ADB helps GMS in environmental sustainability

A regional technical assistance project for the Greater Mekong Subregion Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Programme (CCESP) was launched at a workshop on September 23.
Hanoi (VNA) – A regional technical assistanceproject for the Greater Mekong Subregion Climate Change and EnvironmentalSustainability Programme (CCESP) was launched at a workshop on September 23.

The event, held virtually by the Institute of Strategyand Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE) under the Vietnamese Ministryof Natural Resources and the Environment, brought together members of theWorking Group on Environment (WGE), and representatives from concerned governmentagencies of GMS countries, development partners, socio-economic organisations,universities, and research institutes.

Financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), theproject aims to support the implementation of the GMS Core Environment Programme(CEP) Strategic Framework and Action Plan endorsed by environment ministers ofGMS countries.

The bank has signed a contract with internationalconsulting firm Ramboll that will be in charge of implementing the project.

The CCESP is the third and current phase of the GMSCore Environment Programme (CEP), which will run until 2025. The CCESP is managedunder an ADB regional technical assistance (TA 9915), and covers six prioritythemes that were identified during the 24th Annual Meeting of the GMS WGE in2019: building climate and disaster resilience; facilitating low carbontransitions; promoting climate-smart landscapes; enhancing environmentalquality through pollution control and sustainable waste management; deployingdigital technologies for climate actions and environmental sustainability; and financinglow-carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies, includingdemonstrating climate and disaster risk financing instruments.

This will build on the achievements and lessons fromthe first two phases of the CEP, and will continue to support environmentalcooperation and green investments in the GMS.

ISPONRE Director Nguyen Dinh Tho said during theworkshop, the delegates discussed methods to realise the project.

He affirmed Vietnam’s commitments and resolve toaddress challenges regarding natural resources, environment and climate change,which have been reflected through the issuance of major documents in this field.

Through the CEP, Vietnam has stepped up environmentalcooperation with other GMS countries, Tho added.

The workshop will last until September 24./.
VNA

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