Advancing Ecosystem Assessment for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Vietnam
Dr. Kim Thi Ngoc, Head of International Cooperation Division, ISPAE
HSF
As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, Viet Nam increasingly faces the challenge of balancing rapid economic growth with the sustainable management of its natural resources. Healthy coastal and marine ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting fisheries, protecting biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience and sustaining local livelihoods. Against this background, ecosystem assessment and Natural Capital Accounting are becoming increasingly important for integrating environmental values into economic planning and evidence-based policymaking.
More than 50 representatives from government agencies, research institutes, universities, development partners and international organisations came together to exchange international experiences on ecosystem assessment, Natural Capital Accounting, Blue Carbon and evidence-based policymaking. The workshop provided a platform to discuss practical approaches for applying these concepts to environmental governance, marine spatial planning and sustainable development in Viet Nam. Particular attention was given to the role of Blue Carbon ecosystems, including mangroves and coastal wetlands, in climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of coastal resources.
More than 50 representatives from government institutions, academia, development partners and international organisations participated in the workshop in Hanoi.
The discussions highlighted opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Vietnamese institutions and international partners and identified Natural Capital Accounting as an important instrument for supporting Viet Nam's transition towards a sustainable blue economy. The workshop highlighted the importance of combining scientific evidence, sound policy frameworks and international cooperation to ensure the long-term protection and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems.
"A sustainable blue economy requires reliable scientific evidence and strong cooperation between policymakers, researchers and international partners. Ecosystem assessment and Natural Capital Accounting offer important tools for integrating the value of nature into public decision-making and supporting Vietnam's long-term sustainable development," said Le Anh Vu, Project Manager at Hanns Seidel Foundation Vietnam.
HSF's support for this initiative reflects its long-term commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking, environmental governance and sustainable development in Viet Nam. By bringing together government institutions, academia and international partners, the Foundation provides a platform for dialogue, facilitates the exchange of international expertise and supports the development of practical policy solutions for a sustainable and resilient blue economy.