The Kunming - Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), formally adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in December 2022, stands as one of the most ambitious and far-reaching international agreements ever reached in the field of biodiversity conservation. Often described metaphorically as a “peace treaty with nature,” the framework sets out four overarching long-term goals for 2050 and twenty-three specific, measurable, and time-bound targets to be achieved by 2030. Among the most prominent targets are the protection and effective conservation of at least 30% of the world’s terrestrial and marine areas, the restoration of at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, the drastic reduction of extinction risks for known threatened species, and the sustainable, equitable, and environmentally responsible use of biological resources. Fully aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals, the GBF calls for urgent, transformative, and collective action at all levels to halt and reverse the alarming global loss of biodiversity.
Strengthening environmental protection within Vietnam’s fisheries and aquaculture sector
For Vietnam, a coastal nation blessed with more than 3,260 kilometers of coastline and a fisheries sector that contributes significantly to national GDP, export revenue, and the livelihoods of millions of people living along the coast, the effective implementation of the Kunming - Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in fisheries and aquaculture has become an urgent and indispensable priority. The country’s rich marine and coastal ecosystems are increasingly threatened by a combination of intense pressures, including over-exploitation of wild fish stocks, pollution arising from intensive aquaculture practices, habitat degradation, and the escalating impacts of climate change and sea-level rise. Integrating the principles and targets of the GBF into national and sectoral strategies is therefore essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishery resources, reduce excessive pressure on natural stocks through the promotion of high-technology and environmentally friendly aquaculture, and safeguard critically important ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds, all of which provide vital ecological services and support countless species.
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The core philosophy of the Montreal targets embedded within the GBF emphasizes the absolute necessity of achieving a delicate yet achievable balance between economic growth and biodiversity conservation. For Vietnam, this approach not only helps secure sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities but also enables the country to honor its international commitments and avoid potential trade-related punitive measures linked to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, such as the European Union’s “yellow card” warning that has been in place for several years.
The draft National Action Plan for the fisheries sector, meticulously developed in alignment with the key goals and targets of the Kunming - Montreal Framework, proposes a comprehensive and detailed suite of practical solutions. Priority is given to protecting at least 30% of nationally and regionally significant marine and coastal areas through the systematic expansion of marine protected areas (MPAs), thorough review and adjustment of spatial planning to ensure ecological connectivity, and the recognition and effective management of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Simultaneously, the plan commits to restoring at least 30% of degraded marine and coastal ecosystems by implementing large-scale restoration projects for coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows, incorporating cutting-edge technologies, green economic models, and circular economy principles.
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Species conservation receives particular attention through the deployment of modern monitoring tools such as camera traps and satellite-based tracking, systematic release programs for endangered aquatic species, and strengthened enforcement against illegal wildlife trade, all aimed at significantly reducing extinction risks. Sustainable management of fishery resources is reinforced through the full implementation of vessel monitoring systems (VMS), intensified efforts to combat IUU fishing, and the development of transparent and reliable traceability systems throughout the supply chain. Pollution from aquaculture activities will be minimized through the widespread adoption of environmentally friendly farming models, advanced wastewater treatment technologies, and strict adherence to internationally recognized certification standards such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and GlobalG.A.P.
The draft plan also places strong emphasis on ensuring sustainable seafood supply chains, science-based management of coastal aquaculture zones, and the mobilization of diverse financial resources from national budgets, international grants and loans, and innovative public-private partnerships (PPP). Equally important is the comprehensive communication and awareness-raising component, which includes nationwide campaigns, regular workshops, educational materials, and community engagement initiatives designed to encourage active participation of fishers, aquaculture farmers, and coastal residents in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Key groups of solutions highlighted at the workshop
During the workshop, participants reached broad consensus on four major groups of strategic solutions that will form the backbone of Vietnam’s accelerated implementation of the Kunming - Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, ensuring that the fisheries and aquaculture sector can continue to grow economically while making substantial contributions to marine biodiversity conservation.
The first and foremost priority is the rapid finalization and official approval of the draft National Action Plan, enriched by detailed and practical recommendations provided by all stakeholders during the consultation process. Representatives from the private sector shared valuable real-world experiences that greatly enhanced the plan’s feasibility. Mr. Lâm Thái Xuyên, Director of Minh Phú Social Enterprise, presented an inspiring model from the Mekong Delta that successfully integrates sustainable shrimp farming with mangrove conservation and effective waste management, demonstrating how economic production and biodiversity protection can reinforce each other. Similarly, DBLP Limited Liability Company highlighted the multiple benefits of seaweed aquaculture, an activity that not only generates considerable economic value but also contributes to carbon sequestration and the restoration of seagrass habitats, thereby directly supporting the ambitious target of restoring at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
The second critical area of focus is the strengthening of inter-sectoral and inter-regional coordination mechanisms, recognized as the essential foundation for successful implementation at scale. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will assume overall leadership, while the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance will take specific responsibility for day-to-day oversight, working in close partnership with provincial departments and local authorities to ensure ecological connectivity across different marine and coastal regions. International organizations brought valuable expertise to the table: WWF Vietnam shared lessons learned from sustainable mangrove management in the Mekong Delta, while UNDP and IUCN offered global perspectives on threatened species conservation and transboundary collaboration, helping to develop inclusive co-management arrangements that empower local communities to participate directly in monitoring and law enforcement.
The third strategic pillar centers on intensifying communication and public awareness-raising activities, widely regarded as the key to changing behaviors and fostering widespread community engagement. Participants proposed the rollout of continuous education programs, including regular workshops, informative printed and digital materials, and dynamic social-media campaigns that convey clear and compelling messages about the vital importance of marine biodiversity. These efforts align perfectly with the action plan’s provisions for raising awareness about threatened species and encouraging community-led restoration initiatives, ultimately contributing to reduced illegal fishing activities and the broader adoption of green economic practices.
Finally, the establishment of robust mechanisms for mobilizing green and sustainable finance was identified as the indispensable factor that will determine long-term success. Participants agreed on the urgent need to diversify funding sources, including increased allocations from the state budget, continued support from international partners such as AFD and WWF, and innovative public-private partnership models that can finance concrete projects such as the expansion of marine protected areas and the upgrading of vessel monitoring technologies. Through these combined efforts, Vietnam will be well positioned to meet Target 19 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, securing stable and sufficient financial resources for scientific research, capacity building, and large-scale ecosystem restoration through 2030 and beyond.
This landmark workshop represents a concrete and decisive step forward in Vietnam’s journey to fully integrate global biodiversity standards into national development strategies. With sustained commitment and collaborative action from government, private sector, local communities, and international partners, the country is poised to ensure that by 2030 its fisheries and aquaculture sector will not only thrive economically but also play a leading role in safeguarding the rich and irreplaceable biodiversity of Vietnam’s seas for present and future generations.
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