Nghe An, 4 June 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Viet Nam Agency of Seas and Islands (VASI) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, convened the workshop titled "Review of the 2022–2026 Phase and Future Directions of the Marine Spatial Planning Programme for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Ocean" in Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An Province. The Programme is funded by the Government of Norway.

The workshop was held as part of a series of activities marking World Environment Day, World Oceans Day, the 2026 Month of Action for the Environment, and Viet Nam Sea and Islands Week. The event brought together representatives from central and local government agencies, research institutes, universities, businesses, industry associations, and experts in marine and ocean affairs.

With support from the Government of Norway, the Programme on Marine Spatial Planning for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Ocean has been implemented since 2022 to support Viet Nam in strengthening science-based ocean governance, promoting the blue economy, and enhancing resilience to climate change.

During the 2022–2026 period, the Programme provided technical assistance to the development of the National Marine Spatial Plan and the Master Plan for the Sustainable Exploitation and Use of Coastal Resources. It also generated a range of important knowledge products, including the Blue Book 2.0, an assessment of the technical potential for offshore wind energy in Viet Nam's waters, studies on blue economy models, and international experiences in land reclamation.

In addition, the Programme supported the development and piloting of a provincial Blue Economy Index, promoted practical local initiatives such as marine zoning in Nha Trang Bay, coral reef restoration in Bai Tu Long Bay, and community-based blue economy models, and strengthened integrated coastal resource management capacity for government agencies and coastal localities.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Vu Thai Truong, Head of Climate Change, Energy and Environment Unit at UNDP Viet Nam, emphasized: "The ocean is not only a source of natural wealth; it is also the future of Viet Nam's development. The decisions we make today will shape how future generations use, conserve, and benefit from marine space. UNDP remains committed to working alongside the Government of Viet Nam and our partners to advance a blue economy that is prosperous, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient."

Building on the achievements of the first phase, Phase II of the MSP Programme (2026–2029) was officially launched to accelerate the implementation of marine spatial planning, strengthen cross-sectoral coordination, promote investment-ready marine areas, and mobilize green finance to advance Viet Nam's blue economy.

Addressing the workshop, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Toan, Director General of the Viet Nam Agency of Seas and Islands, stated: "The Viet Nam Agency of Seas and Islands is committed to continuing our close collaboration with UNDP in Viet Nam and our partners to promote a blue economy that is prosperous, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. In the coming period, we will continue to review and update the National Marine Spatial Plan and the Master Plan for the Sustainable Exploitation and Use of Coastal Resources to ensure they remain aligned with emerging development trends, while promoting green, circular and low-emission marine industries and strengthening environmental protection."

Participants also shared experiences and lessons learned from implementing marine spatial planning and promoting the blue economy in Viet Nam and internationally. Discussions focused on solutions to enhance cross-sectoral coordination, improve the effectiveness of marine spatial governance, and mobilize investment for sustainable ocean development models.

The workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the achievements of the past phase, strengthen partnerships, and identify strategic priorities for the years ahead. These efforts will contribute to realizing the objectives of Viet Nam's Strategy for the Sustainable Development of the Marine Economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, as well as the country's commitments to green growth and climate action.

Media Inquiries:
Phan Huong Giang   
UNDP Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change, Energy and Environment 
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org 
Mobile: 0948466688