Vietnam Seeks Closer Cooperation with WWF in Biodiversity Conservation
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep met with General Director of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International Kirsten Schuijt and President and CEO of WWF-U.S. Robert Carters to promote cooperation in biodiversity conservation, state media reported.
At the talks in New York on September 20 on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Deputy Minister Hiep briefed the guests about the long-term cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the WWF, especially in the conservation of biodiversity, species, and protected area conservation; the fight of illegal wildlife trade; and the global commitment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Both sides are jointly developing the “Investing in Nature-Based Solutions to Protect Viet Nam’s Central Annamites” program, he said, hoping that this strategic cooperation will be signed in the near future.
In reply, President and CEO of WWF-U.S. Robert Carters pointed out that Vietnam has always been one of WWF’s priorities, with the richest biodiversity in the world. He also highlighted the vital role of Vietnam in the biodiversity map.
Echoing Mr. Robert Carters, General Director of WWF International Kirsten Schuijt highlighted that Vietnam is a great example, inspiring many other countries. WWF is honored, proud, and committed to accompanying the Vietnamese government in achieving national and global SDGs, she added.