Bridging the gap between policy and practice in environmental protection

On the morning of June 5, at Vinpearl Cua Hoi in Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An Province, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), in coordination with the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee, organized the National Forum on Environment and Climate 2026 under the theme "From Policy to Action."

The forum is a key activity in response to World Environment Day (June 5), World Ocean Day (June 8), the Month of Action for the Environment, and Viet Nam Sea and Islands Week 2026. The event also serves as an important policy dialogue platform, bringing together state management agencies, local authorities, the business community, experts, and scientists to exchange views and propose practical solutions for environmental protection and climate change adaptation during the country's new stage of development.

From policy to action for the environment

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh stressed that the forum is not merely an event in response to international environmental days but also a policy dialogue platform of special significance as the country enters a new phase of development characterized by both opportunities and challenges.

According to the Deputy Minister, the world is facing mounting pressures from climate change, environmental pollution, biodiversity decline, and resource depletion. These challenges are directly affecting economic growth, quality of life, and the sustainable development of every nation.

Against this backdrop, the message “A Global Call for Climate Action” can no longer stop at commitments alone; it requires concrete, substantive, and measurable actions. For Viet Nam, environmental protection and climate change response are not only objective requirements but also strategic choices to enhance the quality of economic growth and strengthen national competitiveness.

The Deputy Minister candidly acknowledged that, despite significant progress in improving institutions and policies, a considerable gap remains between policy and practice. Many progressive regulations still face obstacles in implementation, while environmental issues such as air pollution, waste management, and environmental degradation continue to intensify.

It is for this reason that the forum's theme, "From Policy to Action," carries overarching significance: the goal is not merely to formulate policies, but to ensure their effective implementation, bring them into practice, and generate substantial change.

Renewing governance thinking, creating green development

As the Ministry is studying amendments to the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh affirmed that this is a critical period for refining institutions and policies to meet the demands of a new development phase. Accordingly, policies should go beyond pollution control to create a legal corridor for the green transition, circular economic development, greenhouse gas emissions management, and the establishment of a carbon market.

In his article, "For an Ecological Civilization, a Green Viet Nam, and a Peaceful and Sustainable Ocean," published on the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8), General Secretary and State President To Lam emphasized that environmental protection must be placed at the center of national security and human security. Echoing this guidance, the Deputy Minister requested delegates at the forum focus their discussions on key contents, particularly the improvement of institutions and policies in a transparent and practical direction, reducing compliance costs while ensuring effective governance.

Notably, it is necessary to accelerate the transition from a pre-approval management method to a controlled risk management model while strengthening post-inspection through digital data and real-time monitoring systems. This is considered a fundamental solution to narrowing the gap between policy and practice, enhancing implementation effectiveness, and laying a foundation for sustainable development.

In addition, the forum needs to clearly identify pressing environmental issues, particularly air pollution in major urban areas—a challenge that extends beyond environmental concerns to directly affect public health and the quality of economic growth. The Deputy Minister emphasized the need for a synchronous approach, from urban planning, green transport development, and industrial emissions control to changes in production and consumption behaviors.

Another key issue is advancing greenhouse gas emissions reduction toward the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To realize this target, the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, from the State and local authorities to businesses and communities, must be clearly defined. At the same time, the establishment of effective coordination mechanisms is needed to mobilize financial resources, technology, and knowledge.

The Deputy Minister also placed particular emphasis on the role of businesses in green transition through the adoption of ESG standards and technological innovation; the role of local authorities in implementation organization; and the role of citizens in changing consumption behaviors and actively participating in environmental protection.

Institutions must lead; implementation must be decisive

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh emphasized that environmental protection and climate change response are long-term and complex tasks, but they also present an opportunity for Viet Nam to transform its growth model and strengthen the resilience of its economy.

The overarching message of the forum is the need to shift strongly from mindset to action and from commitment to implementation. In this process, institutions must lead the way, but effective implementation will be the decisive factor. The legal framework should not become a barrier, but it must serve as a driver for green and sustainable development.

The Deputy Minister expressed his confidence that, with the sense of responsibility, candid exchanges, and dedicated contributions of the delegates, the forum would put forward many practical policy recommendations, helping to advance the transition toward a green, circular, and low-emission development model.

The forum, therefore, serves not only as a platform for exchange but also as a starting point for concrete actions that will drive substantial progress in environmental protection and climate change response in the coming time.