Viet Nam kicks off National Blue Carbon Action Partnership

On May 28, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme, the British Embassy Hanoi, and the World Economic Forum, launched the Blue Carbon Action Partnership Programme (NBCAP) and convened the first meeting of the Viet Nam NBCAP Working Group.

Policy coordination and financial mobilization

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh expressed hope that: “As Viet Nam accelerates the implementation of its commitments on green growth, carbon neutrality, and sustainable development, blue carbon ecosystems such as mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coastal tidal flats are increasingly being recognized as strategic resources.”

In recent years, the Government of Viet Nam has implemented several key programs to conserve and restore marine and coastal ecosystems. These include Decision No. 1662/QD-TTg in 2021 on the protection and development of coastal forests; Decision No. 149/QD-TTg approving the National Biodiversity Strategy; and Decision No. 1539/QD-TTg on the expansion and establishment of marine protected areas. However, these initiatives remain fragmented in terms of resources and technical coordination across different programs, sectors, and management agencies.

Accordingly, the NBCAP has been launched pursuant to the Letter of Intent signed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the World Economic Forum in October 2025, together with Decision No. 1706/QD-BNNMT dated May 12, 2026, on the establishment of the Viet Nam NBCAP Working Group. The program is funded by the Government of the United Kingdom through the World Economic Forum, while the Secretariat is led by UNDP.

Viet Nam NBCAP has been established as a multi-stakeholder cooperation platform to promote policy coordination, knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and stronger initiatives on nature-based solutions and climate adaptation, while integrating these contents into national development strategies, planning, and action plans.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh expressed hope that the Working Group would promote close coordination among ministries, sectors, local authorities, the scientific community, the private sector, and development partners so that blue carbon initiatives can deliver balanced environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Iain Frew, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Viet Nam, stated: “The United Kingdom is pleased to accompany Viet Nam on this meaningful milestone. NBCAP provides a platform to connect the government, partners, and the private sector in order to strengthen coordination on blue carbon and coastal resilience. This is an important step toward mobilizing investment and turning ambitions into practical actions that create long-term impacts for both communities and ecosystems.”

Turning blue carbon resources into practical value

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of UNDP in Viet Nam, emphasized the enormous potential of blue carbon. However, many countries, including Viet Nam, are still identifying ways to transform that potential into effective governance systems, concrete investment resources, and practical implementation at the local level.

“Building on its strong partnership with the Government of Viet Nam, UNDP is proud to serve as the Secretariat of NBCAP and is committed to supporting Viet Nam in developing solutions based on national priorities and local realities,” affirmed Ms. Ramla Khalidi.

Since its launch meeting in January 2026, NBCAP Viet Nam has focused on building an implementation foundation through a series of technical workshops and consultations on blue carbon science, policy, and finance. To date, NBCAP Viet Nam has engaged more than 350 organizations and experts from government agencies, development partners, research institutes, businesses, and local communities.

Regarding expanded regional cooperation, a delegation led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment participated in exchange and learning activities within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations network, engaging with NBCAP networks in Indonesia and the Philippines to share sustainable models and approaches. At the same time, communication activities have also been strengthened to raise public awareness and encourage broader societal engagement in conservation efforts.

At the first NBCAP meeting, participants discussed coordination mechanisms and identified priority directions for annual NBCAP implementation, emphasizing climate solutions, restoration of blue carbon ecosystems, and the development of sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.