Hanoi, 28 May 2026 – The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with support from the British Embassy and the World Economic Forum (WEF), today officially launched the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) and convened its first Leadership Board Meeting in Hanoi. The event reaffirmed Viet Nam’s commitment to advancing blue carbon action, towards an inclusive and climate-resilient blue economy.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Le Cong Thanh – Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment and attended by Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam; H.E. Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Viet Nam; and Mr. Alfredo Giron, Head of Ocean at the World Economic Forum (WEF). The event also brought together representatives from government agencies, diplomatic missions, development partners, international organisations, academia, financial institutions, and the private sector.

The inaugural meeting focused on strategic discussions about strengthening cross-sector coordination and identifying priority pathways for NBCAP implementation. Delegates also underscored the importance of nature-based climate solutions in protecting blue carbon ecosystems and supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

As Viet Nam accelerates progress towards its commitments to green growth, carbon neutrality, and sustainable development, blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes, are increasingly recognised as strategic climate assets. These ecosystems serve as a natural shield, protecting frontline communities from climate risks, such as flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion. Healthy coastal habitats also support local economies, ensure food security, conserve biodiversity, and contribute to achieving Viet Nam’s climate goals.

Protecting and restoring these ecosystems at scale requires a coordinated, science-based, and long-term approach. In recent years, the Government of Viet Nam has introduced key policies and strategies to protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems, including Decision No. 1662/QĐ-TTg (2021) on the protection and development of coastal forests; Decision No. 149/QĐ-TTg approving the National Biodiversity Strategy; and Decision No. 1539/QĐ-TTg on the expansion and establishment of marine protected areas. However, ongoing blue carbon initiatives remain fragmented across programmes, sectors, and mandates, while financial and technical resources remain limited.

In this context, the NBCAP was launched based on the Letter of Intent between MAE and WEF signed in October 2025, and Decision No. 1706/QD-BNNMT dated 12 May 2026 of the Minister of Agriculture and Environment establishing the Viet Nam NBCAP Leadership Board. The partnership is funded by the Government of the United Kingdom through WEF, with the Secretariat hosted by UNDP.

The NBCAP launch marks a crucial step forward, creating a multi-stakeholder platform to strengthen coordination, share knowledge, and mobilise investment for the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. The platform aims to advance nature-based solutions and enhance the resilience of both ecosystems and communities to climate change.

Mr. Le Cong Thanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, stated: “For Viet Nam, protecting and developing blue carbon ecosystems is not only an environmental imperative, but also a strategic direction to advance sustainable blue economy, strengthen climate resilience, and deliver on international commitments. NBCAP Viet Nam was established as a multi-stakeholder platform to strengthen policy coordination, share knowledge, mobilise resources, and drive concrete blue carbon action. I look forward to the Leadership Board strengthening collaboration among ministries, local authorities, scientists, the private sector, and development partners to deliver co-benefits for the environment, economy, and society.”

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam highlighted: “Blue carbon holds enormous potential, but many countries, including Viet Nam, are still navigating how to translate that potential into effective governance systems, real investments, and practical solutions on the ground. NBCAP is not just another initiative. It is a coordination platform where government, scientists, businesses, and communities can work through these complexities and turn ambition into action. Building on years of partnership with Viet Nam, UNDP is proud to host the NBCAP Secretariat and remains fully committed to supporting the country in developing solutions grounded in national priorities and practical realities.”

Mr. Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Viet Nam emphasised: “The United Kingdom is pleased to support Viet Nam in reaching this milestone. NBCAP provides a platform to bring together government, partners, and the private sector to strengthen coordination on blue carbon and coastal resilience. This is an important step towards mobilising investment and translating ambition into practical action that delivers lasting impact for both communities and ecosystems.”

Mr. Alfredo Giron, Head of Ocean, World Economic Forum (WEF), shared: “The World Economic Forum congratulates the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and all partners on establishing the Viet Nam National Blue Carbon Action Partnership. This milestone highlights Viet Nam’s leadership in advancing climate action and recognising coastal ecosystems as critical natural infrastructure for resilience, livelihoods, and sustainable growth. The Forum looks forward to supporting knowledge-sharing, public-private collaboration, and global partnerships that can help scale solutions and unlock the enabling conditions for blue carbon initiatives across Viet Nam."

Since its kick-off meeting in January 2026, NBCAP Viet Nam has built a robust foundation through a series of technical workshops and stakeholder consultations across science, policy, and finance. To date, the partnership has engaged a network of more than 350 institutions and individuals from government agencies, development partners, research institutes, businesses, and local communities.

To expand regional cooperation, a delegation led by MAE participated in an ASEAN regional exchange with NBCAPs in Indonesia and the Philippines to promote peer learning and share best practices. In parallel, ongoing communication and outreach activities have been implemented to enhance public awareness and encourage collective action to protect and restore blue carbon ecosystems.
 
Media contact: 
Ms. Vu Thuy Dzung
International Cooperation Dept. - MAE
Email: nbcapvietnam@mae.gov.vn
Mobile: (+84) 0915 323 313

Ms. Phan Huong Giang
CCEE Media & Communications Analyst 
UNDP Viet Nam
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org 
Mobile: (+84) 0948 466 688

Mr. Vu Hoang Quyen
Engagement and Communication Associate
NBCAP Secretariat – UNDP Viet Nam
Email: vu.hoang.quyen@undp.org
Telephone: (+84) 0243 850 0100, ext: 0368