On 22 May 2026, at the workshop “Unlocking Green Investment for Nature-based Development in Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon,” WWF-Viet Nam officially announced and presented the title of National Winner in WWF’s One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) 2026 to Hue City.

This recognition not only acknowledges Hue’s own efforts but also reflects its journey since joining WWF’s OPCCprogramme in 2015. OPCC is a global initiative launched by WWF to encourage cities to pursue low carbon development, strengthen climate resilience, and promote harmony with nature.

Since 2015, the programme has attracted more than 900 provinces and cities from nearly 70 countries worldwide. In the 2025–2026 cycle alone, over 380 provinces and cities participated globally. In this global context, Hue’s recognition once again as a National Winner in WWF’s OPCC 2026 programme carries special significance, demonstrating that the city has not only maintained its commitment from a decade ago but has continuously strengthened its climate ambitions and implemented long-term climate action strategies.

After officially becoming a centrally governed municipality in 2025, Hue has continued to affirm its distinct development pathway: rather than pursuing a “mega industrial city” model, the city places heritage, culture, and green ecology at the heart of its urban future. This direction is increasingly prioritised internationally as cities face the dual challenge of achieving economic growth while improving quality of life and adapting to climate change.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Van Ngoc Thinh, CEO of WWF-Viet Nam, stated: “As climate change becomes increasingly severe, Hue’s story offers a positive source of inspiration: nature-based solutions are no longer experimental approaches, but are gradually becoming a strategic pathway for the future of Vietnamese cities.”

According to WWF-Viet Nam, what sets Hue apart is its steadfast commitment to a development model that balances people and nature. In recent years, the city has promoted various nature based climate adaptation solutions, including expanding green spaces, enhancing natural water retention to reduce flooding, and conserving and restoring key ecosystems such as the Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon, wetlands, and river ecological corridors.

At the same time, Hue has also been implementing greenhouse gas emission reduction measures through waste to energy development, green transport, renewable energy, and plastic waste reduction. These efforts have been supported by international partners such as WWF, Luxembourg Development, JICA, and KOICA, alongside collaboration among local authorities, businesses, and communities.

WWF-Viet Nam will continue supporting Hue, as well as other provinces and cities across Viet Nam, in advancing development models that effectively address climate change, conserve nature, and improve people’s quality of life.