Hà Nội, 26 November 2025 – The Department of Fisheries and Surveillance under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Canada in Viet Nam, convened the 2025 Conference on Environmental Protection in Fisheries Activities. The event was organised under the framework of the "Viet Nam Climate-Smart Coastal Communities" (VN-CSCC) project, funded by the Government of Canada through UNDP. The conference reviewed three years (2022–2025) of implementing the Ministry’s Plan—formerly under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment—to operationalize Prime Minister’s Decision No. 911/QĐ-TTg dated 29 July 2022, approving the scheme on environmental protection in fisheries activities for 2021–2030. Delegates also discussed directions and solutions for the period 2026–2030.

The conference was honoured to be attended and co-chaired by Mr. Phùng Đức Tiến – Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment, H.E. Jim Nickel – Ambassador of Canada to Viet Nam, and Ms. Ramla Khalidi – UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam. Participants included representatives from foreign embassies in Hà Nội; Ministry departments and units; provincial Departments of Agriculture and Environment; fishery port management authorities; marine protected area/national park management boards; professional associations; research institutes; universities and colleges; seafood enterprises; and international and non-governmental organisations such as WWF-Viet Nam, IUCN, GIZ, Green U, and MCD.

During the morning session, the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance presented the results of three years of implementing Project 911, acknowledging the contributions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, local governments, associations, research and training institutions, international and non-governmental organisations, and the business community. Various innovative and effective models were shared at the conference. Alongside the results achieved, delegates highlighted existing gaps and challenges in environmental protection, and jointly proposed solutions and implementation directions to advance Project 911 effectively nationwide during 2026–2030.

The afternoon session focused on marine plastic waste management in the fisheries sector, a priority issue for Viet Nam and of increasing global concern. Discussions centred on national efforts to control plastic waste, the implementation of Decision No. 687/QĐ-BNN-TCTS dated 5 February 2021 on marine plastic waste management in fisheries for 2021–2030, progress in marine litter monitoring at protected marine areas, updates on the negotiation process for the Global Plastics Treaty, and measures to control and reduce abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear.

In his opening remarks, Vice Minister Phùng Đức Tiến emphasised that sustainable, responsible, and environmentally-friendly fisheries development is an essential direction as Viet Nam deepens global integration in the sector. This aligns with the country's commitments to addressing global challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation, and the decline of natural ecosystems, toward the goal of green development. Strengthening waste control, promoting technological innovation and digital transformation, together with broad social participation, will provide the foundation for producing high-quality, high-value Vietnamese seafood at reasonable cost—delivering economic benefits while safeguarding the environment and natural ecosystems.

H.E. Jim Nickel, Ambassador of Canada to Viet Nam, remarked: “Caring for our oceans means caring for our future. Canada is proud to stand with Viet Nam in protecting our seas and supporting the communities that depend on them. A healthy ocean is the foundation of stronger livelihoods and a sustainable Blue Economy—one that ensures future generations inherit vibrant marine ecosystems and thriving coastal communities.”

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, underscored that “Investing in a sustainable ocean economy is not only the right thing to do, but also a smart economic strategy.” She further affirmed: “UNDP’s full commitment to supporting Viet Nam safeguard marine ecosystems, strengthen governance, and secure sustainable livelihoods for the millions who depend on this vital sector.”

The conference is a key activity under the VN-CSCC project, funded by the Government of Canada through UNDP for the period 2024–2030. The project aims to enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable coastal communities by strengthening gender-responsive climate-information planning capacity; supporting nature-based adaptation solutions; restoring and conserving mangrove forests; improving marine and coastal biodiversity; reducing plastic pollution in fisheries; and advancing community-based environmental governance. These outcomes contribute directly to the targets of Project 911 and Decision 687, while helping Viet Nam move closer to its international commitments on biodiversity conservation, natural ecosystem protection, sustainable fisheries development, improved coastal livelihoods, and climate change adaptation.

For media inquiries, please contact:

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

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc,
Specialist, Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation,
Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection.
Email: ntbngoc@mae.gov.vn; Phone: 0966856281.