On 28 May 2026 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the British Embassy in Vietnam, and the World Economic Forum (WEF), officially launched the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) and convened the first meeting of the NBCAP Vietnam Working Group.
The event marked an important milestone in advancing nature-based solutions, conserving coastal ecosystems, and mobilising resources to support climate action and the sustainable development of Vietnam’s marine economy.
Representing KLINOVA, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Nam, CEO, attended the event alongside government agencies, international organisations, financial institutions, businesses, and experts in climate action, green finance, and sustainable development. The event provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives on the potential of blue carbon and explore collaborative mechanisms to accelerate investment in nature-based solutions across Vietnam.
NBCAP is designed as a multi-stakeholder platform to promote the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems, including mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coastal tidal wetlands. Beyond their capacity to absorb and store carbon, these ecosystems play a critical role in preserving biodiversity, supporting coastal livelihoods, and strengthening resilience to climate change.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Le Cong Thanh, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment, emphasised that protecting and developing blue carbon ecosystems is not only an environmental imperative but also a strategic direction for advancing a sustainable marine economy, enhancing climate resilience, and fulfilling Vietnam’s international commitments.
According to the implementation framework presented at the launch, NBCAP will focus on developing a National Blue Carbon Status Assessment, a National Blue Carbon Action Roadmap, a Blue Carbon Finance Roadmap, and a platform to connect pilot initiatives and projects. The programme also aims to assess the carbon sequestration potential of coastal ecosystems, promote nature-based financing mechanisms, and gradually link blue carbon initiatives with future carbon market opportunities.
UNDP representatives highlighted that the key challenge is not recognising the potential of blue carbon, but rather translating that potential into effective governance systems, tangible investment resources, and practical implementation at the local level. NBCAP is expected to serve as a coordination platform connecting government agencies, researchers, businesses, and development partners to help achieve this objective.
With the participation of more than 350 organisations, experts, government agencies, research institutions, businesses, and development partners, NBCAP is expected to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, mobilise climate finance, and promote nature-based solutions for sustainable coastal development in Vietnam.
As Vietnam accelerates the implementation of its Sustainable Marine Economic Development Strategy, pursues its Net Zero commitment by 2050, and prepares for the operation of a domestic carbon market, the establishment of NBCAP represents more than an environmental initiative. It opens new opportunities for innovative financing mechanisms, green investment mobilisation, and the enhancement of the economic value of coastal ecosystems. NBCAP is therefore expected to become an important platform linking climate goals with local economic development, contributing to a future that balances growth, nature conservation, and the resilience of coastal communities.
- Huu Hoang -
