HCMC – Vietnam and the UK have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on implementing the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund to promote a sustainable economy and protect the environment downstream of the Mekong River.
The MoU was signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Le Minh Hoan, and UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey, yesterday, April 12, on her two-day visit to Vietnam.
The programs in the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund will focus on promoting sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure and ecotourism, and helping to address illegal wildlife trafficking.
“I am delighted to visit Vietnam and sign the MoU to implement the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund. The fund will help promote a sustainable economy and protect the natural environment downstream of the Mekong River,” said Coffey.
Hoan and Coffey also discussed bilateral trade activities related to agriculture, food and beverages.
Coffey emphasized that cooperation in celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations will strengthen the bilateral relationship and help the two countries achieve goals in the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Coffey also spoke to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha about enhancing cooperation in climate change mitigation.
The UK government will support Vietnam in fighting climate change and protecting biodiversity with over £17.8 million through seven development assistance projects.
The projects are related to forestry and carbon markets (trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought), sustainable aquaculture and livelihood models, plastic waste reduction, biodiversity conservation and the Just Energy Transition Partnership to help Vietnam achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
