The Vietnam - Japan Ocean Policy Dialogue 2025 gathered policymakers, government officials, and experts from both countries for candid exchanges on legal frameworks, marine spatial planning (MSP), renewable energy development, and public-private cooperation. The wide-ranging perspectives from Vietnam and Japan not only underscored strong political commitment but also suggested concrete pathways toward the shared goal of building safe, sustainable, and resilient oceans.

On September 8 in Hanoi, the Vietnam - Japan Ocean Policy Dialogue 2025 was convened, continuing the annual cooperation mechanism established under the 2018 Memorandum of Cooperation. The event was co-chaired by the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) and the Secretariat of the Headquarters for Ocean Policy (Cabinet Office of Japan), with the participation of senior officials from both countries’ marine governance agencies, policy experts, and academic representatives.

Soil is a vital resource and an irreplaceable means of production in agriculture. Once degraded, it cannot be regenerated, which is why it requires constant care to maintain and improve its health. Protecting soil health is essential to advancing ecological, sustainable, and circular agriculture that contributes to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Minh Tien, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Director of the Institute of Soils and Fertilizers, spoke with Agriculture and Environment Magazine about the importance of safeguarding soil health for agricultural development.

On May 22, 2025, at Cuc Phuong national park in Ninh Binh province, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with UNDP, GIZ, and the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh province, solemnly organized the celebration of International Biodiversity Day under the theme “Living in harmony with nature and sustainable development.” This event not only honored the essential role of nature in human life but also reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to restore and protect ecosystems for a peaceful and prosperous future.

On May 19 in Hanoi, in light of escalating land degradation and the growing impacts of climate change, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam (MAE), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), convened a national consultation workshop on the draft ‘Soil health strategy and action plan’. The event was held under the framework of the FAO-funded project “Support for the development of a national soil health strategy and action Plan,” with MAE as the lead agency, the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) as project coordinator, and the Institute of Agricultural Environment serving as the implementing body. The workshop marked a pivotal first step in the development of a national policy on soil health, aiming toward an ecological, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural sector.

May 22 is observed annually as the International Day for Biological Diversity, designated by the United Nations to raise global awareness of the critical role biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth. In 2025, the UN has chosen the theme "Harmony with nature and sustainable development", underscoring the inseparable link between the conservation of nature and the long-term prosperity of humanity.

Water security is a growing concern for Vietnam due to climate change, rising demand, and pollution. Over-extraction and degradation threaten sustainability, with rapid development adding pressure. To address this, Vietnam is enhancing water management and international cooperation. Israel, a leader in water resilience, has transformed its arid land through desalination, wastewater treatment, and precision irrigation. Israeli Ambassador Yaron Mayer emphasized that Israel’s expertise offers valuable lessons and cooperation opportunities for Vietnam.

From February 25 to 27, 2025, the continuation session of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) took place in Rome, Italy, with the participation of the Vietnamese delegation led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference focused on discussions regarding financial mechanisms, monitoring frameworks, and strategies for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and resource mobilization, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling global biodiversity commitments.

On February 10 in Hanoi, a workshop titled "Plastic underground storage tanks: Innovative rainwater harvesting - Solution for urban flood control - Groundwater recharge and water reuse" was held with the participation of nearly 50 delegates from various fields. The event was co-organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and other partners. Experts shared Japan’s experience in applying underground water storage technologies to mitigate flooding, replenish groundwater, and promote urban water reuse. Discussions also explored strategies to accelerate the widespread adoption of these technologies in Vietnam.

According to information from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, a research team from the Vietnam National Museum of Nature has recently discovered a new species of land snail named Calybium plicatus sp. nov in Sơn Đoòng Cave. This is the first recorded species of this genus of terrestrial gastropods in Vietnam.

On October 31, the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Sharing experiences and effective models for sustainable management of ASEAN Heritage Parks” (AHPs) in Con Dao.

The high-level segment of COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), organized by the United Nations, opened on October 29, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, with the participation of senior leaders and representatives from over 190 countries to address pressing environmental issues, especially biodiversity conservation. This year’s conference aims to foster international cooperation under the theme ‘Peace with Nature,’ calling for harmonious and sustainable coexistence between humanity and the environment, while tackling interconnected environmental crises. The Vietnamese delegation, led by representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, is actively participating in the conference to promote international commitments to biodiversity conservation and share initiatives toward sustainable development.

On September 25, the Department of International Cooperation (under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) organized a workshop titled "Assessing the management, conservation, and sustainable development of biodiversity and ecosystems in Vietnam’s ASEAN Heritage Parks."

On September 8th, as part of the 8th International Conference of the Asia-Pacific UNESCO Global Geoparks Network held in Cao Bang City, Cao Bang Province, the UNESCO Global Geopark Council convened, evaluated, and voted to recognize Lang Son Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Vietnam continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. At the 2024 World Travel Awards, both Cuc Phuong National Park and the Quang Nam Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism were honored for their outstanding contributions. These awards not only celebrate Vietnam’s natural beauty but also underscore the country’s commitment to integrating environmental stewardship into its tourism strategies.

Quang Binh has recently been named one of the 13 most beautiful destinations in the world by the renowned American travel magazine Travel+Leisure. Known as a paradise of caves, Quang Binh is further distinguished by Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the region's stunning natural resources and biodiversity.

The Environmental Protection Law 2020 took effect from the beginning of 2022, ushering in new policies for biodiversity conservation. The government has issued Decision 149/QĐ-TTg approving the National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, with a vision to 2050. These are crucial legal foundations to enhance the effective management of biodiversity resources, including efforts to communication about the protecting wild birds from extinction.