By Magnus Aschan
Vietnam is an important transit and destination country for several illegal animal products, including elephant ivory, rhinoceros, pangolin shells and tiger parts. It is now hoped that a new directive will work to combat wildlife trafficking in the country effectively.
Some of the main points of the directive are that:
Imports of live or dead wildlife, eggs, larvae, parts and derivatives of wildlife are stopped
Markets and shops where illegal animal products are sold are closed
No citizen, especially government officials, may illegally hunt, trade, kill, own, consume or advertise protected wildlife or illegal animal products
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will cooperate with relevant authorities to monitor wildlife in captivity, including by ensuring that wildlife is legally acquired and that a minimum level of hygiene is met.
A database of plantations and facilities will be established
The Ministry of Public Security will strengthen law enforcement, in particular against cross-border organized crime
The Ministry will cooperate with relevant authorities to monitor the illegal trade in wildlife
The Ministry of Defense will strengthen customs and border control
Read more at Viet Nam News .