The agreement was signed by Minister Tran Duc Thang and Mr. Martin Kabaluapa Kapinga Chief, Country Offices Division, WWF International, marking a significant step forward in promoting a green and sustainable future for Viet Nam.

This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both Parties to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Ramsar Convention, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and other relevant international and national priorities. 

Under this MOU, the Ministry and WWF will work together to promote sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries through nature-based solutions and food system transformation; promote sustainable models including the green, blue, and circular economy; conserve nature and biodiversity by maintaining ecosystem integrity and enhancing community participation; combat illegal wildlife trade; reduce plastic waste and environmental pollution; and address climate change through emission reduction, carbon markets, and energy transition in agriculture and forestry.

Forms of collaboration will include joint research, policy development, capacity building, and the implementation of projects and pilot models. Both sides will also share data, co-organize communication campaigns, and develop innovative and sustainable financial mechanisms to support their shared goals.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Tran Duc Thang emphasised:

“We highly appreciate WWF’s global role and its dedication to addressing the three most pressing challenges of our time: biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental pollution. WWF has become one of Viet Nam’s most important and trusted partners in our joint efforts to tackle these challenges and to build a future where people and nature thrive together.”

“At present, our Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security and several provinces, is implementing a program on combating wildlife crime, which is taking place this November. The program demonstrates Viet Nam’s strong determination and internal capacity. However, to achieve the program's goals in particular, and of national efforts on nature conservation and sustainable development in general, Viet Nam very much needs the companionship of international organizations such as WWF, and especially the leadership and support of Mr Martin,” the Minister added.

Mr Martin Kabaluapa Kapinga, Chief, Country Offices Division, WWF International, added:

“Our thoughts are with the people of Viet Nam affected by the recent severe storms and floods. WWF stands in solidarity with Viet Nam during this difficult time. We commend Viet Nam for its strong global leadership and vision in pursuing the Global Biodiversity Framework, achieving Net Zero, and realising the 30x30 conservation goals. These efforts reaffirm Viet Nam’s pioneering role in driving a nature-positive, sustainable future — a vision WWF wholeheartedly shares.”

He continued:

"WWF brings to this partnership our global expertise, scientific knowledge, and network across more than 100 countries. We stand ready to support the Ministry in implementing practical, scalable solutions for conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience, contributing to Viet Nam’s vision for a sustainable and Net Zero future. WWF greatly values the Minister's leadership and guidance in this journey and looks forward to working closely with the Ministry to translate this partnership into meaningful actions on the ground.”

In recent months, Viet Nam has been severely affected by storms and floods, resulting in significant losses of life and property across the central and northern regions. Responding to the Government’s call for support, WWF has mobilized international resources and taken this opportunity to hand over 80,000 USD to the Ministry, which will transfer it to localities most impacted by the disasters.

The signing of this MOU marks a milestone in the long-standing partnership between WWF and Viet Nam, taking place on the occasion of WWF’s 30th anniversary in Viet Nam. On this special occasion, the Minister congratulated WWF on three decades of strong partnership with the Government and people of Viet Nam in protecting the nation’s natural heritage. This agreement paves the way for even stronger joint actions toward a sustainable, climate-resilient, and nature-positive future.