The conference on tackling illegal wildlife trade takes place in Hanoi on September 7-8 (Photo: UK Embassy in Vietnam)Hanoi (VNA) – Experts fromgovernment and law enforcement agencies of Vietnam and the UK met at aconference in Hanoi on September 7 to discuss measures to combat the illegalwildlife trade.
UK Ambassador to Vietnam Giles Lever said fightingwildlife trafficking is becoming increasingly important for both the UK andVietnam.
To protect wild animals and eradicate illegalwildlife products, stronger political commitment is crucial, as is improvingthe law enforcement’s capacity and promoting community awareness, heemphasised.
He added Vietnam plays an important role and itscooperation with the UK can help determine solutions and implement them.
Col. Nguyen Van Chieu, Deputy Director of theexternal relations department of the Ministry of Public Security, said Vietnampays attention to protecting biodiversity and wild animals, especiallyendangered ones. It has joined many international conventions, set up specialisedforces such as environmental police, and signed cooperation agreements withcustoms forces in this field.
[“Say No to Ivory” campaign launched to protect elephants]
He noted on September 6, customs officers at theSaigon Port Border Gate and anti-smuggling police seized more than 1.34 tonnesof elephant ivory.
At the two-day conference, participants lookedinto challenges in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.
Representatives of the UK Border Force, BritishAirways and Heathrow Airport shared experience in coordinating law enforcementunits, airport management agencies and airlines, personnel training, the roleof local administrations, and caring for seized wild animals.-VNA
VNA
