On June 8, US Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Director Ann Marie Yastishock and State Director of Korea International Development Agency (KOICA) Cho Han Deog signed the first memorandum of understanding between the two agencies on cooperation in reducing pollution and climate change in the Mekong Delta and supporting Vietnam in accelerating the transition to clean energy.
The US is committed to cooperating with global partners to join hands to address the climate crisis. We are pleased to cooperate with KOICA to jointly carry out the common goal with Vietnam towards a sustainable future with the environment - said USAID Country Director Yastishock.
Action for Climate and Environment is considered the focus of KOICA's development cooperation activities. I believe we will make these efforts to save the planet more effectively through cooperation rather than individual action, said KOICA Country Director Cho Han Deog.
Through the implementation of cooperation activities, USAID and KOICA plan to increase the impact and improve the effectiveness of programs sponsored by the two agencies, while achieving better and more measurable results for the Vietnamese people.
The two sides will pursue common development goals including, but not limited to, reducing plastic waste and other pollutants, improving solid waste management; promoting biodiversity; reducing emissions in agriculture; strengthening adaptive strategies for vulnerable groups in the Mekong Delta; and promoting the development and implementation of renewable energy at the central and urban levels.
USAID has many diverse initiatives focusing on combating climate change, enhancing environmental security and environmental protection in Vietnam. Specifically, support the development of clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the natural environment including forests and threatened species, mobilize the participation of local communities in environmental pollution issues, such as air pollution, waste management and water resource conservation.
Since 2010, USAID has provided support to Vietnam's environmental and energy sector. USAID is currently implementing 11 environmental and energy projects in Vietnam with a total budget of more than 160 million USD.
KOICA is committed to combating climate change and promoting green growth. KOICA is currently in the process of increasing the list of cooperation projects related to this field. In Vietnam, KOICA pays special attention to areas such as waste electricity, ocean plastic waste pollution, pollution monitoring, forest conservation and sustainable management.
KOICA will strive to address these issues through cooperation with many different partners, including academia, startups and private enterprises when appropriate.
