Vietnam and GIZ strengthen cooperation to reduce ocean waste
Vietnam and GIZ are strengthening cooperation in resource management, marine environmental protection, and sustainable development.
The Vietnam Department of Seas and Islands (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) recently held a meeting with the German International Cooperation Organization (GIZ) to exchange ideas and set directions for cooperation in 2026 and the 2026-2030 period, aiming towards sustainable marine governance and the development of a blue marine economy.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Toan proposed that GIZ continue to cooperate and support the completion of the institutional and policy framework for managing marine and island resources and the environment; and controlling and reducing ocean plastic waste. Photo: Muon Nguyen.
According to Nguyen Quoc Toan, Director of the Vietnam Department of Seas and Islands, the agency is currently focusing on perfecting institutions and policies, with a focus on amending the Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment, expected to be submitted to the National Assembly in October 2026; and simultaneously summarizing Resolution 36-NQ/TW on the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Vietnam's Marine Economy.
Building on the effective cooperation over the past period, the Vietnam Department of Seas and Islands proposed that GIZ continue to accompany and support in several key areas: perfecting the institutional and policy framework for managing marine and island resources and the environment; controlling and reducing ocean plastic waste; building and operating information systems and databases for integrated, inter-sectoral management; promoting blue marine economic models; strengthening technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and mobilizing financial resources.
Representing GIZ, Mr. Daniel Herrmann, Head of Climate Policy, affirmed the strong cooperative relationship with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in general, and with the Department of Sea and Islands of Vietnam in particular. Through programs and projects, GIZ has supported Vietnam in achieving its goals of environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and inclusive development, contributing to addressing global challenges.
One of the most notable achievements of this collaboration is the first phase of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Protect the Marine Environment and Coral Reefs" (3RproMar) project, implemented in several countries in the region, including Vietnam. The project has been completed and is currently in the final stages of evaluation and packaging.
Based on the results achieved, both sides agreed to continue promoting the implementation of Phase II of the 3RproMar project, focusing on solutions for controlling and reducing marine plastic waste in conjunction with a circular economy model. The project will not only contribute to the conservation of marine resources and the environment, but also promote the development of a blue marine economy and enhance sustainable marine governance capacity.
Notably, during the 2026-2030 period, the project will provide technical support and capacity building for the Vietnam Department of Marine and Islands in key areas such as controlling marine plastic waste and developing the blue economy, thereby contributing to enhancing Vietnam's position in ASEAN regional cooperation on marine governance.
The meeting further affirmed the commitment of both sides to cooperate in expanding and deepening their partnership, aiming towards the common goal of protecting the marine environment, sustainable development, and prosperity.
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