Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has recently signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to bolster nature conservation, green growth and sustainable emission reduction.
Minister Tran Duc Thang held a working session with Martin Kabaluapa, Managing Director of WWF Country Offices Worldwide, on November 7 on the occasion of the MoU signing, according to the ministry.
The signing marked a deepening of collaboration between the two sides, with a focus on innovation, responsibility and sustainability.
Minister Thang affirmed that the Vietnamese Government pays special attention to nature conservation. The ministry has recently worked with the Ministry of Public Security, relevant agencies, and local authorities to launch a coordination programme to combat illegal wildlife hunting and trafficking, starting in November.
Thang praised the WWF’s 30-year track record of conservation, habitat restoration, and technical assistance in Vietnam.
Vietnam values its partnership with the WWF and seeks continued WWF technical support and resources for green action, he said, pledging to work closely with the fund to turn shared initiatives into practical actions, contributing to ecological agriculture, modern countryside development, a more progressive farming community, and nature protection for a sustainable future.
Kabaluapa thanked the Vietnamese Government, ministry, and relevant agencies for backing the WWF’s conservation work.
The WWF will leverage its global network across more than 100 countries to share technical and scientific experience and practical, scalable solutions with Vietnam. The signed MoU is not only a connection, but a major step forward in bilateral cooperation anchored in innovation, responsibility and sustainability, he said.
In reply, Thang reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, saying that the country considers nature conservation and green development a cornerstone of national strategy.
“Vietnam hopes the WWF will remain a trustworthy partner in conservation and sustainable development schemes. I look forward to us reviewing concrete progress together in 2026, with benefits reaching communities and the planet,” he added.
The newly-signed MoU identifies priority areas: nature-based sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries; biodiversity protection via landscape connectivity and community engagement; and climate change response, emissions reduction and green transition, including a potential carbon credit mechanism in farming and forestry.
During his visit, Kabaluapa also extended sympathy for the recent storms and flooding in Vietnam, and on behalf of WWF International, announced an aid of 80,000 USD to affected areas.
Recently, a Norwegian-funded programme aimed at reducing plastic use in the central city of Hue has teamed up with a local college to launch a training centre for sustainable tourism practices.
Funded by the WWF in Norway through WWF-Vietnam, the centre was inaugurated on September 29. It will provide knowledge on alternatives to plastic, environmentally friendly tourism management and training methods, and tours designed to minimise plastic use for both students and local communities. The facility will also serve as a hub linking businesses, educational institutions and stakeholders to build a green tourism ecosystem in Hue.
As part of the programme, the Hue Tourism College signed training cooperation agreements with local wards and communes to promote community-based tourism, run tailored courses, and offer vocational training for rural residents. The college also signed a deal with the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre to share expertise and provide support, thereby linking sustainable tourism with the preservation and promotion of Hue’s cultural heritage./.
