Vietnam is one of the largest destinations and transit points of illegal wildlife trade. In 2019, more than 200 cases of wildlife protection violations were recorded, including the seizure of 2.8 tons of pangolin scales and 600 kgs (1322 lbs) of ivory at Hai Phong Port in January; 9.1 tons of ivory at Danang’s Tien Sa Port in March; and 125 kgs (275 lbs) of rhino horns at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport in July. Over the last decade, Vietnam has seen a dramatic increase in the illegal trade and consumption of rhino horn and ivory from Africa as well as increased consumption of pangolins, big cats, and other endangered species. Given the scope of the problem, it is essential to equip frontline enforcement officials, such as customs officers and forest rangers, with professional skills to prevent, detect, and handle wildlife protection violations so they can perform their duties properly.

In the first quarter of 2020, the USAID Saving Species project collaborated with the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) and the Forest Protection Department to develop two handbooks - one on customs control for wildlife products and their derivatives and another providing information on handling regulation violations in the forestry sector. These handbooks, which were printed and sent to enforcement officers in May 2020, include practical guidance on applying relevant legislation and are intended to be used as effective, on-site support tools for enforcement officers.

So What? By helping develop these handbooks, USAID is improving law enforcement capacity to combat wildlife trafficking in Vietnam, and is also supporting the Indo-Pacific Vision for reducing transnational environmental crime.