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| Experts from Norway, the UK and several other countries shared their experiences on marine spatial planning and offshore wind power development. (Source: UNDP) |
At the workshop, international experiences were shared and the next steps in marine spatial planning (MSP) and offshore wind development in Vietnam were discussed. Experts from Norway, the United Kingdom and several other countries shared their insights and provided valuable recommendations related to sustainable ocean planning, zoning in MSP, offshore wind development, and assessment of wind power development areas in MSP.
The workshop highlighted the important role of QHKGB in identifying suitable areas for offshore wind energy projects, in the development of the green economy by promoting innovative technologies, responding to the impacts of climate change and accelerating the energy transition.
Vietnam is at a relatively early stage in the process of developing coastal planning and sustainable resource management documents as well as marine spatial planning documents.
According to Dr. Ta Dinh Thi, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, developing renewable energy is a major policy of the Party, National Assembly and Government of Vietnam, in which offshore wind power is considered one of the breakthrough solutions to transform energy and ensure national energy security.
This is closely related to marine spatial planning, especially the identification of potential sea areas and reasonable zoning for offshore wind power development. The National Assembly Standing Committee has just issued Resolution No. 582/NQ-UBTVQH15 dated August 29, 2022 on the establishment of the Monitoring Team for "Implementation of policies and laws on energy development in the period 2016-2021", as well as Detailed Plan No. 355/KH-DGS dated October 28, 2022 on thematic monitoring.
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| UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi assessed that accelerating marine spatial planning is necessary to unlock the huge potential for offshore wind power development in Vietnam. (Source: UNDP) |
UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi assessed that accelerating marine spatial planning is essential to unlock the huge potential for offshore wind power development in Vietnam, contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and climate change targets announced at COP26, including net zero emissions by 2050.
“Marine spatial planning should be seen as a continuous process. Therefore, we should not seek to develop a single, perfect and all-encompassing document at this stage,” Ms. Ramla Khalidi emphasized.
According to Ms. Ramla Khalidi, it is important to ensure that the process of developing and promulgating marine spatial planning and identifying areas for offshore wind development is carried out in an open and consultative manner with all stakeholders in society. The participation of all stakeholders, especially local communities, is crucial to ensure that benefits are shared equitably and vulnerable groups are protected.
The flagship publication “Blue Ocean Economy - Towards a Scenario for Sustainable Marine Economic Development” a comprehensive report published by UNDP and the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in May 2022, examined the potential for sustainable development of Vietnam’s marine economy.
According to the report's conclusion, if the blue scenario is applied, it is estimated that Vietnam's marine economic sectors will account for 34% of GDP (~23.5 billion USD) in 2030, while the average GNI per capita of workers in these sectors will increase by 77.9% (~7,100 USD) compared to the business-as-usual scenario.
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| Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken pledged to work with partners in Vietnam to promote sustainable green growth, protect the marine environment and support Vietnam's energy transition. (Source: UNDP) |
Speaking at the workshop, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken shared: "As a long-standing partner of Vietnam, we are proud to support this workshop. Norway is committed to combating climate change and developing a sustainable ocean economy. As a leading ocean nation with prominent marine economic sectors, we recognize the important role of emerging industries such as offshore wind power."
According to Ambassador Solbakken, an effective approach to ocean management has been and continues to be a useful tool for Norway. Norway believes that a marine spatial planning approach will help the ocean to be managed sustainably, playing an important role in realizing the shared vision of a green, sustainable and prosperous future.
“By sharing and learning from each other, we can ensure that all sectors and areas benefit from the ocean while preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Therefore, we are committed to working with partners in Vietnam, including UNDP and key Vietnamese ministries and agencies, to promote sustainable green growth, protect the marine environment and support Vietnam’s energy transition,” Ambassador Solbakken emphasized.
The workshop was attended by key stakeholders in the field of QHKGB in Vietnam such as the National Assembly's Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority, Petro Viet Nam, GIZ, World Bank (WB), Norwegian Organization for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF), Equinor, along with representatives from embassies, relevant provincial agencies, international organizations, experts and the private sector.
By creating a decision-making framework and mobilizing stakeholder participation, the QHKGB can ensure the socially and environmentally sustainable development of renewable energy projects, especially offshore wind power, contributing to meeting Vietnam's growing energy demand.
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| Delegates take souvenir photos at the Workshop. (Source: UNDP) |
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