Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chaired a meeting on February 17 to discuss a draft decree aimed at enhancing the management and protection of endangered wildlife species, reinforcing international conservation efforts.
The proposed regulations aim to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Ha underlined the necessity for strict enforcement, including administrative, economic, and criminal measures, to combat the illegal exploitation, trade, and consumption of endangered wildlife. He stressed that the new decree should incorporate a chapter dedicated to raising public awareness, particularly through education, and prompt actions against violations.
The decree's primary goal is to deal with both the supply and demand for endangered wildlife, ensuring stricter controls and the elimination of illegal activities.
The Deputy PM also highlighted the importance of integrating conservation with sustainable resource use to support local livelihoods. He called for clear regulations on data publication, mapping, and biodiversity monitoring to enhance conservation efforts.
The draft decree comprises five chapters and 28 articles, retaining key regulations for the protection, assessment, and research of endangered forest flora and fauna. It also establishes conditions for breeding, planting, and issuing identification codes for facilities dealing with CITES-listed species.
Additionally, the decree updates CITES regulations, strengthens decentralisation, and streamlines administrative procedures to improve transparency and efficiency for businesses and citizens. It aligns with existing laws, addresses implementation challenges, and refines previous decrees.
Key provisions include criteria for listing endangered species, procedures for harvesting specimens, facility registration requirements, permit exemptions, and trade regulations with non-CITES member countries. The decree also specifies the responsibilities of authorities in managing wildlife trade, breeding, and conservation.
Revisions cover restrictions on importing CITES-listed aquatic species regulated under Vietnam’s fisheries laws, conditions for import/export, facility registration, and regulations on processing, transport, and display of specimens. It also provides guidelines for handling confiscated wildlife and clarifies the roles of management agencies in Vietnam.
VOV - english.vov.vn - Feb 17, 2025
