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WWF Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Viet Nam’s Marine Future

Posted on 7 June 2025

On the evening of June 6, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Quang Binh Provincial People's Committee, launched the Viet Nam Sea and Island Week, in response to World Oceans Day (June 8).

The event, organised in Quang Binh province, was attended by leaders of central ministries, international organizations including WWF, local authorities, residents, and tourists.

In his speech, Deputy Minister Le Minh Ngan emphasised the vital role of the oceans—not only for economic development but also is a "invaluable natural heritage" for future generations. In response to this year’s Ocean Day theme “Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us”, the theme of Sea and Island Week is “Green Technology for a Sustainable Ocean,” conveys a message of a green revolution in ocean management, driven by science and innovation.

The Deputy Minister also emphasised that Viet Nam has issued a series of strategic policies such as Resolution 36-NQ/TW, Resolution 48/NQ-CP, and most recently Resolution 139/2024/QH15 on national marine spatial planning, showing its commitment to building a modern and sustainable blue economy.

Viet Nam is one of the most marine biodiversity-rich nations in the Asia-Pacific region, boasting 3,260 km of coastline, over 3,000 islands, and nearly 1 million km² of exclusive economic zone. The country harbors more than 11,000 marine species—including dugongs, six of the world’s seven sea turtle species, 400 coral species, and significant seagrass and mangrove habitats essential for climate resilience.

Attending the event, Mr. Jean Paul Paddack, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, WWF International, congratulated the Vietnamese government on its strong vision for sustainable ocean development. He stated: “WWF believes that with strong commitment, strategic vision, and the support of international partners, Vietnam will be a leading model in sustainable ocean development for the present and future generations.”

WWF has been working in Viet Nam for over 30 years—its first marine project began in 1992—and continues to work closely with national and local authorities and communities to conserve marine biodiversity and promote climate resilience and sustainable development.

Through initiatives such as supporting the establishment and effective management of marine protected areas and Ramsar sites; creating biological corridors such as sea turtle conservation in Con Dao; reducing ocean plastic in 12 provinces via the Plastic Smart Cities program or promoting nature-based solutions and integrating them into national planning frameworks and action plans, WWF is actively contributing to Viet Nam’s Net Zero 2050 goals and the global 30x30 target.

Mr. Jean Paul Paddack also proposed several practical initiatives, including expanding marine biodiversity conservation areas, increasing investment in the protection of marine ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, advancing global agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, and integrating nature-based solutions and digital technology into national strategies.

The event reaffirmed Viet Nam’s determination to protect the blue ocean and to pursue sustainable, safe, and prosperous development from the sea.

Mr. Jean Paul Paddack, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, WWF International speaking at the event

WWF Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Viet Nam’s Marine Future

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