On February 17, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chaired a meeting to review the draft decree on managing endangered forest plants and animals and implementing the CITES agreement, state media reported.
The Deputy PM emphasized that the decree should be results-oriented and practical, with clear administrative, economic, and criminal measures to curb illegal exploitation, trade, and consumption of endangered species. He highlighted the need for immediate action through post-inspection mechanisms to detect and penalize violations effectively.
The senior official urged the draft decree to include measures to educate the public and students about wildlife protection from an early age. It should also reduce both the supply and demand for endangered species, eliminate the illegal wildlife trade and promote sustainable management.
Mr. Ha stressed that conservation efforts must support the sustainable use of biodiversity resources to unlock their economic value and create livelihoods for local communities.
Regarding biodiversity resource assessment and research, the decree should clearly designate an agency responsible for publishing data, mapping biodiversity, and tracking resource changes across Vietnam. (Tin Tuc, Bao Chinh Phu, www.thiennhien.net)