A workshop discussing how to start and plan for a project on strengthening the role of Vietnamese non-governmental organisations in the media and lobbying for climate change policies took place in Hanoi on February 20.

Speaking at the event, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development and head of the Network of Vietnamese non-governmental organisations and climate change (VNGO & CC) Vu Thi Bich Hop said there will be about 100 civil organisations across 23 cities and provinces nationwide as its members.

Moreover, nearly 20 poor and ethnic communities will indirectly benefit from the project via its studies and materials.

Conducted by the SRD, the Centres for Marine Life Conservation and Community Development, Community Health Research and Development, Rural Development in Central Vietnam and the Research Institute for Climate Change, the project get underway over two years in the Mekong Delta, the Red River Delta and provinces vulnerable to climate change.

It will help the VNGO & CC work more effectively thanks to an improved organisational and coordination structure. They will share relevant information on a regular basis while honing the skills of VNGO officials in policy research and lobbying.

The VNGOs will actively contribute to policymaking and national-level action plans on climate change adaptation in localities.-VNA