The Vietnam Administration of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) management authority of Vietnam, with the South African Embassy, on August 27 organized a workshop on sharing information and raising awareness to reduce demand for rhino horn.
At the workshop, a representative from the General Department of Vietnam Customs admitted trafficking rhino horn from other countries to Vietnam has taken place for many years. Specifically, from early 2008 to mid-August, 2013, the whole sector had busted 13 illegal rhino horn transport cases, with approximately 121.5 kg of the material being moved by air.
Mr. Vo Dai Hai, Deputy Head of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry, affirmed that the wildlife animal trade, including rhino horn, has become a serious problem, which pushes rare species toward the brink of extinction. Use of rhino horn was believed to have effects such as reducing fever or neutralizing the impact of alcohol. Many people use rhino horn as a gift to show their wealth, and there are rumours that rhino horn can cure diseases, making the price of rhino horn very high. Many people mistakenly believe it is a product with health benefits.
Deputy Head of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry said that to reduce demand for rhino horn, we need to strengthen international cooperation to solve the problems of regional markets, including joint activity management to preserve wildlife, especially endangered species such as rhinos, elephants, bears and tigers.
"Accordingly, Vietnam will commit to responsibly implement international commitments and conservation. I also hope that international organizations coordinate and support Vietnam and South Africa to effectively implement the bilateral memorandum, including a joint action plan to conserve rhino populations in South Africa," Mr. Hai said.
"Reducing demand for rhino horn in Vietnam is a practical action, contributing to ending the market for this illegal trafficking network of criminals, and this is one of the important measures to save the lives of rhinos in South Africa," said Ms. Kgomotso Ruth Nagau, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Vietnam.
Accordingly, the campaign will be deployed among key groups such as women, entrepreneurs, students, and people working in western and oriental medicines, to construct and implement strategies to reduce demand for rhino horn in the community./.