HÀ NỘI – More than 25 transport and logistics companies have gathered at a workshop in Hà Nội to discuss ways to avoid the risk of unwittingly becoming a party to wildlife trafficking.

More than 60 executives from such companies, who attended it, on Tuesday gained a better understanding of the wildlife trade and the effect it can have on bio-diversity, the illegality of trade in endangered species, and how corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices can elevate their reputation.

They discussed possible risk mitigation techniques that would help them run their businesses more sustainably and avoid becoming part of the illegal wildlife trade chain.

An important tool is the integration of CSR practices to protect wildlife, which would ultimately minimise the risk of transporting illegal wildlife products like rhino horn, they heard.

The Việt Nam International Arbitration Centre explained the various means to manage risks by exhibiting contracts signed by the industry to protect their business interests.

The event was organised by wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and the Việt Nam Automobile Transportation Association (VATA).

Funded by the French Development Agency (AfD), it was part of efforts by TRAFFIC, together with the VCCI and VATA, to enhance the capacity of Vietnamese businesses to reduce the illegal trade in wildlife in the country.

It was an important part of efforts to bring zero tolerance towards the illegal trade in threatened species in Việt Nam.

“Việt Nam is facing more pressure to crack down on the illegal trade to and within its borders,” Madelon Willemsen, head of TRAFFIC in Việt Nam, said.

“After the 17^th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and the International Wildlife Trade Conference in Hà Nội this month, the pressure is on Việt Nam to take tangible action to combat wildlife crime.

“The logistics and trade organisations taking part today are leaders in their sector and are demonstrating their commitment to taking action to avoid threatened wildlife trafficking and consumption.”

This is an important step as Việt Nam is in the process of joining the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

The TPP includes stipulations on wildlife protection, with each country required to fulfil its obligations under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species.

Thus, countries in the TPP must combat and take measures to prevent illegal wildlife trade.   

Việt Nam will be under more pressure to ensure that local businesses have processes and policies in place to actively avoid illegal wildlife trade. These companies are taking these steps already by integrating risk management practices and are adopting a zero tolerance towards the trafficking and illegal consumption of wildlife. -- VNS