US Joins Hands to Protect Vietnam’s Wildlife

 The U.S. Embassy marked International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22 by partnering with Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV) to become a “Wildlife Safety Zone.” U.S. Ambassador David Shear called on all Embassy staff to pledge not to consume wildlife and to report wildlife crimes. The Embassy joins 47 other government offices, businesses, and other organizations throughout Vietnam in ENV’s Wildlife Safety Zone program to raise awareness of threats to Vietnam’s wildlife.

 

 “Vietnam is one of the most biodiversity-rich countries in the world,” said Ambassador Shear. “I am proud to join with ENV to commit to protect Vietnam’s natural heritage in my own activities and to spread the word to encourage others to do the same.”

 

 ENV is also a partner in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Asia’s Regional Response to Endangered Species Trafficking (ARREST) program, which fights wildlife trafficking by reducing consumer demand, strengthening law enforcement, and strengthening regional cooperation and anti-trafficking networks.

 

ENV’s toll-free national hotline (1800 1522) enables anyone to anonymously report wildlife crimes, such as wildlife or wildlife products being sold in restaurants, markets, or hotels.