The US Agency for International Development (USAID) will cooperate with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to reduce pollution and mitigate climate change in the Mekong Delta, as well as accelerate the transition to clean energy in Vietnam.

Delegates attend the signing ceremony. Photo: USAID/Vietnam

This is a key content of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Ann Marie Yastishock and KOICA Country Director Cho Han Deog in Hanoi on June 8.

By working together at the operational level, USAID and KOICA intend to strengthen the impact and increase the efficiency of their programs and achieve better measurable outcomes for the people of Vietnam.

Through cooperation, the two agencies will pursue shared development goals including, but not limited to reducing plastic and other types of pollution and improving solid waste management, enhancing biodiversity, mitigating emissions from the agricultural sector.

The two sides will also increase adaptation strategies of vulnerable populations in the Mekong Delta, and accelerate renewable energy development and deployment at the central and urban levels.

Mission Director Yastishock said the US is committed to cooperating with its global partners to collectively address the climate crisis. It will cooperate with KOICA to deliver their shared goal with Vietnam of an environmentally resilient future.

“KOICA is putting environment and climate action at the center of its development cooperation. I believe that we could be more effective in our efforts to save our planet by working together rather than by working alone,” said KOICA Country Director Cho Han Deog. 

USAID has a number of initiatives focusing on combating climate change and strengthening environmental security and protection in Vietnam. This includes developing clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the natural environment including forests and threatened species, and engaging with local communities on environmental pollution issues, such as air pollution, waste management, and water conservation.

Since 2010, USAID has provided assistance to Vietnam’s environment and energy sector. It currently implements 11 environment and energy projects in Vietnam, with a total combined value of over US$160 million.

KOICA is committed to tackling climate change and promoting green growth. It is in the process of increasing its portfolio of related cooperation projects. In Vietnam, particular attention is paid to waste-to-energy, marine plastic pollution, pollution monitoring, and forest conservation and its sustainable management.

The organization is trying to solve these problems through cooperation with various partners including academia, startups and private businesses where possible.