U.S. helps VN protect wildlife
VGP – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on May 11 officially launched the Saving Species project.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Viet Nam Daniel Kritenbrink said that the project is not just a commitment between the U.S. and Vietnamese governments, it will also link to the efforts of other organizations, within Viet Nam and beyond, who are committed to combating wildlife trafficking.
The US$10- million project is expected to support the Government of Viet Nam to combat wildlife trafficking through three integrated and mutually reinforcing objectives: harmonizing and improving the legal framework for wildlife crime; strengthening and improving law enforcement and prosecution of wildlife crime; and reducing consumer demand for illegal wildlife products.
The project’s focal species are rhinos, elephants, and pangolins, and targeted geographic locations include major cities such as Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, as well as transit points for the illegal trade, such as border crossings, ports, and airports.
By Thuy Dung
