FAO and WWF launch agroecology event series in Dong Thap

On the afternoon of October 5 in Dong Thap, the series of events and workshops titled “Promoting agroecology and food system transformation to address climate change, enhance biodiversity and improve livelihoods” was officially launched. Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment co-hosted this event, together with the People Committee of Dong Thap province. 

This meaningful initiative celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (October 16, 1945 - October 16, 2025) and the 30th anniversary of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Vietnam (1995 - 2025).

As part of the program, around 100 experts, scientists, local administrators, and leaders from agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment took part in a field trip to the Quyet Tien Ecological Agricultural Cooperative (Phu Tho Commune) and the Hong Ngu Fisheries Resource Conservation Area.

These two exemplary models in Dong Thap reflect the province’s ongoing shift in direction from "agricultural production" to "agricultural economy," opening up promising new directions for local farming development.

Since 2022, the Quyet Tien Ecological Agricultural Cooperative has been implementing an innovative model that combines fish conservation with flood-season eco-tourism, with technical and financial support from WWF-Vietnam. The initiative aims to promote sustainable livelihoods for local farmers while protecting aquatic biodiversity and reviving traditional practices that allow humans and nature to coexist harmoniously during the Mekong Delta’s annual floods. During this year’s season, with support from WWF-Vietnam, the cooperative has expanded the model to a total area of 170 hectares - nearly ten times larger than in its first year of implementation.

"We highly appreciate the collective efforts and unity of the local community in protecting ecological resources. Especially in the face of increasingly severe climate change, the indigenous knowledge of local people is a valuable source of insight into how humans can live in harmony with nature," emphasized Mr. Van Ngoc Thinh, CEO of WWF-Vietnam.

The delegation then stopped at An Binh Communal House to witness a ceremonial fish release. To date, the local fish population in this area has reached several thousand, with a total biomass estimated at over 40 tons, thriving and reproducing within a protected water zone. Notably, pangasius make up about 60-80% of the total stock. The population is expected to continue growing in the coming years thanks to improved care and protection measures.

Hong Ngu has long been known as Vietnam’s tra fish capital, with rows of wooden fish cages stretching along the Tien River. The emergence of this natural fish community adds a new highlight to the area, serving as an inspiring example for the local community in raising environmental awareness and promoting ecological stewardship.

International experts highly value integrated models such as rice-fish, rice-shrimp, and other diversified farming systems, as they not only help maintain soil fertility but also prevent subsidence and erosion. The growing international attention shows that the Mekong Delta is emerging as a global model for agroecological transformation.

From FAO’s perspective, Representative Vinod Ahuja expressed deep appreciation for the persistent efforts of local farmers, who are the true pioneers in the shift toward agroecology. He noted that the Mekong Delta could serve as the world’s laboratory for testing and scaling up green credit models that link businesses and communities in transforming food systems.

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity pose unprecedented challenges. Yet, this is also a crucial moment for all of us to act together to build a food system that is sustainable, equitable, and in harmony with nature.

It is estimated that global agroecological systems require investments of around USD 250-430 billion annually, while current levels stand at only about USD 44 billion. With its rich ecosystems and long-standing indigenous knowledge, Vietnam is considered a country with great potential to develop nature-based, climate-resilient agriculture aligned with the world’s growing green consumption trend.

From ecological models, Vietnam is gradually building a solid foundation for the transition toward sustainable agriculture.