Wildlife trafficking is a transnational criminal enterprise that generates billions of dollars of illicit revenue annually, threatens national security, undermines the rule of law, and facilitates the spread of infectious diseases. Wildlife trafficking in Vietnam has increased rapidly over the last decade as a result of the consistently high demand for domestic and internationally-derived wildlife products. On November 17, USAID Saving Species, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), launched an awareness raising and social behavior change communication (SBCC) campaign on wildlife protection to address buyers and users’ limited awareness of the legal consequences for illegal wildlife violations.

The campaign emphasizes punishments for trading, transporting, and storing illegal wildlife products, including a 15-year prison sentence and VND 15 billion fine (around $650,000) for perpetrators; and addresses the karmic and emotional impact of consuming illegal products while also encouraging traditional medicinal practitioners in schools and clinics to reduce the consumption of wildlife products in traditional medicine. The campaign’s messages were introduced at a launch ceremony, which attracted nearly 60 participants, including representatives from USAID, MARD, and more than 30 journalists.

So What? USAID is supporting the Government of Vietnam’s efforts to influence positive behavior change related to illegal wildlife consumption; reduce misconceptions about the health and status benefits of wildlife products and demand for wildlife products; and strengthen environmental governance and enforcement on transnational environmental crime, goals of the Indo-Pacific Vision.

(1)According to the “Research Study on Consumer Demand for Elephant, Rhino, and Pangolin Parts and Products in Vietnam” conducted by USAID in 2018, approximately half of the buyers and users of rhino horn, ivory, and pangolin scales are not aware of the regulations and legal punishments for illegal wildlife violations.