Effective cooperation in combating wildlife crime

Wildlife is a core component of biodiversity and plays a particularly important role in maintaining the balance of forest ecosystems. However, for many years, illegal hunting, trading, transportation, and consumption of wildlife have remained among the major challenges to nature conservation efforts in Viet Nam.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Chinh, Director of Cuc Phuong National Park, the issuance and implementation of Plan 628 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Public Security on coordinating the fight against crimes related to wildlife can be seen as a strong continuation and development of the long-standing cooperation between the two sectors in enforcing forestry laws.

A notable feature of this plan is its decisive and specific approach, with results regularly monitored and accountability clearly assigned to each level and responsible force. As a result, after a period of implementation, the plan has brought about clear improvements not only in law enforcement but also in public awareness regarding wildlife protection.

Notable outcomes

Drawing from practical experience at Cuc Phuong National Park, Nguyen Van Chinh noted that the synchronized implementation of solutions, from communication and inspections to handling violations and dismantling wildlife trafficking networks, has created a strong ripple effect throughout society.

In many localities, incidents of trapping wild birds and hunting forest animals have significantly declined. Observations in buffer zones and areas surrounding special-use forests show that wild birds are appearing more frequently and staying longer during migration seasons. Some forests have also recorded the return and gradual increase of small mammal populations.

These are positive signs, indicating that when human pressure on natural resources decreases, nature has a strong capacity to recover quickly.

Another notable aspect in the implementation of Plan 628 is the effective coordination between grassroots police forces and forest rangers.

In many localities, commune-level police have proactively coordinated with forest rangers to conduct joint patrols, receive and handle information on violations, prepare administrative sanction dossiers in accordance with legal regulations, and initiate criminal proceedings for serious cases under the appropriate charges.

This timely coordination has helped ensure that violations are detected more quickly and that wildlife can be transferred to rescue centers more safely and efficiently, significantly reducing the risk of animals dying or being trafficked again.

For Cuc Phuong National Park, rescue facilities such as the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, the Turtle Conservation Center, and the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program have received many wildlife individuals handed over by law enforcement following enforcement actions.

A noteworthy and highly appreciated development in recent years is the organized participation of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha, along with temples and monks, in promoting wildlife protection.

In previous years, the practice of releasing birds or other wildlife sometimes led to unintended consequences, as it could encourage the capture and trade of animals from the wild. Recently, however, through guidance from the Buddhist Sangha, these activities have been adjusted so that animals captured from the wild are not purchased for release.

This change has helped reduce pressure on wildlife populations in nature while also raising public awareness of the importance of nature conservation.

According to Nguyen Van Chinh, one of the most noticeable changes is the sharp decline in the trapping of wild birds, the setting of traps for forest animals, and the use of electric shocks for fishing in many localities.

This reality shows that when law enforcement measures are implemented decisively, and when local authorities and communities actively participate, destructive exploitation practices can gradually be pushed back.

Plan 628 has also received positive assessments from media agencies, experts, and conservation organizations both domestically and internationally. Many international conservation organizations believe that Viet Nam is demonstrating strong determination in combating illegal wildlife trade, thereby contributing to the implementation of international commitments on biodiversity conservation.

Mr. Chinh said the initial results show that inter-agency coordination between the two ministries has been effective, not only in strengthening law enforcement but also in raising public awareness.

Recommendations from conservation practices

Drawing from practical experience at wildlife conservation and rescue facilities, the Director of Cuc Phuong National Park also put forward several recommendations to improve the effectiveness of conservation efforts in the coming period.

First, Plan 628 should continue to be maintained and elevated to a regular, continuous task, with close coordination mechanisms among functional forces from the central to the local levels.

In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the mobilization of the entire society, from local authorities, religious organizations, media agencies, and conservation groups to local communities, to work together in protecting wildlife and restoring habitats. When species can reproduce and habitats are restored, nature and people can gradually coexist within a sustainable development framework.

Another important recommendation is to plan and invest in several national-level wildlife rescue centers with sufficient capacity to receive, care for, and conduct conservation breeding, as well as to prepare individuals for reintroduction programs into the wild.

At the same time, a long-term strategy should be developed to restore wildlife populations in natural habitats, aiming that by 2050 many endangered species and key ecosystems in Viet Nam can be sustainably restored in the wild.

According to Nguyen Van Chinh, practical experience at Cuc Phuong National Park shows that when laws are strictly enforced, when authorities act in coordination, and when society as a whole joins hands, nature will have the opportunity to recover.

Protecting wildlife is not only about safeguarding rare species, but also about protecting the ecological future of the country and of future generations.