A Vietnamese interdisciplinary delegation on May 20^th worked with the South African Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies to review the cooperation between the two countries in terms of conservation.

Ambassador Le Huy Hoang and the Vietnamese delegation worked with South African Ministry of Environment and agencies. (Photo: VNA)

According to a reporter from the Vietnam News Agency, attending the working meeting, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Le Huy Hoang stressed that the Government of Vietnam hoped to increase cooperation with South Africa and other countries in preserving biopersity, in order to share information and act together to prevent illegal activities in this area.

Do Quang Tung, Director of the Vietnam Management Authority of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), highlighted Vietnam’s determination in working with countries to prevent trade of wild animals by issuing new regulations and amend laws in this areas, and launching campaigns on raising people’s awareness of their responsibilities in preserving biopersity. A recent survey showed that one year after the campaigns, the number of people who believe in the miraculous function of rhino horn had reduced by 60% and the number of rhino horn buyers reduced by 77%.

Skumsa Mancotywa from the South African Ministry of Environment appreciated the effective cooperation on perse areas between the two countries, including the prevention of biopersity.

The two Governments have signed a memorandum of understanding and an action plan, creating a foundation for deeper cooperation in the area. The South African side applauded Vietnam’s strict measures in law enforcement and in education of people of removing wrong awareness of the function of rhino horn in treating fatal diseases. It also praised Vietnam for hosting an international conference against illegal trade of wild animals by late 2016, and invited Vietnam to join a youth summit on preserving rhino which will be held in South Africa by late June.

The two sides discussed measures needing to be increased in future.

During the meeting, Mr. Tung transferred 14 samples from seized rhino horn to South African agencies for ADN analysis in line with CITES.

Earlier, the Vietnamese delegation paid working visits to Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique to share experience and boost cooperation in biopersity preservation./.

( Compiled by VNF )