2021 - 2026 | IMPLEMENTER: WORLD WILDLIFE FUND | PLANNED BUDGET: $15,000,000
Vietnam is a major destination, origin, and transit country for the illegal wildlife trade. The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Saving Threatened Wildlife project supports Vietnam to tackle illegal wildlife trafficking. This project focuses on protecting species that are at risk of being trafficked into Vietnam, such as African rhinos, African and Asian elephants, and pangolins, as well as animals that are regularly poached and traded domestically or internationally, such as primates, muntjacs, and big cats.
DEVELOPING CHAMPIONS
This project jointly engages national- and provincial-level Vietnamese government leaders, the private sector and local and international organizations to enhance commitment and prompt action to fulfill regional and international commitments to stem the illegal wildlife trade.
IMPROVING LAW ENFORCEMENT
The project trains law enforcement staff to identify illegal wildlife trade cases, and incentivizes and recognizes justice and enforcement agencies for successful counter wildlife trafficking actions. The project enhances interagency collaboration and identifies gaps and needed reforms in regulatory frameworks for more effective law enforcement.
REDUCING CONSUMER DEMAND
The project conducts campaigns to raise awareness among domestic audiences as well as international tourists visiting Vietnam, and ultimately reduce consumer demand for illegal wildlife products.
IMPACT
The project will facilitate commitments from up to 75 government and business entities along with 25 political leaders to implement policies to counter wildlife trafficking; train 2,500 staff from enforcement and regulatory agencies on counter wildlife trafficking strategy and tactics, increasing interagency cooperation; and contribute to a 30 percent reduction in consumption of targeted illegal wildlife products in Vietnam.
TARGETED LOCALITIES
The project works nationally with a focus on places where wildlife species and wildlife products are illegally trafficked and consumed, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, and border provinces.
