UPDATED NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION (NDC)

INTRODUCTION

Overview

At the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted by Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), marking a historic milestone as the first global legal framework that binds all Parties to collaboratively address climate change The responsibilities of each Party in responding to climate change are primarily demonstrated through their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).

Viet Nam's INDC comprises two components, namely mitigation and adaptation The mitigation component identifies the roadmap for GHG reduction in the period 2021-

By 2030, Vietnam aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 8% compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario established from 2010 data, with the potential for a 25% reduction through international support and cooperation under the Paris Agreement The adaptation strategy outlines implemented efforts, identifies gaps in institutional, policy, financial, human resources, and technology, and prioritizes actions for 2021-2030 Vietnam submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the UNFCCC in September 2015, signed the Paris Agreement in April 2016, and issued the Plan for Implementation of the Paris Agreement (PIPA) in October 2016, transitioning INDCs into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) after the Agreement's enforcement.

Since submitting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), Vietnam has implemented key climate change policies, including the Politburo's Resolution on the National Energy Development Strategy, aimed at 2030 with a vision for 2045, and the Renewable Energy Development Strategy, targeting 2030 with a vision for 2050 Additionally, the Revised National Power Development Plan (PDP) for 2011 has been established to further enhance the country's commitment to sustainable energy development.

In 2020, Vietnam revised its strategic documents, including the revised PDP VII, PIPA, and the National Action Plan for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to align with its climate change commitments The PIPA outlines 68 key tasks focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation, resource mobilization, and enhancing institutional frameworks, all aimed for completion by 2030 Additionally, Vietnam's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) are integrated into a comprehensive plan that prioritizes ambitious efforts to achieve a low carbon and climate-resilient economy, reflecting the country's commitment to the Paris Agreement.

In line with Decision 1/CP.21 from COP21, which called on Parties to communicate or update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) by 2020, Viet Nam conducted a review and update of its NDC to be submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat, reflecting the country's current circumstances.

The review and update of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) involved extensive collaboration among scientists, ministries, agencies, NGOs, research institutes, enterprises, international organizations, and development partners Numerous national, sectoral, and thematic consultation workshops were conducted to evaluate the feasibility and content of the updated NDC Active participation from various ministries and agencies ensured that research findings and successful climate change response strategies were incorporated into the updated NDC.

The mitigation component outlines strategies for the years 2021-2030 across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, waste management, land use, LULUCF, and industrial processes Utilizing 2014 as the baseline year, the Business As Usual (BAU) scenario offers projections extending to 2030.

The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) outline key domestic mitigation measures aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing consumption, transitioning to cleaner fuel and energy sources in industry and transportation, and shifting transportation models for both passengers and cargo Additionally, the NDC emphasizes the promotion of renewable energy, sustainable agricultural practices to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the management of sustainable forests to boost carbon sequestration and biodiversity It also addresses waste management and aims to reduce GHG emissions by innovating construction materials and improving cement and chemical production processes while minimizing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Mitigation efforts will undergo biennial assessments, evaluating the implementation of measures and verifying results through a comprehensive GHG inventory at national and sectoral levels, in accordance with regulations from relevant authorities The outcomes of GHG reduction initiatives and international support for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) will be documented in the National Communication (NC), Biennial Update Report (BUR), and Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) submitted to the UNFCCC.

The adaptation component focuses on strategic tasks aimed at boosting adaptive capacity, enhancing resilience, and mitigating climate change risks, ultimately supporting the nation’s sustainable development goals.

The strategic tasks identified include enhancing adaptation efficiency by strengthening state management and resources, increasing the resilience and adaptive capacity of communities, economic sectors, and ecological systems, and reducing disaster risks to prepare for more frequent natural disasters and climate extremes due to climate change These tasks are outlined in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the National Action Plan on Climate Change, with the results of NAP implementation serving as inputs for reviewing and evaluating the adaptation component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

Adaptation efforts in Vietnam will be assessed every two years by reviewing the execution of strategic tasks outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and specific actions in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) The findings will be documented in the Adaptation Communication and the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat.

Vietnam's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) outline key aspects including the synergies between adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development goals, emphasizing gender equality and risk reduction for vulnerable groups such as the poor, ethnic minorities, the elderly, women, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities The document also addresses the impacts, advantages, and challenges of NDC implementation, alongside a comprehensive plan for execution and a framework for monitoring and evaluation.

Summary of updated contents compared to current NDC

In the updated version of the NDC, Viet Nam has:

The country has revised and aligned its mitigation and adaptation contributions to reflect the current socio-economic landscape and projections through 2030 This update ensures that the implementation objectives of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) are consistent with the goals of the Socio-Economic Development Strategy, the National Climate Change Strategy, the Viet Nam Green Growth Strategy, and the National Strategy for Natural Disaster Prevention, Response, and Mitigation.

(ii) Followed several new requirements for the NDC adopted at COP24 that are suitable for Viet Nam’s capacities

(iii) Clarified issue of loss and damage and included Viet Nam's latest efforts in adaptation and mitigation

(iv) Included impact assessment of the implementation of mitigation measures on socio- economic development

(v) Added the analysis of co-benefits of adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development

(vi) Supplemented appropriate indicators to facilitate regular monitoring and evaluation of NDC implementation progress

(vii) Included a national system for measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) for mitigation actions and a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system for adaptation actions in order to implement the NDC

(viii) Clarified advantages, disadvantages and an implementation plan for the NDC given current international and national contexts as well as the appropriate measures to be taken

The updates in the mitigation component are as follows:

The Industrial Processes (IP) sector has been integrated into the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory, Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario, and mitigation strategies In 2014, this sector accounted for 38.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, representing 12% of the nation's total emissions Projections indicate that by 2030, the IP sector's emissions will rise to 140.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, constituting 14.4% of the country's overall emissions.

The base year for Vietnam's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is established as 2014, aligning with the most recent national GHG inventory data following the approval of the Paris Agreement In 2014, total GHG emissions reached 284.0 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, which marks an increase from 246.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent reported in 2010, the base year used in the current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

(iii) The emissions under the BAU scenario are estimated to be 528.4 million tonnes of

CO2eq in 2020, 726.2 million tonnes of CO2eq in 2025, and 927.9 million tonnes of

CO2eq in 2030 (compared with 474.1 million tonnes of CO2eq and 787.4 million tonnes of CO2eq in 2020 and 2030, respectively, in the current NDC)

(iv) Specific mitigation measures have been identified for the energy, agriculture, LULUCF, waste, and IP sectors

By 2030, Vietnam aims to lower its greenhouse gas emissions by 9% compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario using domestic resources With international support through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, this reduction could increase to 27%, facilitated by the implementation of new mechanisms under the Paris Agreement.

The updates in the adaptation component include:

To enhance adaptation efficiency, it is crucial to identify strategic tasks that focus on strengthening state management and resources This includes increasing the resilience and adaptive capacity of communities, economic sectors, and ecological systems, while also reducing disaster risks and minimizing damages Preparing for the heightened frequency of natural disasters and extreme weather events due to climate change is essential for sustainable development.

Adaptation measures to mitigate the impacts of future climate change are tailored for various sectors, including natural resources, agriculture, public health, urban development, transport, tourism, and industry These strategies are specifically designed for different regions, such as the Red River Delta, Mekong River Delta, and both coastal and mountainous areas.

MITIGATION COMPONENT

Viet Nam's efforts and achievements in mitigation

2.1.1 Policy framework supporting implementation of GHG reduction targets

In recent years, Vietnam has implemented several key policies aimed at mitigating climate change, including the 2013 Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party focused on proactive climate change response and enhanced natural resource management Additionally, the 2019 Politburo Conclusion emphasized the importance of active climate change measures and environmental protection Furthermore, the 2020 Resolution outlined the National Energy Development Strategy, setting goals for 2030 with a vision extending to 2045.

The mitigation-related legal documents include the Law on Energy Efficiency (2011), the Law on Water Resources (2012), the Law on Environmental Protection (2014) and the Forestry Law (2017)

The mitigation-related strategies are the Viet Nam Forestry Development Strategy 2006-

2020 (2007); the National Energy Development Strategy to 2020 with a vision to 2050

(2007), the National Strategy on Climate Change (2011); Viet Nam Green Growth

Strategy (2012), the Viet Nam Transport Development Strategy to 2020 with a vision to

2030 (2013), and the Viet Nam Renewable Energy Development Strategy to 2030 with a vision to 2050 (2015)

The Vietnamese government has implemented several key programmes and plans aimed at climate change mitigation, including the National Target Programme on Energy-saving and Energy Efficiency (2006), the Biofuel Development Scheme (2007), and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (2012-2020) Additionally, the National Plan on Urban Development in Response to Climate Change (2013) and the National System for GHG Inventory (2015) further underscore the country's commitment to sustainable energy practices and urban resilience.

2020 with a vision to 2030 (2016), the Plan for Implementation of the Paris Agreement (2016); the Support Programme in response to Climate Change (SP-RCC); the 2011-

The 2015 National Target Programme aimed to address climate change, followed by the 2016-2020 Target Programme focusing on climate change response and green growth Additionally, the 2011-2020 National Action Programme sought to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through strategies that include minimizing deforestation, managing forest resources sustainably, and enhancing forest carbon stocks.

2.1.2 Efforts to reduce GHG emissions in different sectors

In recent years, Vietnam has taken substantial steps to lower greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, land use, land-use change, forestry (LULUCF), and waste management, achieving notable successes Additionally, enhanced education and communication regarding climate change and sustainable practices have played a crucial role in fostering green behaviors and further reducing emissions at the community level.

In the energy sector, energy-saving and efficiency measures significantly reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 7.3 million tonnes in 2014 compared to the previous Business As Usual (BAU) scenario That year, electricity loss decreased by 1.55%, equating to around 2.2 billion kWh, which contributed to a further reduction of 1.46 million tonnes of CO2 emissions From 2015 to 2019, total electricity loss was cut by about 29.7 billion kWh compared to 2010, resulting in a substantial decrease of 26.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions Additionally, by the end of 2019, the total capacity of renewable energy sources had expanded, with small-scale hydro-power reaching 3,674 MW, wind power at 377 MW, and biomass at 325 MW.

MW, and solar power 4,696 MW

In the transport sector, responses to climate change have been integrated into the development and adjustment of various strategies and planning efforts, including the comprehensive planning of seaport groups and Vietnam's dry port system, with a focus on a detailed plan extending to 2020 and a vision towards 2030 This includes the master plan for inland waterway transport, the railway transport development strategy, and the planning for Long Thanh Airport and other airports Additionally, there has been a notable increase in the use of renewable energy for public lighting and traffic light systems.

The agriculture sector has made significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through various innovative practices These include replacing long-duration rice varieties with short-duration ones to mitigate typhoon risks and GHG emissions, enhancing mid-season water drainage, and utilizing alternating wet and dry irrigation techniques The adoption of integrated crop management (ICM) and techniques like “3 decrease 3 increase (3G3T)” and “1 must 5 decrease (1P5G)” has also expanded Additionally, the transition from inefficient rice-growing models to more sustainable practices, such as the rice-shrimp model and upland cropping, has been implemented Efforts to reduce rice straw burning have successfully decreased the rate from 90% to below 30% Improvements in dairy cattle diets and the collection and treatment of millions of tonnes of organic waste for fertilizer production further contribute to sustainability Moreover, water-saving irrigation techniques are now being applied across hundreds of hectares of coffee plantations.

Viet Nam has actively engaged in mitigation efforts within the LULUCF sector, particularly through the REDD+ Programme, which from 2015 to 2020 focused on enhancing institutional frameworks, capacity building, and developing technical guidelines This initiative has led to significant investments in REDD+ activities, with several programmes assessing their potential for GHG reduction and forest carbon stock enhancement Notably, the emission reduction programme in North Central Viet Nam aims to reduce 25 million tonnes of CO2eq between 2018 and 2025 Additionally, national forest coverage has increased, reaching 41.89% by the end of 2019.

In the waste management sector, the establishment of advanced solid waste treatment plants has significantly enhanced compost production, effectively reducing landfill volumes and minimizing environmental impacts.

Despite considerable progress in mitigation efforts, challenges remain in enhancing the national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory system, establishing a comprehensive monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system, and developing Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) Additional hurdles include the adoption of GHG reduction technologies, particularly in agriculture, securing both domestic and international funding for mitigation projects, and fostering greater proactivity among enterprises in executing mitigation initiatives.

BAU Scenario

In 2014, the latest GHG inventory results were recorded following Vietnam's approval of the Paris Agreement, identifying emissions sources and sinks across energy, agriculture, LULUCF, waste, and IP sectors The total GHG emissions for this base year amounted to 284.0 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Between 2010 and 2014, Vietnam successfully reduced its carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 10.5 million tonnes This achievement was made possible through the implementation of various energy-saving and efficiency measures, the promotion and support of renewable energy development, and the adoption of strategies to minimize losses in power transmission and distribution.

The BAU scenario was developed based on the medium economic development

1 ‘3 decreases’ are decreases in expenditure per unit of area, fertilizer use, and the number of pesticide applications;

‘3 increases’ are increases in yield, quality, and profit

2 ‘1 must’ is the compulsory using of certified seed; ‘5 decreases’ are decreases in the use of water, energy, post- harvest lost, pesticides and fertilizers

Implementing mid-season water drainage and alternating wet and dry irrigation techniques on 45,000 hectares of rice can potentially reduce CO2 emissions by 160 tonnes Additionally, transitioning from inefficient rice-growing models to a rice-shrimp model and shifting from the rice-rice model to an upland crop model over 100,000 hectares is projected to decrease emissions by 400 tonnes This analysis considers various factors including energy demand, GDP growth by sector, population growth, and land use planning for forests and agriculture from 2020 to 2030 The calculations and forecasts of greenhouse gas emissions utilize guidelines such as the Revised 1996 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and the 2000 IPCC Good Practice Guidance, along with the 2003 IPCC Good Practice Guidance for the LULUCF sector.

Table 1 GHG Inventory in 2014 and BAU Scenario to 2030

Year Energy Agriculture LULUCF Waste IP Total

Mitigation contributions

The national mitigation measures for the 2021-2030 period focus on the energy, agriculture, LULUCF, waste, and IP sectors Mitigation contributions are assessed in two scenarios: utilizing only domestic resources and leveraging international support through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as new mechanisms established under the Paris Agreement.

When selecting mitigation measures, it is essential to consider several criteria: the costs and benefits involved, the feasibility of implementation, potential synergies and co-benefits related to adaptation and socio-economic development, and alignment with national and sectoral development plans for the 2021-2030 period.

By 2030, Vietnam aims to achieve a reduction of approximately 9% in total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, amounting to 83.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent The energy sector is projected to contribute significantly to this reduction, with an expected decrease of 51.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, representing a 5.5% reduction from the BAU scenario Additionally, the agriculture sector is anticipated to reduce emissions by 6.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, or 0.7% compared to the BAU scenario, while the Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector is expected to decrease emissions by 9.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

The waste sector contributes approximately 9.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, representing about 1.0% of the Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario, while the industrial processes (IP) sector accounts for 7.2 million tonnes of CO2eq, or roughly 0.8% of the BAU scenario GHG reductions have been projected for each sector, but adjustments will be made during the implementation of the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to align estimates with actual conditions and ensure national contribution objectives are achieved.

With international support through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as new mechanisms under the Paris Agreement, the contribution can rise by up to 27% compared to the Business As Usual (BAU) scenario, translating to a reduction of 250.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent Specifically, the energy sector is expected to achieve a reduction of 155.8 million tonnes of CO2eq, which represents a 16.7% decrease from the BAU scenario The agriculture sector can contribute a reduction of 32.6 million tonnes of CO2eq, or 3.5%, while the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector can achieve a reduction of 21.2 million tonnes of CO2eq, approximately 2.3% The waste sector is projected to reduce emissions by 33.2 million tonnes of CO2eq, around 3.6%, and the Industrial Processes (IP) sector is expected to reduce emissions by 8.0 million tonnes of CO2eq, or 0.9%, compared to the BAU scenario.

Coverage Covering the entire economy, consisting of following sectors:

1 Energy: (Emissions from fuel combustion)

- Others: household appliances, agriculture and commercial services

- Material production from solid waste

Type of contribution GHG reduction compared to the BAU scenario

Greenhouse gases Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O),

Methodology to estimate GHG emissions and data

- National statistics, national socio-economic development plan and sectoral activity data

Metric applied 100-year GWP values in the Fourth IPCC Assessment

The BAU (Business As Usual) scenario outlines projected economic growth without the implementation of climate change response policies, starting from 2014, which is the year of the most recent national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory This scenario encompasses various sectors, including energy, agriculture, land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), waste management, and industrial processes (IP).

 GHG inventory in 2014: 284.0 million tonnes of CO 2 eq

- In 2020: 528.4 million tonnes of CO2eq;

- In 2025: 726.2 million tonnes of CO2eq; and

- In 2030: 927.9 million tonnes of CO2eq

Unconditional contribution (with domestic resources)

By 2025, Vietnam aims to reduce total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 7.3% compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, equating to around 52.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent Furthermore, by 2030, the country targets a GHG emissions reduction of about 9% from the BAU scenario, which translates to approximately 83.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Conditional contribution (with international support)

With international support from bilateral and multilateral cooperation, along with the implementation of market and non-market mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Vietnam can increase its 9% contribution to 27% by 2030, equivalent to 250.8 million tonnes of CO2eq, while adhering to its socio-economic conditions and international commitments.

The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) show a significant increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions compared to the current NDC, with both the total amount and percentage of reductions rising in relation to business-as-usual (BAU) scenarios by 2030 Specifically, the updated NDC reflects an increase of 21.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in GHG reductions.

The updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) reflects an increase in emissions reduction targets, rising from 62.7 million tonnes to 83.9 million tonnes, which corresponds to a 1% increase in percentage terms, from 8% to 9% With enhanced international support, the contribution to emissions reduction has grown from 25% to 27%, resulting in a significant increase of 52.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, elevating the total reduction goal from 198.2 million tonnes to 250.8 million tonnes in the updated NDC.

Table 3 Reduction contribution by sectors

Total contribution with both domestic resources and international support

Reduction amount (Mil tonnes of CO 2eq )

Reduction amount (Mil tonnes of CO 2eq )

Reduction amount (Mil tonnes of CO 2eq )

Note (*): increase in GHGs sequestration

Measures to achieve GHG reductions in different sectors

Investing in energy-saving and energy efficiency projects is essential for enhancing production and manufacturing processes This includes the renovation and conversion of vehicles, equipment, machinery, and production lines, as well as optimizing public lighting Additionally, implementing energy-saving measures in public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and community health centers, as well as in households, contributes to overall sustainability and cost reduction.

- Using energy efficient household appliances, and industries and commerce electrical equipment;

- Applying energy efficiency measures in industries;

- Developing renewable energy in accordance with Viet Nam's potential, advantages and conditions;

- Applying energy efficiency measures in transport;

- Changing freight transportation models; restructuring the transportation market;

- Shifting from private to public means of transport;

- Shifting from conventional fuels to biofuel, natural gas and electricity;

- Improving the energy efficiency of transport vehicles;

- Improving, developing and applying technology in manufacturing construction materials;

- Reducing clinker content and implementing other measures to reduce GHG emissions in cement production; and

- Developing and using energy-saving construction materials and green materials in housing and commercial sectors

- Applying management and technology solutions in cultivation and husbandry; improving diets for animals; shifting crop production structures; changing land-use methods; and

- Applying technology to treat and reuse by-products and waste in agriculture and livestock production; developing organic agriculture

- Protecting, conserving and sustainably using forests and forest land to increase carbon sequestration and forest certification;

- Planting and developing forests, prioritising production forests, large timber forests and coastal forests; restoring protection forests and special-use forests;

- Defining areas for restoring natural forests, promoting forest regeneration and enrichment planting in areas planned for forestry; improving forest carbon stock quality and volume; and

- Developing agroforestry models to enhance carbon stocks and conserve land

Taking measures to manage, develop and apply technology for treatment of domestic solid waste, ordinary industrial solid waste and special solid waste to limit GHG emissions

- Implementing measures for grinding blast furnace slag, fly ash, pozzolana and limestone to replace clinker in cement production; and

- Reducing the consumption of HFCs.

ADAPTATION COMPONENT

Climate change in Viet Nam

3.1.1 Climate change in Viet Nam through monitoring data

In recent years, Vietnam has experienced a continuation of climate change trends outlined in its current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Monitoring data from 1958 to 2018 indicates an annual average temperature increase of approximately 0.89°C across the country While rainfall has decreased by 1% to 7% in Northern regions, Southern regions have seen an increase of 6% to 21% Additionally, the frequency of strong typhoons has risen, along with daily maximum and minimum temperatures, leading to more hot days and increased drought occurrences during the dry season Conversely, the number of cold days has diminished, extreme rainfall events have surged, and average sea levels at coastal monitoring stations have risen by 2.74 mm per year, with a notable increase of 3.0 mm per year between 1993 and 2018.

3.1.2 Projections of climate change in Viet Nam toward 2100

Annual average temperatures across all regions are projected to rise compared to the baseline period of 1986-2005 Under a medium scenario, the North is expected to experience an increase of 1.9-2.4 °C, while the South will see a rise of 1.7-1.9 °C In a high scenario, temperatures in the North could escalate by 3.3-4.0 °C, and in the South by 3.0-3.5 °C Additionally, extreme temperature events are anticipated to become more frequent.

- Rainfall: Under the medium scenario, annual rainfall would generally increase by 5-

Under high scenario projections, maximum rainfall in many regions, including the North, mid-Central, parts of the South, and the Central Highlands, could increase by over 20% Overall, the average one-day maximum rainfall across the country is expected to rise between 10% and 70% compared to the baseline period.

Extreme weather events are expected to rise, with an increase in the frequency of strong to very strong typhoons The summer monsoon will begin earlier and extend longer, while Northern provinces will experience fewer severely cold days Conversely, hot days will become more common, particularly in the North Central, South Central, and Southern regions Additionally, drought conditions are anticipated to worsen due to higher temperatures and reduced rainfall during the dry season.

By the end of the century, under high sea level rise scenarios, the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands are projected to experience the most significant increases, with levels reaching 78cm and 77cm, respectively The Ca Mau - Kien Giang region is expected to see a rise of 75cm, while the Mong Cai - Hon Dau and Hon Dau - Deo Ngang areas may experience increases of up to 72cm.

Sea level rise poses significant inundation risks, with projections indicating that a 100 cm increase could lead to permanent flooding in various regions The Red River Delta faces a 16.8% risk, while Ho Chi Minh City is at 17.8% Other affected areas include Quang Ninh (4.79%), the central coastal provinces from Thanh Hoa to Binh Thuan (1.47%), and Ba Ria - Vung Tau (4.79%) The Mekong River Delta is particularly vulnerable, with a 38.9% inundation risk Additionally, islands such as Van Don, Con Dao, and Phu Quoc are at high risk, and the Paracel Islands are more susceptible to flooding than the Spratly Islands, especially the Luoi Liem and Tri Ton groups.

Vietnam is among the countries most severely impacted by climate change, with heightened exposure to hazards leading to significant long-term damage from climate-related disasters The vulnerability to climate change varies by region, influenced by geographical and socio-economic factors The Central Coastal and Mekong River Delta regions experience high exposure and moderate sensitivity to climate impacts, while the Northern mountainous region has lower exposure but a high sensitivity due to a significant proportion of poor households Consequently, various sectors, regions, communities, and infrastructure will confront increased risks and potential consequences from climate change.

Coastal regions and islands face heightened vulnerabilities due to climate change and rising sea levels, particularly in densely populated urban areas and deltas The lack of consideration for natural disasters and climate risks in urban planning exacerbates these threats, leaving infrastructure, assets, and communities in these locations highly susceptible to adverse impacts.

The Northern mountainous and Central regions are increasingly vulnerable to flash floods and landslides due to changing rainfall patterns and the rising frequency and intensity of heavy rain.

The Central Coastal, Central Southern, Red River Delta, and Central Highlands regions face heightened risks and vulnerabilities due to droughts and water shortages, which can ultimately result in desertification.

Ethnic minority groups, the elderly, women, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses are among the most vulnerable populations affected by climate change Particularly, ethnic minority women face heightened risks due to limited access to education and restricted opportunities for non-farm employment, exacerbating their vulnerability in climate-dependent livelihoods.

Agriculture, natural ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources, sanitation, nutrition, public health, education, residential areas, and physical infrastructure are highly vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters and climate extremes.

3.1.4 Impacts of climate change on sectors and regions a) Water resources: Monitoring data in recent years show that water flows at hydrological stations in major main river basins are below the average for several years

Water levels in many regions are at historic lows, leading to significant water shortages for agriculture and daily use, while also exacerbating saline intrusion into estuaries Climate change is causing increased flooding during the wet season and more frequent droughts in the dry season, further extending saline intrusion inland Agricultural and rural development are impacted as climate change alters species' living conditions, potentially leading to extinctions and the emergence of new pests and diseases that affect livestock Rising sea levels threaten agricultural land, aquaculture, and food security, while also harming forest ecosystems and reducing the viability of planted forests The transportation sector faces risks from increased rainfall, with significant portions of the railway and roadway systems vulnerable to washouts and flooding due to rising sea levels Urban areas, particularly metropolises like Ho Chi Minh City, are at risk of inundation, straining drainage systems and increasing the likelihood of diseases Climate change also compromises water supply systems, limiting access to clean water amid frequent droughts and floods Additionally, tourism is adversely affected as climate change damages infrastructure and resources, while indirectly impacting related sectors such as transport and energy Public health, gender equality, and child protection are also at risk as communities face the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

Climate change significantly impacts public health by increasing temperatures, prolonging heat waves, and worsening air pollution, which heightens vulnerability among at-risk populations such as the elderly, women, children, and individuals with chronic conditions like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases Statistics reveal that a mere 1°C rise in average temperatures correlates with a 3.8% uptick in hospitalization rates for children under five due to respiratory infections Additionally, climate change fosters the emergence of vector-borne diseases, raising the risk of outbreaks for illnesses including influenza (H1N1, H5N1, H7N9), cholera, malaria, dengue fever, and more.

Viet Nam's efforts and achievements in climate change adaptation

Viet Nam has issued and implemented many policies in its efforts to respond to climate change and implement international commitments, specifically:

The Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Committee has established a framework for addressing climate change and enhancing natural resource management and environmental protection through key resolutions and conclusions In 2013, a resolution was enacted to proactively respond to climate challenges, followed by a 2019 Politburo conclusion emphasizing the importance of these initiatives Additionally, Resolution No 134/2016/QH13, dated April 2016, further supports these objectives, showcasing Vietnam's commitment to sustainable environmental practices and resource management.

19, 2016 of the National Assembly on adjusting the national land-use master plan to

In 2020, the land-use plan for the period from 2016 to 2020 was influenced by Resolution No 36-NQ/TW, issued on October 22, 2018, during the 8th Conference of the Communist Party's Central Committee, Legislature XII This resolution outlines a strategic framework for the sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy, aiming for significant advancements by 2030 and a visionary outlook towards 2045 Additionally, Resolution No 76/NQ reinforces this commitment to sustainable practices and economic growth.

CP on natural disaster prevention and control (2018)

The Land Law (2013), along with the Law on Environmental Protection (2014), the Law on Hydro-Meteorology (2015), and the Law on Irrigation (2017), collectively establishes a comprehensive legal framework for sustainable land and resource management Additionally, the Forestry Law (2017), the Law on Fisheries (2017), the Law on Crop Production (2018), and the Law on Animal Husbandry further enhance this framework by addressing specific sectors crucial for environmental conservation and agricultural development These laws aim to promote responsible practices that safeguard natural resources while supporting economic growth.

(2018), the Biodiversity Law (2018), the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

In 2013, significant legislation was enacted, including the Law on Water Resources (2014) and the Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment No 82/2015/QH13 (2018) Currently, revisions are underway for the Law on Environmental Protection, the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and the Law on Dikes, with plans for submission to the National Assembly for approval in 2020.

- The 2011-2015 National Target Programme to Respond to Climate Change, the National Strategy for Viet Nam’s Renewable Energy to 2030 with a vision to 2050

(2015), the SPRCC, the 2016-2020 Target Programme for Climate Change Response and Green Growth (2017), the National Action Programme REDD+ to 2030 (2017), the

The National Action Plan for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2017) outlines key strategies for achieving sustainability Complementing this, the 2016-2020 Science and Technology Programme focuses on climate change response, natural resources, and environmental management Additionally, the 2016-2020 Science and Technology Programme addresses natural disaster prevention, control, and environmental protection Finally, the Overall Programme for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Agriculture Development of the Mekong River Delta sets goals for 2030, with a vision extending to 2045.

Vietnam has implemented several key policies and action plans to address climate change and promote sustainable development These include the PIPA (2016), which outlines an action plan for climate change in agriculture and rural development through 2020, and the urban green growth development plan aimed at 2030 The government has also issued Decree No.119/2016/ND-CP to manage and protect coastal forests, as well as Resolution No.120 for sustainable development in the Mekong Delta Additional initiatives include the Scheme on urban development in response to climate change and the Master Plan for the national natural resources and environment monitoring network Furthermore, Decision No.417/QD-TTg establishes an Overall Action Programme to implement Resolution No.120/NQ-CP, reinforcing Vietnam's commitment to climate-resilient development.

Various ministries, sectors, provinces, and cities have developed multiple policies and plans focused on climate action, including climate change action plans, green growth initiatives, and strategies for implementing the Paris Agreement These efforts emphasize the integration of climate change considerations into sectoral development strategies and planning processes.

Viet Nam has been striving to implement adaptation actions, some of which include:

To enhance resilience against climate change, it is essential to strengthen research and monitoring capabilities, improve natural disaster forecasting and warning systems, and update scenarios related to climate change and sea level rise Additionally, consolidating and modernizing the hydro-meteorological observation network through integration and automation is crucial Furthermore, enhancing the forecasting and warning capacities for diseases influenced by climate change is necessary to safeguard public health.

To enhance rural resilience, it is essential to consolidate irrigation infrastructure and develop clean water supply systems Implementing effective natural disaster prevention and control measures in vulnerable areas is crucial, alongside supporting residents at risk of floods and landslides Strategic planning for the relocation and resettlement of communities frequently affected by floods and typhoons is necessary Additionally, adjusting production plans and infrastructure will help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in these regions.

The national water resources master plan and river basin integrated master plan are being developed and implemented with a focus on climate change adaptation This includes establishing measures to ensure water security in light of climate challenges while continuously enhancing the effectiveness of existing initiatives.

To enhance climate resilience in agriculture, it is essential to shift towards climate-smart and environmentally friendly production practices This involves restructuring the production of various plant and animal species, adjusting cultivation calendars, and adopting sustainable agricultural techniques Additionally, implementing programs for the protection and development of aquatic resources is crucial, which includes diversifying cultured species and applying advanced technological measures and sustainable practices in organic aquaculture.

- Implementing the target programme for sustainable forestry development for the 2016-

2020 period; conserving and enhancing forest carbon stocks; protecting, restoring and planting mangrove and coastal protection forests aiming to exceed over 30% of the plan to 2020;

- Implementing the master plan for irrigation for the 2012-2020 period, with a vision to

2050, under the context of climate change in the Mekong River Delta, Red River Delta and Central Region; implementing the national action plan to combat desertification;

To enhance natural disaster resilience, it is essential to proactively implement prevention, control, and mitigation strategies, particularly in disaster-prone areas This includes improving search and rescue capabilities and disease prevention measures Effective flood prevention planning must be established for the Day and Hong-Thai Binh River systems, while also safeguarding flood drainage spaces in the basins of major rivers such as the Red-Thai Binh, Mekong, Cau, Nhue-Day, Dong Nai, and Saigon Rivers Additionally, constructing adequate drainage infrastructure is crucial for effective flood management.

The program aims to enhance safety and efficiency in reservoir exploitation by repairing and improving dam safety across 34 provinces in the Northern, Central Coastal, and Central Highlands regions It includes the construction of new large reservoirs in Central Northern and Southern Coastal provinces, as well as new small reservoirs and spillway clusters in the Northern mountainous areas Additionally, the initiative focuses on repairing and upgrading irrigation systems in the Red River Delta and completing irrigation systems while expanding flood drainage canals and regulating sewers in the Mekong River Delta Furthermore, the investment program will continue to consolidate, protect, and upgrade sea dikes from Quang Ninh to Quang Nam and from Quang Ngai to Kien Giang provinces.

To combat the effects of sea level rise, it is essential to implement measures aimed at preventing and mitigating high tides, flooding, and saline intrusion This includes the development of flood risk maps tailored to commune-level scenarios, as well as the execution of targeted flood prevention strategies in coastal cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Ca Mau, with a particular focus on the vulnerable Mekong River Delta region.

The implementation of Vietnam's urban development scheme from 2013 to 2020 aims to proactively address climate change by enhancing and upgrading urban areas This initiative includes the deployment of typhoon and flood-resistant housing models, ensuring that communities are better equipped to withstand extreme weather events.

Adaptation contributions

Vietnam's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) outline key strategies for climate change adaptation aimed at enhancing resilience and reducing climate-related risks, which supports the country's sustainable development goals and contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction These strategies are detailed in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which encompasses medium- and long-term activities through an iterative process that emphasizes stakeholder engagement for effective adaptation Additionally, the National Action Plan to Respond to Climate Change identifies and implements short-term priority actions, further reinforcing Vietnam's commitment to addressing climate change challenges.

3.3.1 Improving adaptation efficiency through strengthening state management and resources

To enhance climate change adaptation, it is essential to improve the legal framework and implement the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) while establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation system at both national and provincial levels Integrating climate change adaptation into various policies, strategies, and projects is crucial for effective implementation Regular assessment of the efficiency of adaptation actions should be prioritized Additionally, developing investment mechanisms for the business sector and leveraging climate change opportunities for socio-economic growth is vital Strengthening human resources, fostering international cooperation, and advancing scientific research and technological development in climate change adaptation are necessary steps Furthermore, raising community awareness and creating educational programs on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction will empower individuals and communities to respond effectively.

3.3.2 Enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity of communities, economic sectors, and ecosystems

Enhancing resilience and restoring both natural and social systems are crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change This involves monitoring the impacts of climate change across various sectors and regions To effectively minimize future damage, it is essential to implement adaptation strategies, such as ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions tailored to each sector.

3.3.3 Reducing disaster risks and minimising damage, increasing preparedness to respond to increasing natural disasters and climate extremes due to climate change

To effectively address climate change and natural disasters, it is essential to enhance monitoring and forecasting capabilities, while regularly updating climate scenarios Proactive planning and facility preparation tailored to various sectors and regions are crucial for disaster prevention and mitigation, alongside improving search and rescue and disease prevention efforts Key disaster control structures must be consolidated, with a focus on developing coastal protection systems and wave prevention forests, including bamboo forests for flood and typhoon defenses Community-based disaster response models should be established, and infrastructure planning must include relocating vulnerable residential areas and constructing typhoon and flood-resistant housing in affected regions Additionally, large-scale water supply and drainage systems need to be developed, with measures in place to prevent erosion along riverbanks and coastal areas, and to adapt to droughts and saltwater intrusion through both structural and non-structural strategies.

Gaps and needs for enhancing climate change adaptation

The current legal framework for climate change response requires a comprehensive review and update to align with present-day challenges It is essential to establish guidelines for incorporating climate change considerations into socio-economic development strategies, master plans, and national and sectoral plans Furthermore, enhancing coordination among ministries, sectors, and localities is crucial for effectively addressing inter-sectoral and inter-regional climate change issues.

Vietnam faces significant challenges in climate change adaptation due to limited national resources, with current state funding only covering approximately 30% of the financial requirements The demand for investment in natural disaster prevention and adaptation facilities is substantial, with estimated costs projected to exceed 3-5% of the country's GDP by 2030 To effectively address climate change, Vietnam must mobilize around USD 3.5 billion annually during the 2021-2030 period, equating to 1.5% of its GDP dedicated to adaptation efforts.

To encourage investment in climate change adaptation activities, a mechanism must be established to stimulate various economic sectors, including the business sector, alongside the allocation of 35 billion in state resources for the 2021-2030 period.

Vietnam has a pressing demand for advanced technology to address climate change challenges, particularly in areas such as hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting, as well as early warning systems for natural disasters Additionally, there is a critical need for technology that supports both structural and non-structural measures for climate change adaptation.

The expertise and technical skills of local staff in Vietnam regarding climate change and the assessment of adaptation efforts remain insufficient There is a critical need to improve capabilities in natural disaster forecasting, early warning systems, and scientific research related to climate change adaptation Additionally, enhancing the ability to prioritize and allocate resources for effective implementation of climate change adaptation activities is essential for progress in this area.

Upgrading facilities and infrastructure systems is essential for effective natural disaster prevention and control, as well as for adapting to climate change Enhancing the infrastructure and production capabilities for communities is crucial in supporting their resilience to climate change impacts.

SYNERGY AND CO-BENEFIT

Synergy between climate change response and socio-economic development

4.1.1 Mitigation in relation to socio-economic development

Various sectors can enhance synergy with socio-economic development through targeted actions In the energy sector, high-impact mitigation measures include the implementation of wind and solar power, energy-efficient lighting, and advanced cooling systems The agricultural sector can achieve significant synergy by reusing agricultural residues and employing drip irrigation alongside fertilizers for coffee cultivation In the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, protecting natural forests (3.5 million hectares) and afforesting special-use forests (50,000 hectares) are vital mitigation strategies The waste sector can contribute through the production of refuse-derived fuel, while in the industrial processes sector, grinding fly ash to replace clinker in cement manufacturing presents a high-level synergy opportunity.

4.1.2 Adaptation in relation to socio-economic development

Climate change adaptation actions foster significant synergies across institutions and policies, with notable impacts on society and the economy Various measures tailored to specific industries contribute uniquely to overall development, with the agriculture and rural development sector yielding the greatest benefits.

Synergy between climate change response and sustainable development goals 22 4.3 Co-benefits between climate change adaptation and mitigation

The implementation of climate change response actions is essential for achieving Vietnam's sustainable development goals The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) prioritize climate change adaptation, significantly contributing to Goal 13, which focuses on effective responses to climate change and natural disasters, as well as Goal 11, aimed at creating sustainable and resilient cities and human settlements Additionally, mitigation actions outlined in the updated NDC play a crucial role in advancing Goal 12, which promotes sustainable production and consumption models.

4.3 Co-benefits between climate change adaptation and mitigation

Mitigation actions can be beneficial to climate change adaptation and vice versa However, mitiation actions have highter benefits to adaptation

Mitigation plays a crucial role in climate change adaptation by enhancing disaster risk reduction and community resilience The Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector significantly contributes to adaptation through afforestation and reforestation efforts Following this, the agriculture sector improves resilience by restructuring crop and livestock production and advancing irrigation technology The energy sector offers moderate co-benefits for adaptation, primarily through the development of biogas to replace coal for cooking in rural areas, utilizing ethanol in transportation, and promoting high-performance air conditioning and renewable energy initiatives Conversely, the waste sector is considered to provide limited benefits for adaptation.

Climate change adaptation not only helps communities cope with environmental changes but also plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions Significant mitigation benefits arise from adaptation efforts in agriculture and rural development, particularly through afforestation and reforestation initiatives While natural resources, the environment, and the urban housing sector contribute moderately to mitigation, transportation and natural disaster prevention have a lesser impact The health sector's contribution to mitigation is minimal, and actions within the industrial production (IP) sector show moderate synergy with adaptation efforts.

IMPLEMENTATION OF UPDATED NDC

Impact, advantages and challenges in implementation of updated NDC

5.1.1 Potential impact from implementation of updated NDC

The updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) signifies Viet Nam's commitment to addressing global climate change, necessitating substantial financial, technological, and human resources for effective implementation While the updated NDC may yield both positive and negative effects on the country's socio-economic development objectives, climate change adaptation typically offers limited immediate economic returns and relies heavily on state funding In contrast, mitigation strategies demand significant upfront investments in technology and management improvements, often resulting in quicker economic benefits, thus attracting investment primarily from the private sector.

The cost-benefit analysis of implementing mitigation measures in Viet Nam's updated NDC indicates a generally positive socio-economic impact, with GDP projected to rise by 2030 compared to the BAU scenario The agriculture sector's mitigation measures contribute the most to GDP growth, followed by energy, LULUCF, and waste sectors, while the IP sector shows minimal GDP impact Output in agriculture, forestry, energy-intensive industries, and waste is expected to increase at varying levels Investment capital (at 2014 values) is set to rise, leading to enhanced employment opportunities and a decline in poverty rates in rural areas due to investments in forestry and agriculture However, economic inequality may increase, and the consumer price index (CPI) and inflation rate are anticipated to rise slightly compared to the BAU scenario.

To meet the target of a 9% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to the Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario, Vietnam requires an initial investment of approximately USD 24.7 billion As a lower middle-income country that frequently faces natural disasters and the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, such a substantial investment poses significant challenges However, if financial resources are secured without compromising the country's socio-economic development, the execution of climate change mitigation measures and strategic adaptation outlined in the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) could yield positive outcomes for Vietnam's socio-economic progress.

5.1.2 Advantages in implementation of updated NDC

Addressing climate change and safeguarding the Earth's climate system for future generations has emerged as a top priority for countries, international organizations, and global businesses This commitment has fostered a growing trend among younger generations worldwide, significantly enhancing climate change initiatives in Vietnam.

Vietnam's proactive response to climate change has garnered significant attention from its political system and international development partners, positioning it as a critical issue in domestic and foreign relations High-level agendas of the Party, National Assembly, and government leaders frequently address climate change, leading to the approval and implementation of various policies, strategies, programs, and projects Key initiatives include the Central Committee of the Communist Party's resolution on climate change adaptation and resource management, as well as the Politburo's directive on the Energy Development Strategy aimed at 2030 with a vision extending to 2045.

(2020), the Viet Nam's National Energy Development Strategy to 2030 with a vision to

By 2045, Vietnam aims to enhance its environmental and disaster management framework through various key legislations and strategies, including the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the Law on Environmental Protection, and the Hydro-Meteorological Law The country is also focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable forestry practices as part of its Renewable Energy Development Strategy for 2030 Additionally, the National Strategy on Climate Change and the Vietnam Green Growth Strategy are integral to the government's action plan for the 2016-2020 socio-economic development period This includes initiatives for sustainable and climate-resilient development in the Mekong Delta, alongside the approval of investment policies for targeted programs during the same timeframe.

The National Committee on Climate Change (NCCC), along with its Advisory Council and the Department of Climate Change (DCC) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has been established to enhance climate change response efforts These agencies, along with local state management bodies, are actively working to implement climate adaptation strategies and encourage broad participation from socio-political organizations and society as a whole.

The climate change and sea level rise projections for Vietnam up to 2100 serve as a crucial foundation for ministries, sectors, and local agencies to evaluate the effects of climate change These assessments are essential for developing effective strategies to address natural disasters, climate change impacts, urban flooding, and rising sea levels.

The hydro-meteorological monitoring system in the country is advanced and extensively implemented, with ongoing upgrades planned to enhance climate change monitoring and improve natural disaster forecasting and warning capabilities.

Aligning financial flows with a low-carbon development roadmap and enhancing climate resilience is a key global objective outlined in the Paris Agreement Consequently, there has been a gradual increase in international resources aimed at supporting the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) As a responsible nation committed to fulfilling its international obligations and optimizing resource utilization, Vietnam is well-positioned to attract international support for its climate change initiatives.

Vietnam's economy has experienced consistent growth, positioning the country among lower middle-income nations This advancement enables Vietnam to better mobilize both domestic and international resources for increased investment in disaster prevention and climate change initiatives.

Disaster prevention and control measures are being implemented across all levels of government to enhance preparedness for rapid response to various situations The experiences and lessons gained from these disaster prevention activities can be effectively utilized to address the challenges posed by climate change.

The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) incorporate mitigation measures that align with Vietnam's state policies, including the Law on Energy Efficiency and the Renewable Energy Development Strategy aimed at 2030 Additionally, these measures are integrated into the country's development plans across agriculture, forestry, industry, construction, and transport sectors, highlighting their potential to attract both domestic and international investment.

The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) emphasize the urgent and long-term need for adaptation measures, as outlined in various adaptation strategies, plans, and master plans These measures are informed by climate change and sea level rise scenarios projected through 2100, and are integrated into the disaster prevention and control plans of ministries, sectors, and localities.

Specialized agencies have been established at both central and local levels to oversee the implementation of forest protection and development plans Local agencies recognize the importance of mitigation actions and are prepared to recommend and transfer these practices to farmers Additionally, state budgets allocated for forest protection and development are steadily increasing, while afforestation efforts are gaining significant attention from enterprises.

Implementation of updated NDC

5.2.1 Measures to promote implementation of updated NDC a) Developing and improving policies and institutions

Vietnam is committed to enhancing policies, institutions, and regulations for climate change adaptation and mitigation, aligning with its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the Paris Agreement This includes establishing domestic regulations that support the cooperation mechanisms outlined in Article 6 of the Agreement.

To effectively address climate change, it is essential to evaluate the current status of policies and regulations This assessment will facilitate the integration of climate change considerations into socio-economic development plans, ensuring a cohesive response to climate challenges By harmonizing climate strategies with socio-economic development at all levels, we can enhance international cooperation and sustainability efforts.

- Strengthening the coordination, information sharing and handling of inter-regional and inter-disciplinary issues, and building capacity for negotiations at the international level on climate change

- Developing mechanisms, policies and methods to encourage and attract domestic and foreign investments as well as mobilising resources from the business sector

To enhance economic development and address climate change effectively, it is essential to establish robust institutional and policy frameworks that facilitate efficient inter-regional and inter-provincial coordination in resource mobilization and utilization, particularly in the Mekong River Delta.

To enhance climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, it is essential to refine the policy framework, particularly focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy development This includes implementing effective energy pricing policies to attract resources from the business sector, such as foreign direct investment (FDI) and funding for climate change initiatives and green growth strategies.

Enhancing the legal framework surrounding Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) is essential for addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation By refining these regulations, we can stimulate greater investment from the business sector in initiatives aimed at combating climate change.

- Reviewing, adjusting, and improving policies, mechanisms and institutions to further align banking and credit with green development objectives and developing measures to promote green finance, banking and credit products

To promote sustainable practices, it is essential to amend and enhance tax policies, including natural resources and environmental protection taxes These changes aim to encourage the reuse, recycling, and treatment of waste, as well as the recovery of energy from waste Additionally, the adoption of environmentally friendly waste treatment technologies and the efficient exploitation of natural resources are crucial for fostering a more sustainable future.

- Promoting regulations related to green public procurement to enhance mitigation and co-benefits from public investment projects

Investment priorities for climate change response projects will focus on initiatives that promote both adaptation and mitigation The state budget and Socio-economic Development Plans for 2021-2025 and 2026-2030 will allocate high priority to these projects, aiming to enhance co-benefits and maximize the efficiency of public investments and state expenditures in addressing climate change.

Improving the monitoring and evaluation of public investments, especially in climate change adaptation and mitigation, is crucial to achieving the desired outcomes for effective climate action.

To enhance the power sector, it is essential to improve financial mechanisms and mobilize capital for investments, ensuring a balanced approach among hydro-electricity, wind, solar, biomass, and thermal power Additionally, accelerating the roadmap for a competitive power market is crucial, alongside efforts in communication, education, and raising awareness about these initiatives.

- Disseminating information and communicating on mass media to raise public awareness of climate change adaptation and mitigation

- Encouraging and providing technical support to people and communities to deploy and scale up economical, safe, environmentally friendly and low-carbon production and consumption models

Communities are encouraged to create ecological city models and green rural areas by implementing sustainable practices such as waste separation, recycling, and enhancing energy efficiency This involves piloting and scaling community-based climate change adaptation models that focus on ecosystem preservation while simultaneously improving livelihoods Efficient resource development and application are essential for achieving these goals.

To enhance procedural support for organizations, particularly enterprises, in efficiently accessing foreign investment capital, it is essential to strengthen the capacities of ministries This includes developing and implementing comprehensive training programs for officials on climate change, ensuring compliance with both domestic and international standards Additionally, updating educational curricula to incorporate knowledge on climate change is vital, aligning with the Paris Agreement and relevant environmental regulations in Vietnam's education and training system.

To effectively address climate change, Vietnam must evaluate its need for adaptation and mitigation technologies tailored to its unique conditions Strengthening partnerships with regional and global Climate Technology Centre Networks is essential This involves reviewing and proposing mechanisms and policies that promote climate change research and facilitate technology transfer Additionally, enhancing the capabilities of leading climate change research agencies and fostering international collaboration for research and technology exchange are crucial steps A thorough review and evaluation of previously utilized climate change response technologies, alongside the piloting of promising new technologies suitable for Vietnam, will further bolster the nation's efforts in combating climate change.

In Vietnam, a comprehensive evaluation of investments in climate change and green growth is essential to identify the needs, gaps, and priorities for funding from both public and private sectors Key strategies include developing policies to mobilize resources for climate response, particularly focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency This involves creating guidelines for climate finance, enhancing planning and budgeting to align climate objectives with socio-economic development plans for 2021-2025 and 2026-2030, and strengthening green finance models to facilitate resource mobilization Additionally, allocating resources for regular national communications to the UNFCCC is crucial, along with proposing projects that encourage participation from all economic sectors, especially those aligned with updated NDC contributions and diverse funding models.

The responsibility for implementing Vietnam's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) lies with the State, enterprises, and communities, guided by the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment serves as the primary support for the Government, while various ministries, sectors, localities, and enterprises carry out the updated NDC in alignment with their designated roles and in accordance with Vietnamese law.

5.2.3 Arrangements of resources for implementation a) Finance for adaptation in recent years

The National Strategy on Climate Change in Viet Nam outlines key financial resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation, which include central and local budgets, official development assistance (ODA), domestic and international specialized funds for climate response, investment capital from the domestic business sector and foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as contributions from individuals and households.

Monitoring and Evaluation

5.3.1 Developing the enhanced transparency framework

The development of an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) aims to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) This includes establishing Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems for mitigation actions at both national and sectoral levels, as well as Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems for climate change adaptation at national, local, and project levels Additionally, the ETF will track the mobilization of resources for climate change responses at the national level and produce budget reports that inform global stocktake efforts These initiatives will also support the development of monitoring systems for technology transfer and capacity building in the context of green growth.

The MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) system for mitigation activities operates at both national and sectoral levels, with the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) serving as the Steering Committee to enhance coordination among relevant ministries The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is designated as the coordinating agency for the national MRV system, overseeing its implementation Each ministry and sector is accountable for the MRV system within their domains, while technical working groups will be established in line ministries to address technical issues, ensure data quality, and maintain methodological consistency.

Figure 2 MRV system model for GHG reduction

The process for implementing the MRV system is illustrated in Figure 3:

Figure 3 Diagram for the MRV process of GHG reduction

• For each level, GHG reduction is measured and calculated using internationall y recognised methods which are informed by competent authorities.

• The coordinating agency synthesises reports on GHG reduction and the emitter responsible for emission reduction.

• The coordinating agency may coordinate with a third party to verify the reported GHG reduction.

Certifying the emission reduction achieved by Viet

- Summarising the methods of measurement and verification of quantitative GHG reductions at the sectoral, provincial and grassroots levels;

- Summarising and reporting to the Government the results of the quantitative GHG emission reduction at the sectoral, provincial and grassroots levels

- Summarising the quantitative GHG reduction from projects under their management;

- Reporting on the quantitative GHG reduction at the sector and provincial levels to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for synthesis

- Developing the plan for GHG reduction at the grassroots level

- Measuring and determining quantitative GHG reduction using internationally recognised methods;

- Reporting on GHG reduction b) M&E system for climate change adaptation

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system for adaptation activities operates at national, local, and project levels, with the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) serving as the Steering Committee to enhance coordination among ministries and sectors The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment leads the national M&E system, developing results-based evaluation indicators and guiding localities in reporting these indicators Meanwhile, the Ministry of Planning and Investment is tasked with synthesizing reports based on results and templates from projects funded by Official Development Assistance (ODA), concessional loans, and domestic capital.

Technical working groups will be established within line ministries and localities to oversee the baseline indicators, ensure data quality, and monitor and evaluate climate change adaptation activities effectively.

The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system for climate change adaptation activities will be carried out in two key stages: process monitoring and results-based monitoring An overview of the M&E procedure for these activities is illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 4 M&E system for adaptation at the national, local and project levels

National Steering Committee on UNFCCC, Kyoto

(including the relevant ministries and sectors)

M&E systems at local and project levels

Working group on baseline and indicators

Working group on data quality

Data collection and analysis units in agencies of ministries, sectors, localities, projects

Figure 5 Process for developing the M&E system for adaptation at national level c) Monitoring and evaluation of resource mobilisation

Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for resource mobilization in climate change initiatives involves creating guidelines to track expenditures related to climate responses, implementing a national system for mobilizing climate change resources, and generating budget reports that support global stocktaking on climate action and green growth Additionally, it requires the development of monitoring systems to facilitate technology transfer and enhance capacity building efforts.

The results of implementing the updated NDC to 2030 are evaluated based on the following main criteria:

To effectively address climate change, it is essential to establish a comprehensive policy framework that includes the development of technical standards and regulations for emission reduction and greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory Strengthening the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for mitigation efforts, along with enhancing the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system for adaptation initiatives, is crucial Additionally, achieving a 100% review of technical standards and regulations related to construction and infrastructure adjustments for climate change adaptation is necessary Furthermore, integrating natural disaster risk management and climate change adaptation into at least 90% of socio-economic development plans and master plans is vital for sustainable development.

- Achievement of the mitigation objectives Ensuring the economic and environmental efficiency of mitigation measures Completion of 100% of the climate change impact and vulnerability assessments across sectors and regions

The national poverty rate has been reduced by an average of 1%-1.5% per year, with poor districts and communes experiencing a 4% reduction annually Ethnic minority households see a decline in poverty rates of 3%-4% per year, while their average incomes have increased to 50% of the national average Additionally, 70% of communes in mountainous areas inhabited by ethnic minorities have achieved the new rural standard.

- Completion and implementation of the National Water Resource Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050 and the Integrated River Basin and Inter-

Synthesis provincial Water Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2050

The modernization of fishing port systems is essential for enhancing their industrial capabilities This includes upgrading information management systems for fishing ports and storm shelters, as well as establishing seamless communication between these facilities and fishing vessels Additionally, it is crucial to improve the infrastructure of fishing ports and typhoon shelters, particularly on frontline islands, to ensure the safety and efficiency of fishing operations.

- Increase of forest coverage to 42%-42.5%; increase of the area of coastal protection forests, including the extension of mangroves plantation; preservation and sustenance of the ecosystems

- Achievement of 95%-100% of the population with access to clean and hygienic water; 100% of the population with access to health care services

Between 2018 and 2030, the goal is to significantly reduce human casualties from natural disasters compared to the 2005-2017 period, while limiting economic damages to no more than 1.2% of the average GDP This includes relocating all households in high-risk areas prone to flash floods and landslides to safer locations, as well as ensuring that all families in densely populated regions frequently affected by disasters can also move to safer areas For regions where relocation is not feasible, the plan involves completing the installation of monitoring and warning systems for floods, flash floods, and landslides, ensuring that all critical high-risk areas are equipped with disaster risk monitoring and control systems, and that warning devices are installed in frequently flooded areas.

5.3.3 Organisation of Monitoring and Evaluation

The monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the updated NDC is carried out at the local, sectoral and national levels

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment plays a crucial role at the local level by advising the Provincial People's Committee and assisting in the monitoring and evaluation of community tasks within the province Additionally, it is responsible for compiling the implementation status to report to both the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) by January 15 of the following year.

Ministries and sectors are tasked with monitoring and evaluating the execution and performance of their specific duties They must compile and synthesize the implementation status and report their findings to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC) by January 15 of the following year.

The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) will undergo a biennial review and assessment at the national level The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC), will oversee the monitoring of the NDC's implementation progress and provide regular reports to the Government.

- Socio-political organisations and other organisations are encouraged to participate in the independent monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the updated NDC

5.3.4 Process of Monitoring and Evaluation

Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies will be evaluated every two years The assessment of mitigation efforts will focus on the effectiveness of both feasible and potential measures To verify these results, a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory will also be conducted biennially at national and sectoral levels.

Adaptation efforts are evaluated using indicators that measure the resilience of the natural environment, focusing on the implementation process and outcomes This assessment also considers vulnerability to climate change, the effectiveness of climate-related risk reduction strategies, and the overall efficiency of adaptation actions.

HIGHLIGHTS OF UPDATED NDC