Hà Nội, 31 July 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a national workshop on strengthening the management of invasive alien species (IAS) in Viet Nam. The event brought together nearly 100 participants from government ministries, local authorities, national parks, conservation areas, international organizations, research institutions, and relevant businesses. The workshop was part of the "Support to Early Action" project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aiming to strengthen institutional capacity and promote coordinated actions in monitoring, prevention, and control of IAS in Viet Nam.

According to the 2023 IPBES Report on IAS by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, invasive species are among the top five causes of global biodiversity loss. Over 3,500 species have been documented as harmful, with estimated damages amounting to USD 420 billion annually. Approximately 200 new alien species are introduced into new ecosystems each year due to human activity. Without timely intervention, this number could increase by one-third by 2050 compared to 2005. Yet, 83% of countries do not have specific legislation to prevent and manage IAS. The report underscores prevention as the most effective and cost-efficient strategy, especially in vulnerable ecosystems like islands and inland waters. With early detection and sufficient resources, eradication, containment, control, and ecosystem restoration are feasible. The 2023 IPBES IAS report is the first global document to compile evidence and solutions on this issue systematically. It supports the implementation of Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals.

In Viet Nam, species such as golden apple snails, Mimosa pigra (giant sensitive plant), and water hyacinth are causing severe impacts on agriculture, freshwater ecosystems, and local livelihoods. Although Viet Nam is rich in biodiversity, it remains highly vulnerable to biological invasions due to limited long-term data and monitoring, resource constraints, weak inter-sectoral coordination, and low public awareness.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Nguyễn Quốc Trị, Vice Minister of MAE, emphasized the importance of preventing and controlling invasive alien species — one of the top five drivers of biodiversity loss globally. He noted that the workshop provided an important platform for experts, institutions, and stakeholders to exchange experiences and share practical models and technical solutions for IAS control, contributing to the effective implementation of Viet Nam's National Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050.

In her remarks at the workshop, Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, stressed: "Addressing invasive species is not only about protecting ecosystems. It is about protecting people. Their health. Their livelihoods. Their future. Every step of the invasion process matters. Every delay has a cost. Policies and institutions are not enough. We need people. Raising public awareness. Building local capacity. Engaging the private sector. Empowering communities." She added, "UNDP is proud to work with Viet Nam to develop national guidelines for surveying, monitoring, and managing invasive species."

At the workshop, participants shared effective practical models. One notable example is the control of Mimosa pigra at Tràm Chim National Park, where infested areas were reduced from over 2,000 hectares in 2006 to just 22 hectares in 2024 by combining ecological solutions and hydrological regulation. In the Mekong Delta, water hyacinth is collected and processed into organic fertilizer, animal feed, and handicraft products, contributing to biomass control while providing alternative incomes for communities. Experts also introduced advanced detection and monitoring methods such as environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, drone-based remote sensing, species distribution modeling, artificial intelligence, and bioacoustics monitoring — tools that hold promise for effective surveillance and early warning in Viet Nam.

The draft Circular on the List of Invasive Alien Species outlines investigation, identification, appraisal, and official listing processes, which were also introduced and opened for public feedback. In addition, international experiences, including insights from the IPBES report and Sri Lanka's management practices, highlighted the critical importance of early detection, rapid response, source control, and multi-stakeholder engagement in IAS management.

Participants agreed that to achieve the goals of the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 and Vision to 2050 and fulfill international commitments, Viet Nam must strengthen cross-sectoral coordination across agriculture, environment, transport, quarantine, and local governments. Equally important is enhancing community participation in biodiversity conservation and IAS management.

In the current context, this workshop is considered a vital step in promoting intersectoral and interprovincial coordination, connecting policy, science, and practical action — moving toward a safe, sustainable ecological future for Viet Nam and future generations.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Phan Huong Giang   
UNDP Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change, Energy and Environment 
United Nations Development Programme
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org  
Mob: 0948466688