These two new programmes will help Vietnam to tackle key issues related to climate change, such as encouraging energy efficiency, developing technologies that produce renewable energies and assisting people who live in vulnerable forest and delta areas, said USAID Mission Director Joakim Parker, at a press briefing on October 17 in Hanoi.

The first is the Vietnam Forest and Deltas Programme, worth 29 million USD. A joint project between the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources and Environment, it will help Vietnam to apply land use practices to deal with deforestation and the degradation of forests and other landscapes.

Starting in October 2012, it will increase the awareness of local people in delta areas on how to safeguard their livelihoods and assist them to adapt their operations and apply risk management measures.

The second, the Vietnam Clean Energy Programme, will provide 12 million USD to help the country increase energy efficiency in sectors that use large amounts of power.

It will also promote public and private investment to pilot renewable energy schemes and energy efficient technologies that will benefit Vietnam in the future.

Since 2000, USAID has spent more than 588 million USD on development and relief efforts in Vietnam.-VNA