According to a consumer survey conducted by USAID in 2018, around half of rhino, elephant, and pangolin buyers are unfamiliar with wildlife crime punishments under the revised Penal Code and engagement of tourism and e-commerce sectors in wildlife protection is limited. To address this, the USAID Saving Species project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has launched a mass communication campaign aimed at raising public awareness on wildlife protection to prevent wildlife crimes.

This includes billboards in Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport, at the Mong Cai border gate with China in Quang Ninh province, and in tourist hotspots like Nha Trang and Danang with information about the highest penalties for illegal wildlife trading, transporting, and storing, which is  up to 15 years imprisonment and VND15 billion ($630,000) in fines. This campaign also includes news and radio coverage to raise awareness of wildlife protection needs as well as to promote no-wildlife-consumption behavior. USAID is also working with travel agents in Quang Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City to display standees with information to prevent wildlife trafficking and consumption, and integrate messages on wildlife protection into tour booking leaflets.

So What: Demand reduction is a key strategy to eliminate illicit wildlife trafficking by reducing the economic incentive for poachers and traffickers. USAID support for social behavior change at different levels and sectors will help ensure a reduction in wildlife demand in Vietnam, thereby enhancing the Indo-Pacific Vision for reducing transnational environmental crime.