Vietnam’s active role in COP16

Led by The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency (under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), Vietnam’s delegation is playing a significant role in COP16 discussions. As a long-standing member of the CBD, Vietnam has consistently demonstrated proactive in biodiversity conservation. The country has been proactive in implementing the KMGBF through its approval of the National Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 with a vision to 2050, adopted in 2022.

Vietnam delegation at the Opening ceremony of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16)

Vietnam’s participation in COP16 highlights its readiness to work with the global community to address the urgent challenge of biodiversity loss. The country has developed key frameworks to protect and restore ecosystems, aligning domestic policies with international biodiversity goals.

One of major focus of Vietnam at COP16 is resource mobilization, a critical element for achieving biodiversity conservation targets. Vietnam is actively involved in the development of a global financial mechanism to raise $200 billion annually by 2030. This includes exploring public-private partnerships, biodiversity credits, and collaboration with multilateral development banks. Vietnam’s experience in fostering public-private partnerships, especially through community-led conservation initiatives, is being highlighted as a successful model for integrating local communities into broader conservation efforts.

The conference spans two weeks from October 21 to November 1

Vietnam’s commitment is further underscored by its ambitious national goals, which include safeguarding 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. In addition, the country is working to reduce harmful subsidies and restore degraded ecosystems, aligning these actions with the broader KMGBF objectives.

COP16: Pivotal discussions on global biodiversity framework

As a landmark event, COP16 brings together governments, organizations, and stakeholders to discuss and implement the KMGBF. Adopted at COP15, the framework outlines ambitious global goals for 2030, including ecosystem protection, restoration of degraded areas, and sustainable biodiversity use.

In recent years, nations have made strong commitments to address the biodiversity crisis

Key discussions at COP16 revolve around several mechanisms vital for achieving these goals:

• Digital sequence information (DSI): DSI on genetic resources is a major topic at the conference. While it offers significant opportunities in research, such as agriculture and biotechnology, it also presents challenges related to fair access and benefit-sharing. COP16 aims to establish a global mechanism for equitable benefit-sharing from the use of DSI, with Vietnam and other developing countries advocating for fair contributions to a global fund supporting this effort.
• Resource mobilization: Another central theme is the mobilization of financial resources. Delegates are focused on raising $200 billion annually by 2030 to protect global ecosystems. This includes developing innovative financing models, such as biodiversity credits, and increasing cooperation with the private sector and multilateral development banks. 
• Broader conservation issues: In addition to DSI and resource mobilization, COP16 is addressing a range of critical biodiversity challenges. Topics include the role of local communities in conservation, the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, and the risks posed by invasive species and genetically modified organisms. These discussions aim to build on the achievements of COP15 while addressing emerging biodiversity threats.

Through its active participation in COP16, Vietnam is making it clear that it is ready to envolve regional efforts and contribute to global solutions. The country’s proactive stance and commitment to biodiversity conservation reflect its dedication to ensuring a sustainable future. As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, Vietnam’s collaboration with the global community are crucial in protecting the planet for future generations.

Ngoc Huyen