HANOI – Today, the USAID Wildlife Asia project launched the third phase of the Chi Initiative, a program to help decrease consumer demand for rhino horn in Vietnam.

“The U.S. Government remains committed to collaborating with countries around the world to combat wildlife crime and end demand for illegal wildlife products” said Craig Hart, Acting Mission Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development Mission in Vietnam.  

Demand for rhino horn in Asian countries, including Vietnam, drives the illegal poaching of rhinos in Africa, putting the species in jeopardy of extinction. The Vietnamese government has made strides in countering wildlife crime, notably with a new penal codethat features stricter penalties for the possession and trade of illegal wildlife products. Despite these efforts, Vietnam is still considered a major consumer market and transit hub for rhino horn.

The “Chi,” or “Strength of Will,” social marketing initiative seeks to reduce demand for rhino horn by using a social behavior change communication approach to tackle consumption driven by social status. USAID Wildlife Asia’s Chi Phase III will continue to use targeted, evidence-based behavior change communication solutions to reduce key categories of users’ demand.

“We were excited to welcome representatives from government, civil society, businesspeople and the media at the launch, which showed an increasing consensus for wildlife protection in Vietnam,” said Sarah Ferguson, head of TRAFFIC in Vietnam. “As part of USAID Wildlife Asia and with a strong commitment from Vietnamese partners, we will continue to explore innovative behavioral change solutions and work to further reduce illegal wildlife consumption in the country.”

For photos of the event, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHskDG1Vdt