisations and experts.