Vietnam moves forward with implementation plan for Paris Agreement

The workshop was co-chaired by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha, UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Haoliang Xu, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Pratibha Mehta and First Counselor, the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany in Vietnam Martin Hoppe.

The Paris Agreement was adopted during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is the first legally binding document on climate change that applies to all parties.

As one of the countries severely affected by climate change, Vietnam’s implementation of  Paris Agreement will in part determine the international community’s response to climate change. In order to fulfil this responsibility, the Vietnam government has tasked the MONRE with the development of an implementation plan in cooperation with line ministries and stakeholders, which will be submitted to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval in October 2016.

A draft plan for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement in Vietnam has been drawn up with direct assistance from UNDP, GIZ and UNEP. It has already been circulated among ministries for commenting. The draft comprises of five components:

Mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: voluntary and obligatory mitigation activities in accordance with the requirements of the Paris Agreement to achieve emission mitigation targets listed in the INDC and to take advantage of the opportunity to develop the economy in a low-carbon direction;

Adaptation to climate change: adaptation activities as committed in the INDC in order to improve resilience of the community and ensure livelihoods of citizens;

Implementation resources: activities to develop human resources, develop and transfer technologies, and mobilize financial resources to ensure fulfillment of commitments determined in the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) and take advantage of opportunities for country development presented by the Paris Agreement;

Transparency system (MRV system): to monitor and supervise the mitigation of GHG emissions, adaptation to climate change and to ensure adequate implementation resources;

Institutions and policies: to develop and revise legal documents, provide technical guidance; define responsibilities of  ministries,  sectors and localities, and enhance coordination in handling regional and inter-sectoral issues; mobilise resources from the private sector and international support.

Minister Tran Hong Ha said “the implementation of the Paris Agreement in Vietnam is not only the responsibility of the State of Vietnam, but also the responsibility of businesses, the community of scientists and intellectuals, the public and individuals, and the international community, to respond to global climate change, to protect the earth for sustainable development for the current and future generations. Consequently, the participation of all related stakeholders in formulation and implementation of the Plan is crucial for the feasibility of the Plan.”

UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Haoliang Xu delivered a key note address at the workshop. He highlighted the energy and forestry sectors as the most critical areas for achieving mitigation targets in the INDC. He emphasized that the participation and contribution of businesses – both international and domestic - were essential to help reach the targets of the Paris Agreement.

“Enabling their investments will complement government expenditures and accelerate green investment,” Mr Haoliang Xu said. “The private sector can also reduce the costs for Research & Development through the deployment of cutting edge technology that is adapted to Viet Nam’s unique conditions. This technology will help reduce greenhouse emissions, take advantage of renewable energy, and protect the environment”.

" Already Vietnam has undertaken significant efforts in combatting climate change as it is one of the countries most affected by it. Now is the time to accelerate the implementation of mitigation and adaption commitments. Germany stands ready to continue to support Vietnam in its important endeavour to implement its INDC under the Paris Agreement’’, expressed Martin Hoppe, First Counselor, the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany.

This workshop provides a platform for members of the VPCC and representatives of international organizations, ministries, businesses and non-governmental organizations to comment on the draft PA implementation Plan in depth prior to its submission to the Government for approval later this year.