They are the programme on conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services in Vietnam (Bio-Forest Programme), and the Phase II of the Integrated Coastal Management Programme (ICMP Phase II).

Both programmes are funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) with counterpart funds from the Vietnamese Government.

The ICMP is co-financed by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

These two programmes reflect the common commitment of the Governments of Vietnam, Germany and Australia towards sustainable development and will complement the on-going Technical and Financial Cooperation programmes in the sector.

Technical Cooperation programmes supported by the German Government provide direct inputs in the form of expert advice to develop the capacities of people, organizations, networks and societies.

The Bio-Forest Programme aims to create important prerequisites for the conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services of forests at the national level and thereby contribute to the implementation of Vietnam’s Green Growth Strategy. The Programme will focus on improving the relevant legal framework, strengthening institutional capacities, and implementing international initiatives.

The total budget for the programme is up to EUR 4.95 million, of which EUR 4.5 million are granted by Germany, and EUR 450,000 are provided by the Vietnamese Government. The programme is jointly implemented by GIZ and the Vietnamese Department of Nature Conservation (DONC) under MARD from 2015 to 2018.

The objective of the ICMP Phase II is to enhance institutional, financial and planning capacities to promote a climate-resilient development of the Mekong Delta. The Programme builds on the practical solutions for climate change adaptation implemented by local communities and authorities in provinces of Mekong Delta with the support of the German and Australian Governments since 2007.