The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched its first-ever Biodiversity Policy in Washington on July 8, setting forth an ambitious vision of conserving biodiversity globally, including Vietnam. Under the new policy, Vietnam is identified by USAID as a priority country for biodiversity programming as Vietnam is ranked as the 16th most biodiversity rich country in the world and also a major hub for wildlife trafficking, supplying domestic and international markets with a variety of live animals, animal parts and medicinal plants. The USAID is committed to a more specific focus on integrating biodiversity conservation with its other development work in Vietnam, such as economic growth and health, said USAID Vietnam Mission Director Joakim Parker. The U.S. Mission to Vietnam is working closely with the U.S. governmental and civil society partners to preserve biodiversity conservation and stop the illegal wildlife trade. In addition, the U.S. has been working closely with government, civil society, and international actors to tackle wildlife trafficking, including through USAID’s Regional Response to Endangered Species Trafficking (ARREST) program, which works to reduce consumer demand for wildlife products, and strengthen law enforcement, regional cooperation, and anti-trafficking networks. In a bid to curb wildlife trade, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung earlier this year ordered all ministries and government agencies to enhance steps against poaching and trafficking of African elephant ivory and rhino horns. Under Vietnam law, anyone found guilty of wildlife smuggling may face a jail sentence of up to seven years. (vietnam.usembassy.gov July 10)
