EU Pledges to Intensify Support to Climate Change Resilience in Vietnam

The European Union Delegation to Vietnam has pledged to continue both financial and technical support as well as share experience in sustainable development to help Vietnam fulfil its commitments to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21). The European countries will support policy making and the implementation of climate change resilience programs to help Vietnam shorten time pursuing the green economy, Ambassador of European Union Delegation to Vietnam Bruno Angelet said at a press release ahead of the EU Climate Diplomacy Week on Sept 19-25. Mr. Angelet said that the EU encourages Vietnam’s participation in global agreements on climate change and intensifies official direct assistance (ODA) to projects coping with climate change to help the country achieve the target of reducing 8% greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. At the press conference held on Sept 21 in Hanoi, the representatives of the delegation said that they are working with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade to disburse the EUR350-million loan on reforms in the energy sector. Earlier last month, the European Union Delegation to Vietnam discussed ways to help Vietnam develop tourism in the era of climate change. Mr. Angelet stressed that climate change is a critical issue facing Vietnam and the tourism industry has an important role to play. According to scientists and expert analysis, climate change has direct impacts on Vietnam’s agricultural sector, fisheries, culture, tourism, trade and services, while at the same time it has indirect negative effects on other sectors such as transport, transportation, construction industry, and health. Rising sea levels may result in the disappearance of some beaches, while others are suffering from inland erosion, affect to the natural resources in the coastal lowlands, and damage the cultural heritage, protected areas, eco-tourism areas and the tourism infrastructure. (Thoi Bao Kinh Te Sai Gon – Vietnam Economic Times Sept 21, Dantri.com.vn Sept 21)