AFD and WWF-Viet Nam forge a strategic partnership

On 7 November, the World Wide Fund for Nature in Viet Nam (WWF-Viet Nam) and the French Development Agency (AFD) today signed a strategic partnership agreement to protect ecosystems, promote sustainable development, and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities in Viet Nam.

This milestone follows the renewal and extension of the strategic partnership between AFD and WWF-France on 11th October 2025, further reinforcing the long-standing cooperation between the two institutions. The partnership underscores a shared vision for a sustainable future where people and nature thrive together.

Through this collaboration, AFD Viet Nam and WWF-Viet Nam will work hand in hand to strengthen operational synergies between financial, technical, and development expertise; enhance the visibility of AFD Group’s commitment to biodiversity; and deepen cooperation toprotect ecosystems while improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

The Memorandum of Understanding will drive joint initiatives aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Viet Nam’s sustainable development agenda. Priority areas include biodiversity conservation and sustainable landscape financing; water resources management and ocean conservation; forest ecosystem restoration and sustainable forest management in line with the EU Deforestation Regulation; ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions; and biodiversity recovery and human-wildlife coexistence.

The partnership will also explore opportunities in green energy, climate adaptation, green finance, risk assessmentand sustainable supply chains, with the flexibility to expand into emerging environmental challenges as mutually agreed.

"By joining forces with WWF-Viet Nam, we reaffirm our belief that protecting biodiversity is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a cornerstone of sustainable development and the well-being of future generations. The AFD Group is committed to mobilising up to one billion euros per year for biodiversity worldwide, and to ensuring that 30% of our climate financing directly supports nature-positive projects. This partnership marks another concrete step forward in our shared effortto restore, protect, and value Viet Nam’s ecosystem”, said M. Julien Seillan, AFD Country Directorin Viet Nam.

"AFD has been one of WWF’s most trusted partners globally, and this new chapter brings powerful momentum to nature conservation efforts in Viet Nam,” said Mr. Thibault Ledecq, Chief Conservation Director, WWF-Viet Nam. "Together, we aim to turn critical scientific knowledge intolarge-scale action, ensuring our forests, rivers, and oceans continue to sustain both biodiversity, local livelihoods as well as sustainable financing and market transformation."

The signing holds special significance as it coincides with two milestones: WWF-Viet Nam celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of collaboration with the Government of Viet Nam, partners, and communities to safeguard the country’s rich biodiversity; and AFD commemorates 30 years of presence in Viet Nam, reflecting its long-term commitment tosupporting the nation’s sustainable development journey.

In the latest meeting with Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang, Director General WWF Martin Kabaluapa emphasized that over 30 years of cooperation between WWF and Vietnam have built a sustainable foundation based on mutual respect and shared goals to create a future where people and nature thrive in harmony. He also highly appreciated Vietnam’s leadership and global vision in promoting biodiversity conservation, reducing emissions, and advancing the “30x30” target of protecting 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.

Minister hopes that WWF will continue to be a trusted partner, accompanying us in conservation and sustainable development programs. I look forward to 2026, when we can meet again to review the tangible outcomes of our cooperation spreading positive values to communities and to the planet.

WWF remains deeply committed to supporting Viet Nam in its journey toward sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Over the past three decades, WWF has worked hand in hand with the Government of Viet Nam, local communities, and partners to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Moving forward, WWF reaffirms its dedication to accompanying Viet Nam, supports Viet Nam’s ambition to achieve the 30x30 goal of conserving 30% of land and sea areas by 2030 and to develop a national carbon credit mechanism in agriculture and forestry. Through joint efforts, WWF aims to help Viet Nam become a regional model for balancing economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring that people and nature can thrive together.