An initiative funded by Switzerland and the United States is proposing to enhance regional cooperation in sustainable energy development to protect Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta from rising sea levels and other climate risks.

A report from Viet Nam News Agency said Stimson Centre, International Union for Conservation (IUCN), Nature Conservancy, the University of California Berkeley, and the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam have drawn up a program for improving energy security with minimal risks to the Mekong Delta region. The US Embassy in Vietnam and Swiss-funded Building River Dialogue and Governance (BRIDGE) are providing financial assistance to the initiative.

The program proposes that Viet Nam strengthen energy cooperation with Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in several areas. These include increasing electricity trade with the Lao PDR and promoting Viet Nam's investment in renewable energy in Cambodia and Lao PDR. It is also proposing increased investment in wind, solar, and biomass power; and reducing hydroelectricity projects.

Proponents of the program organized a conference in Ha Noi on 28 June to discuss the progress of the program and consult government agencies and other stakeholders on how to promote renewable energy throughout the Mekong region.

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