
Strengthening Marine Governance and Spatial Planning
At the workshop, delegates highlighted the importance of integrated marine governance and science-based planning in advancing green maritime development in Vietnam. Strengthening institutional capacity and regulatory. Frameworks is considered essential to support the maritime sector’s green transition.
The initiative falls under the program “National Marine Spatial Planning for a Sustainable Ocean and Climate Change Response in Vietnam.” The program promotes efficient use of marine space, biodiversity conservation, and improved resilience to climate change.
Reviewing Policies and Identifying Blue Economy Investment Potential
A core objective of the study is to produce a Preliminary Assessment Report through:
-
Reviewing existing maritime and ocean policies
-
Identifying regulatory and institutional gaps
-
Exploring green investment opportunities
Key blue economy practices being assessed include:
-
Green shipping
-
Green ports
-
Sustainable maritime infrastructure
The research combines Norway’s expertise with Vietnam’s real-world context to enhance knowledge transfer in ocean governance and marine spatial planning.
Norway and UNDP Promote Green Maritime Transition
Mr. Erlend Skutlaberg, First Secretary at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi, reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting green maritime development in Vietnam. He emphasized that the transition toward a sustainable blue economy must be equitable, knowledge-driven, and aligned with long-term development strategies.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vu Thai Truong, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP Vietnam, noted that greening the maritime sector is not only about technology but also governance reform. Legal improvements, institutional coordination, and maritime decarbonization are key pillars of this transition.
Capacity Building for a Sustainable Maritime Workforce
Capacity building is a central component of the initiative. A Training of Trainers (ToT) program.
Training areas include:
-
Green ports and sustainable maritime infrastructure
-
GIS applications in marine management
-
Risk simulation and emergency response
The program aims to develop a network of qualified trainers who can support green maritime transformation across Vietnam’s coastal provinces and cities.