On the morning of 8 April 2026 in Ha Noi – The International Cooperation Department (ICD) of Viet Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, through the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP), in collaboration with Flinders University (Australia), convened the dialogue “Advancing Blue carbon action in Viet Nam: From evidence to strategic action”.

The event brought together representatives from government agencies, diplomatic missions, international organisations, development partners, businesses, financial institutions, academia, and national and international experts to advance policy dialogue and identify the enabling conditions needed to mobilise investment in conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems.

As Viet Nam accelerates its commitments to green growth, carbon neutrality, and sustainable development, blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes, are increasingly recognised as strategic economic and climate assets. However, gaps remain between this potential and the mobilisation of investment opportunities. Existing challenges in policy frameworks, resource mobilisation, and fragmented initiatives continue to hinder the effective valuation and utilisation of blue carbon in Viet Nam.

During the dialogue, discussions focused on practical solutions to remove barriers and unlock investment for blue carbon in the country. Key priorities discussed included strengthening the legal framework on carbon rights, enhancing national data systems, harmonising Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) standards, and accelerating blended finance models. Participants also underscored the importance of developing business models that ensure equitable benefit-sharing for coastal communities.

Representing MAE, Dr. Vu Duc Dam Quang, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department highlights: “The potential of blue carbon should not be viewed solely through the lens of carbon credits or emissions reduction targets. More importantly, these ecosystems serve as a ‘natural shield’, protecting coastlines, conserving biodiversity, and securing the livelihoods of communities that rely on them. The dialogue comes at a timely moment, as it helps shape priority actions for NBCAP’s next phase while reinforcing the regulatory frameworks to attract investment – a critical enabler for conserving and restoring Viet Nam’s marine and coastal ecosystems.”

Ms. Francesca Nardini, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Viet Nam, underlines the cross-cutting role of blue carbon: “Blue carbon is a critical nexus, where climate, nature, and development objectives converge. The challenge today is no longer only technical – it is about moving from pilots to systems that can operate at scale, by aligning policy, finance, and implementation. In this context, UNDP is proud to host the NBCAP Secretariat in close collaboration with MAE and the World Economic Forum (WEF). UNDP remains fully committed to supporting Viet Nam in accelerating blue carbon solutions that are grounded in local realities, inclusive by design, and financially viable, thereby delivering multiple, lasting benefits.”

Since its launch in January 2026, NBCAP Viet Nam has focused on laying a robust foundation through a series of technical workshops and stakeholder consultations across science, policy, and finance. To date, the partnership has engaged more than 350 institutions and experts from the public sector, international organisations, think-tanks, businesses, and communities. Concurrently, NBCAP has been working closely with relevant stakeholders to conduct baseline assessment and develop its coordination mechanism, including the establishment of Leadership Board.

The recommendations and insights generated from the dialogue will inform Viet Nam NBCAP’s action roadmap and define priority workstreams for the next 12–24 months. Priorities include strengthening a transparent legal framework, developing a pipeline of bankable projects, designing appropriate financial instruments, and strengthening national data systems.

Through these efforts, NBCAP aims to foster public–private partnership, expand investment opportunities, and strengthen the linkage between climate action and a sustainable blue economy./. 

Media contact:

Ms. Vu Thuy Dzung, International Cooperation Dept. - MAE
Email: nbcapvietnam@mae.gov.vn

Ms. Phan Huong Giang, CCEE Media & Communications Analyst, UNDP Viet Nam
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org; Mobile: (+84) 948466688

Mr. Vu Hoang Quyen, Engagement and Communication Associate, NBCAP Secretariat hosted by UNDP Viet Nam
Email: vu.hoang.quyen@undp.org; Telephone: 024 38500100, ext: 0368 
 

About Blue carbon

Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass beds, and tidal marshes. A defining feature of these ecosystems is their ability to accumulate large amounts of carbon both in their biomass (stems, and leaves) and in the sediment layers beneath mudflats and the seabed. Scientific evidence shows that these ecosystems can absorb carbon at rates two to four times higher on average — and store up to ten times more carbon overall — than terrestrial forests. They also protect coastlines, conserve biodiversity, and secure the livelihoods of coastal communities. (Source: IPCC)

About the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) Viet Nam

The National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) Viet Nam is a country-led, multi-stakeholder platform designed to curate knowledge, finance, and innovation to conserve and restore blue carbon ecosystems, towards enhancing climate resilience and supporting national commitments.

NBCAP is established under a Letter of Intent signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) in October 2025, making Viet Nam the third country in the world — after Indonesia and the Philippines — to launch this partnership. With financial support from the UK Government, the NBCAP Secretariat is currently hosted by UNDP Viet Nam, in close collaboration with the International Cooperation Department of MAE and the WEF.