Businesses to cooperate in the fight against illegal wildlife trade

On May 24, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Ho Chi Minh City Branch (VCCI-HCM) in collaboration with Dak Lak province's Department of Forest Protection, Dak Lak Young Business Association and the Saving Threatened Wildlife project - WWF Vietnam organized a seminar on "Vietnamese business community and the fight against illegal wildlife trade".

The seminar organizers took the opportunity to introduce the Saving Threatened Wildlife project; conservation work and the fight against illegal wildlife trade in Dak Lak province; businesses' social responsibility in combating illegal wildlife trade; the role of VCCI and provincial business associations. Participating businesses have signed a commitment in response to the initiative to "Eliminate wildlife trade and consumption in Buon Ma Thuot City".

The Saving Threatened Wildlife project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Accordingly, the Management Board for Forestry Projects under Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was assigned as the project owner, with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) serving as the facilitator. The project aims to raise awareness for the business community regarding wildlife conservation.

Mr. Bui Dang Phong, Project Manager for the Saving Threatened Wildlife project - WWF Vietnam noted that the project's objective is to protect endangered animal species, control, and prevent illegal wildlife trade by providing technical assistance, raising awareness, and leadership and management responsibilities. At the local level, provincial and regional Department of Forest Protection will be the focal points to deploy project activities, management models, capacity building and awareness raising for stakeholders.

This communication activity aims to enhance social responsibility regarding wildlife protection as well as reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products. With the help of the seminar, the project aims to assist at least 50 private businesses involved in trading, restaurants, and wildlife farming by providing them with detailed internal regulations to comply with the law on wildlife protection and participate in the fight against illegal wildlife trade by 2026.

According to Mr. Do Quang Tung, Acting Head of the Management Board for Forestry Projects, the illegal trade of wildlife not only poses a threat to the environment but also signals an alarming rise in organized crime that will have a negative impact on the economy. In addition, this issue affects the achievement of sustainable development goals that many countries around the world have been pursuing.

In response to the importance of combating the transportation and trade of endangered and rare wildlife, the Vietnamese government has issued various mechanisms, policies and strategies while strengthening its law enforcement to prevent activities that harm wild animals and plants. Law enforcement agencies have also made remarkable efforts in coordinating the prevention of illegal wildlife trade.

“Vietnam still many limitations in terms of wildlife protection. These issues must be identified and raised in national policy and agendas. Consequently, this approach will mobilize local governments, political organizations, socio-political organizations, business communities and people to directly tackle the problem of illegal wildlife trade.

Private sector businesses play an important role in combating the illegal wildlife trade by implementing corporate social responsibility and proposing various improvements to the policy framework", Mr. Do Quang Tung affirmed.

Within the framework of the seminar, the Organizing Committee introduced an exhibition of wildlife sketches with the theme of "Save wildlife save our life". On the other hand, Dak Lak Department of Forest Protection and the local business community have organized a visit to the elephant sanctuary in Yók Don National Park. A Gala Dinner was also organized to connect business communities across the country where participants enjoyed an array of programs and games focused on wildlife conservation.

With a solid legal framework for regional wildlife protection and management, Vietnam is in an advantageous position to take drastic actions in the fight against illegal wildlife trade. High-level discussions are a good opportunity to connect governmental agencies, strengthen efforts to combat wildlife trade and promote sustainable development. 

Vietnam has joined multiple international conventions and partnerships on wildlife conservation and protection such as the Convention on Biological Diversity; Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and many others.