Vietnam and the United Kingdom launch an initiative to strengthen coastal resilience.

On the afternoon of December 12th, the British Embassy in Hanoi announced that Vietnam and the United Kingdom have launched the Sustainable Transition, Climate and Ocean Adaptation Programme (COAST), marking an important step in enhancing the resilience of coastal communities and marine ecosystems to the increasing impacts of climate change.

COAST Vietnam is a five-year initiative with a total budget of £18.19 million, including £17.5 million from the UK Government 's Green Planet Fund and £0.69 million in matching funds from the Vietnamese Government. The program is being implemented as the two countries upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2025.

Overview of the COAST program launch. Photo: Organizing Committee

COAST is designed to support vulnerable coastal communities by providing in-depth technical assistance, flexible funding, and building long-term partnerships. The program focuses on strengthening governance, promoting sustainable coastal management, and improving the livelihoods and resilience of the people.

Currently, Vietnam is one of the four priority countries of the program. With a coastline of 3,260 km and an exclusive economic zone of over 417,000 km², marine ecosystems play a crucial role in food security and economic development. However, climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable exploitation are putting significant pressure on these ecosystems. COAST Vietnam aims to support ecosystem restoration, improve livelihoods, and enhance governance effectiveness in coastal areas.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien affirmed that the program demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting coastlines, strengthening resilience, and promoting sustainable marine economic development.

Ambassador Iain Frew, the UK Ambassador to Vietnam, also emphasized that COAST connects national-level guidance, local initiatives, and global experience to support Vietnam in adapting more effectively to climate change.

Ms. Ingrid Kelling, Director of the COAST Facility Program, shared her thoughts at the launch event. Photo: Organizing Committee

COAST Vietnam is designed to align with Vietnam's major strategies, such as the Socio-Economic Development Strategy 2021-2030; the National Climate Change Strategy; the Green Growth Strategy; and marine spatial planning. The program aims to achieve four main objectives: conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems; enhancement of the resilience of coastal aquaculture; promotion of sustainable livelihoods; and strengthening policy implementation capacity at the central and local levels.

Eight localities will participate in the initial phase: Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Can Tho, An Giang, and Ca Mau. The program will be implemented through technical support, flexible funding, and long-term cooperation between domestic and international partners.

Ingrid Kelling, Director of the COAST Facility Program, said: “We look forward to working with our partners in Vietnam to bring tangible impact to coastal communities and ecosystems.”

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-de-quan-tam/viet-nam-va-vuong-quoc-anh-khoi-dong-sang-kien-tang-cuong-chong-chiu-ven-bien-20251212185252641.htm