Excellency, Mr. Do Duc Duy, Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Excellency, Mr. Nguyen Khac Than – Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of Thai Binh Provincial Party Committee. 
Good morning distinguished guests, government officials, community members, and partners.

We call mangroves “climate warriors”, and that’s why today’s mangrove plantation event is one that I’ve been looking forward to. An occasion to join national and provincial leaders to highlight the vital role of wetlands and mangroves in safeguarding our environment and creating a greener and more sustainable Viet Nam.

In 2019, UNDP supported the establishment of the Thai Thuy Wetland Protected Area. The care and preservation of this protected area is a demonstration of how Vietnam can pursue economic growth and development without sacrificing the environment.
 
Wetlands and mangroves are not just natural landscapes—they are lifelines. They shield coastal communities from storms and floods, store carbon to combat climate change, and nurture rich biodiversity.

For millions in Vietnam, these ecosystems are essential for livelihoods; providing food, water, and resources for sustainable living. Protecting them is both a shared responsibility and a crucial investment in the future.

UNDP is proud to support Vietnam in its efforts to conserve and restore wetlands and mangroves. Our longstanding partnerships with MONRE, MARD and provincial authorities have resulted in the planting and rehabilitation of over 4,000 hectares of mangroves since 2017, with an additional 1,000 hectares planned in the coming years. Through our Climate Promise initiative, we are developing a coastal mangrove carbon database, critical for conservation and climate policies.

I commend the Government of Vietnam for its leadership, particularly through its Decision 1662 in 2021 on coastal forest protection and green growth which has provided a strong foundation for wider stakeholder engagement in climate action and the protection of mangrove forests.

This event highlights the power of partnerships—government agencies, civil society, private sector and communities working hand-in-hand to safeguard our natural heritage. This kind of engagement at the local level is key to success.

It is these inclusive solutions that create lasting impact. I applaud the dedication of community members here today. Your efforts ensure future generations inherit a healthier, more resilient environment. I am especially proud of initiatives that empower women and local communities as champions of conservation.

Despite the many reasons to celebrate, we gather today because we are acutely aware of the continued threats to wetlands and mangroves, eroding coastal resilience, biodiversity, and affecting millions of livelihoods. We must act.

Let today be a renewed call for action for wetland and mangrove protection. Action that must remain at the heart of Vietnam’s climate adaptation strategy.

My deepest appreciation goes to the organizers, local authorities, and everyone who made this event possible.

Please continue to count on UNDP as a committed partner in advancing nature and wetland conservation and climate resilience.

Let’s plant hope today for a better tomorrow. Wishing everyone good health and happiness in the Lunar New Year.
Thank you. Xin cảm ơn!