HANOI -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced five-year programs in clean energy, adaptation, and sustainable landscapes to support Vietnam in addressing the effects of climate change and land use.

"We are pleased to support Vietnam through these new programs that encourage energy efficiency, explore the possible development of renewable energy technologies, and assist people living in vulnerable forest and delta areas," said USAID Mission Director Joakim Parker. "Together, the programs tackle key issues related to climate change and sustainable growth affecting Vietnam."

Implemented from October 2012 to October 2017, the USAID Vietnam Forests and Deltas Program and Vietnam Clean Energy Program together are valued at over $40 million and are in line with the Government of Vietnam's climate change policies and programs, including the new Green Growth strategy. These two climate change programs are the first major USAID contributions in this area.

Working with the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources and Environment and relevant GVN agencies, the USAID Vietnam Forest and Deltas Program will support adoption of land use practices to address deforestation and degradation of forests and other landscapes and increase resilience of people, places and livelihoods in delta areas through assistance for adaptation and disaster risk management.

Vietnam is often cited as one of the five countries in the world most vulnerable to climate change. The country's two major river basins, the Mekong and Red River, are especially at risk to the impacts of climate change, and the livelihoods of farmers and fishers are particularly vulnerable. The new program will be sensitive to gender issues that lie behind disaster risk management and use of natural resources.

USAID's second new program, Vietnam Clean Energy Program, will contribute approximately $12 million to examine ways to effectively acquire, manage, analyze, and use energy sector data and boost energy efficiency in high use energy sectors in cooperation with the Ministries of Industry and Trade and Construction and relevant GVN agencies. It will also promote public and private investment to pilot renewable energy and energy efficient technologies that would benefit Vietnam in the years to come.

Since 2000, USAID has provided more than $588 million for development and relief efforts in Vietnam.