Vietnam - South Africa cooperation: A model for nature and biodiversity conservation

P4G Summit (Hanoi, April 15-17, 2025), themed "Sustainable and people-centered green transition,” is the largest multilateral high-level event on green growth hosted by Vietnam in the 2021-2026 period. Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper (VAN) will update regularly Vietnam's strong commitments, proactive role and international responsibility at the P4G Summit.

On the afternoon of April 15th, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Quoc Tri held a working session with Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment of South Africa, Mr. Narend Singh. The discussion aimed at advancing the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Vietnam on biodiversity conservation, protection, and enforcement of wildlife laws.

Strengthening exchange of experience in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Nguyen Quoc Tri emphasized that Vietnam places great importance on its multifaceted cooperation with South Africa, particularly in the areas of biodiversity protection and conservation, as well as the enforcement of wildlife laws. The leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) believes that with strong commitments and practical actions, the two sides will jointly contribute to the global goal of sustainable development.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Quoc Tri shared that land used for agricultural, forestry, and aquaculture production accounts for about 80% of Vietnam’s territory. While the country maintains a relatively high forest coverage rate, it still faces numerous challenges posed by climate change.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Quoc Tri proposed that the two sides accelerate the establishment of cooperative relations in the following areas: management, conservation, and protection of biodiversity; natural resource management; wildlife trade management; protected area management; community development and sustainable livelihoods; coastal zone management; marine protection; aquaculture; and climate change.

According to Mrs. Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan, Deputy Director General of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (MAE), South Africa is one of the few countries in the world with a Biodiversity Act and initiatives to implement commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). The country also has significant experience in developing ecotourism, managing invasive species, breeding and reintroducing endangered species, biological monitoring and observation, and genetic resource management. Vietnam looks forward to sharing and exchanging these valuable experiences with South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment in biodiversity conservation efforts.

In response, Deputy Minister Narend Singh expressed his admiration for the remarkable achievements of Vietnam’s agriculture and environment sectors, noting its impressive GDP growth rate of 7.5%. As South Africa is currently facing numerous challenges during its economic restructuring process, Deputy Minister Singh expressed hope for opportunities to learn from Vietnam, share experiences, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

From 2015 to 2025, South Africa has developed and implemented a Political Declaration on Just Energy Transition (JETP), aimed at reducing harmful environmental impacts.

Towards signing of a multi-sector MoU in July

Deputy Minister Narend Singh proposed that the two countries proceed with signing a new MoU to build upon and succeed the previous MoU between the Governments of Vietnam and South Africa on biodiversity conservation and protection, which has been in effect since 2012.

The two sides discussed issues related to the seizure and handling of specimens for forensic (DNA) analysis, particularly rhino horn samples; and agreed to strengthen bilateral and multilateral meetings on the protection, conservation, and prevention of illegal wildlife and plant trade.

Both parties will carry out awareness-raising activities among the Vietnamese community in South Africa to prevent and combat illegal trade in wildlife and plants.

They also agreed to establish a mechanism for information sharing and an early warning system to prevent the illegal trade of wildlife and plants from South Africa to, or in transit through, Vietnam; and to enhance judicial cooperation activities between Vietnam and South Africa in this area.

Mrs. Vuyiswa Tulelo, South African Ambassador to Vietnam, noted that the previous cooperation results between Vietnam and South Africa have laid a solid foundation for both countries to move toward a comprehensive MoU in other areas such as just energy transition, sustainable development, aquaculture, coastal zone management, marine protection, and climate change adaptation.

At the end of the meeting, the two Deputy Ministers agreed to jointly review the terms and agreements in the MoU and aim to sign it by the end of July 2025.