AFD and WWF-Vietnam cooperate strategically to protect ecosystems and promote green development

The two organizations' enhanced cooperation after 30 years of presence in Vietnam demonstrates their long-term commitment to a future of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

On November 7, the World Wildlife Fund in Vietnam (WWF-Vietnam) and the French Development Agency (AFD) signed a strategic cooperation agreement to protect ecosystems, promote sustainable development and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities in Vietnam.

The event follows the renewal and expansion of the new strategic partnership agreement between AFD and WWF-France on 11 October 2025, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two organisations. The new agreement reflects a shared vision for a sustainable future where people and nature thrive in harmony.

Signing ceremony of the Cooperation Agreement between WWF-Vietnam and AFD on November 7. Photo: WWF-Vietnam.

Through this program, AFD Vietnam and WWF-Vietnam will work closely to leverage combined resources of finance, technology, and development expertise; strengthen AFD's commitment to biodiversity conservation, as well as expand cooperation in protecting ecosystems and improving livelihoods for local communities.

This MoU will promote joint initiatives in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework for Biodiversity and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Priority areas include: Biodiversity conservation and sustainable finance for landscapes; Water resources management and ocean conservation; Forest ecosystem restoration and sustainable forest management under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR); Promoting ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions; Biodiversity restoration and promoting harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife. The two sides will also expand cooperation to areas such as green energy, climate change adaptation, green finance, risk assessment and sustainable supply chains, and can jointly respond to new environmental issues in the future.

CEO of WWF-Vietnam Van Ngoc Thinh and Mr. Julien Seillan, Country Director of AFD in Vietnam. Photo: WWF-Vietnam.

According to Mr. Julien Seillan, Country Director of AFD in Vietnam, through cooperation with WWF-Vietnam, we want to affirm that biodiversity protection is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a foundation for sustainable development and the future of future generations. AFD commits to mobilize up to 1 billion euros per year for biodiversity conservation activities globally, of which 30% of the climate program aid will be allocated to nature restoration projects. This agreement is a concrete step forward in the joint effort to restore, protect and promote the value of ecosystems in Vietnam.

“AFD is one of WWF’s most trusted partners globally, and this new chapter of cooperation provides a powerful boost to nature conservation in Vietnam,” said Mr. Thibault Ledecq, Conservation Director, WWF-Vietnam. “Together, we aim to translate important scientific knowledge into large-scale action – so that forests, rivers and oceans continue to support life, sustainable livelihoods and positive market transformation.”

The signing ceremony is particularly significant as it coincides with WWF-Vietnam’s 30th anniversary, marking three decades of working with the Vietnamese Government , partners and communities in biodiversity conservation efforts; AFD also celebrates 30 years of presence in Vietnam. Both parties demonstrate their long-term commitment to supporting the country’s sustainable development journey.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/afd-va-wwf-viet-nam-hop-tac-chien-luoc-bao-ve-he-sinh-thai-phat-trien-xanh-d783036.html