Viet Nam promotes ASEAN cooperation on blue carbon

Recently, a delegation from the Viet Nam Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Viet Nam, participated in a regional exchange and learning programme on the implementation of the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP), held in Iloilo, Philippines.

The event was significant as it brought together, for the first time, representatives from Philippines, Indonesia and Viet Nam - three pioneering countries in establishing NBCAP - along with government agencies, local authorities, international organizations, development partners, research institutes and the private sector. The programme aimed to promote policy dialogue, exchange experiences in operating NBCAP, and create opportunities to visit and learn from community-based models for managing and conserving blue carbon ecosystems.

On the first day, in-depth discussions focused on national directions and strategies, improving the legal framework, strengthening inter-agency coordination mechanisms, and expanding cooperation opportunities within Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During the programme, Mr. Tran Tuan Viet, representative of the International Cooperation Department, presented a paper on national orientations and updates on the implementation of Viet Nam’s National Blue Carbon Action Partnership.

Despite differences in starting points and implementation contexts, many delegates highlighted four core challenges that require urgent attention: technical limitations in measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems; the lack of coherence and clarity in the legal framework; difficulties in mobilizing long-term financing; and limited implementation capacity at the local level.

The conference also highlighted initial initiatives and achievements from the implementation of NBCAP in Indonesia and Philippines. To date, both countries have largely completed their National Blue Carbon Action Roadmaps. Notably, in February this year, Indonesia officially launched its National Blue Carbon Action Plan for 2025 - 2030 (RENAKSI), identifying 21 priority areas and incorporating a strategic component on establishing sustainable financing mechanisms.

In the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is advancing the standardization of methodologies for stock assessment and strengthening the national database. These efforts include developing guidelines for mapping mangrove, seagrass and coral reef ecosystems to identify priority project areas, as well as formulating a national Blue Carbon Quantification Protocol to ensure transparency and consistency in assessment processes.

For Viet Nam, these developments not only provide an important reference framework for improving inter-agency coordination mechanisms, but also create favourable conditions for the country to shape and accelerate the development of a comprehensive Blue Carbon Action and Finance Roadmap that reflects national circumstances.

This progress helps strengthen Viet Nam’s capacity to mobilize resources, advance blue carbon initiatives more effectively, and further affirm its proactive engagement and emerging leadership role in the region.

In the following days, the delegation conducted field visits to mangrove conservation and restoration models in Western Visayas (Region VI), Philippines. Co-management models that integrate ecological science with indigenous and local knowledge demonstrated the central role played by local authorities and coastal communities in protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems. At the same time, these initiatives have helped generate sustainable livelihoods for local residents, particularly through activities linked to ecotourism, sustainable fisheries and the development of local green economies.

The exchange programme also opened up new directions for cooperation and reaffirmed the shared commitment of the three NBCAP countries - Philippines, Indonesia and Viet Nam - to advancing blue carbon action through comprehensive, inclusive and science-based approaches. By promoting policy dialogue, sharing technical experiences and strengthening regional collaboration, the programme has created an important platform for countries to learn from one another’s practices and innovations.

For Viet Nam, this serves as an important stepping stone to connect international experience with national development priorities. It also contributes to the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems while supporting the country’s climate commitments and sustainable development goals. The exchanges further help strengthen regional cooperation and enhance the country’s capacity to advance blue carbon initiatives in the years ahead.