Vietnam is a leading consumer of endangered species including rhino horn, pangolin scales, ivory, and tiger bone. Research conducted by TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network, identified businesspeople in particular as a key rhino horn user group. On November 23-24, USAID and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a two-day workshop in Central Vietnam to combat illegal wildlife consumption.

At the workshop, leaders from 25 business associations learned how to apply social and behavior change communication approaches to combat the illegal trade and consumption of wildlife in Vietnam. They also developed an action plan to integrate wildlife protection into their corporate social responsibility projects and pledged in writing to use their influence to inspire others and step up as champions to protect endangered wildlife. The workshop was held as part of the USAID Wildlife Asia’s Chi Phase III, a social marketing initiative to reduce demand for rhino horn and other illegal wildlife products. High-profile Vietnamese companies have joined the initiative, including the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group, Sun Group, Quang Vinh Ceramic Company, and The Body Shop.  

So What? Once trained, business association leaders can spread anti-trafficking messages sustainably throughout their networks, their companies, their clients and beyond, contributing to a change in social norms.