From Potential to Action: Advancing the Dialogue on Blue Carbon in Vietnam

The concept of blue carbon may sound technical, but it is in fact closely tied to natural systems we know well: carbon captured and stored in coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. These ecosystems not only help reduce emissions, but also protect coastlines, preserve biodiversity, and create new pathways for the sustainable development of the blue economy. With its long coastline and rich natural resources, Vietnam is considered one of the countries with strong potential to advance this field in the years ahead.

The workshop went beyond academic presentations and evolved into a multidimensional exchange of ideas. Discussions ranged from identifying research priorities and shaping technical working groups to exploring how different stakeholders - from government agencies and academic institutions to businesses - can collaborate more effectively within a shared ecosystem. At the heart of these conversations was one central question: how can blue carbon move beyond theory and become a tangible area of action with measurable impact?

In that context, the presentation by Dr. Nguyen Phuong Nam, Vice Chairman of HGBA, offered a particularly valuable perspective: the view from the business community. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical potential, his remarks centered on very practical issues - such as the need for reliable data, clearer market mechanisms, and a stronger basis for businesses to assess both risks and opportunities when engaging in blue carbon-related initiatives.

From this perspective, blue carbon is not only an environmental issue, but also a business consideration. It opens possibilities for generating revenue through carbon credits, strengthening ESG performance, accessing green finance, and reducing climate-related risks for coastal operations and infrastructure. However, for these opportunities to become viable, two conditions remain essential: a credible data foundation and a transparent legal framework - both of which are still evolving in Vietnam’s current market context.

Another key point raised in the presentation was the idea that no single actor can advance this field alone. Blue carbon projects, if they are to succeed, will require coordinated participation from multiple stakeholders: public authorities to establish enabling policy frameworks; research institutions and technical experts to provide methodologies and measurement systems; and businesses to contribute capital, operational capacity, technology, and market access. This collaborative approach also reflected the broader spirit of the workshop itself.

HGBA’s participation in the event was therefore more than symbolic. It demonstrated a broader effort to ensure that the voice of the business community is included early in the process of shaping this emerging market. Through dialogues like this, the gap between research and implementation can begin to narrow, creating stronger conditions for future initiatives to be both impactful and feasible.

From another angle, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Nam’s presentation also reflected the kind of practical climate expertise that organizations such as KLINOVA bring to the table through advisory and implementation work. Still, the broader significance of the event did not lie in highlighting any single organization, but rather in showing how knowledge, policy, and market actors can be brought together to help shape an entirely new field.

As the conversation around blue carbon in Vietnam begins to shift from potential to action, this workshop may be seen as an important early step. Not every question has been answered yet, but at the very least, the relevant stakeholders have begun speaking a common language - and that is often where any sustainable ecosystem truly begins.

- Huu Hoang -