Delegates discuss promoting communication work on endangered species conservation in Việt Nam on Friday in Hà Nội. — VNS Photo Thanh Hải

HÀ NỘI — The Office of the National Assembly in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), through the USAID Wildlife Asia, brought together politicians and stakeholders on Friday to discuss communication work on endangered species conservation in Việt Nam.

The event was part of efforts to end the consumption of illegal wildlife products in the country.

“The Vietnamese Party and Government have realised the urgent need to address demand for illegal wildlife products. The National Assembly has a strong will to reduce the over exploitation of natural resources and to drive down consumption demand for illegally traded wildlife products,” said Phạm Đình Toàn, Vice Chairman of National Assembly Office.  

“Solutions identified during the event will be valuable in strengthening existing achievements and guiding future action. We continue to seek international partnerships together with an improved national co-operation mechanism to ultimately defeat one of the most serious transnational crimes in the world,” added Toàn.

At the event, participants discussed a wide range of wildlife-related topics, including achievements and shortcomings in wildlife management, the strengths and weaknesses of demand reduction campaigns, as well as demand reduction strategies.

Participants agreed the Vietnamese Government had made efforts to develop legal policies, strengthen sanctions and promote behaviour change communication campaigns on wildlife protection.

The event included discussions on how to translate political will into specific actions fostering a change of practices against illegal ownership, purchasing and consumption of wildlife products.

Output from the event will be documented for parliamentarians’ reference and is expected to be added to the National Assembly’s next meeting agenda. — VNS