https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us RSS feeds for WCS Viet Nam 60 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/26069/Study-visits-to-sustainable-livelihood-models-in-Hue-city.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=26069 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26069&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/26069/Study-visits-to-sustainable-livelihood-models-in-Hue-city.aspx Hue city, March 17–19, 2026, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Program (WCS Viet Nam), in collaboration with the Center for Rural Research and Development (CRRD) - Gardening Association of Quang Tri province organized a study visit to sustainable livelihood models for 20 participants who are representatives of local authorities and socio-political organizations from Quang Ninh and Bo Trach commune, Quang Tri province. Visit Thanh Tien paper flower village, Hue city, March 2026 As part of the study visit, participants visited and learned about several livelihood models in Hue city, including community-based tourism in the Thanh Tien paper flower village, the Quang Tho pennywort production cooperative, the Bao La rattan and bamboo cooperative, and the Tam Giang lagoon community-based tourism model. Through discussions with cooperative representatives, local residents, and artisans, participants gained insights into organizational structures, operational modalities, financial management, access to the market, as well as key success factors and challenges in implementing each model. Visit Quang Tho pennywort production cooperative, Hue city, March 2026 The models showcased diverse potential for developing stable and sustainable livelihoods for local communities through a combination of agricultural production, traditional handicrafts, and experiential tourism development. In particular, the role of cooperatives, community participation, and access to the market were identified as critical factors in enhancing product value, expanding market access, and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing. At the same time, challenges such as limited infrastructure, financial resources, young and inexperienced labor, and market access capacity were openly discussed. Visit Tam Giang lagoon community-based tourism model, Hue city, March 2026 Through the study visit, participants also discussed the applicability of these sustainable livelihood development models for their local communities in Quang Ninh and Bo Trach communes, especially for groups at risk of engaging in illegal migration or wildlife-related illegal activities abroad. Discussions emphasized the importance of selecting and adapting livelihood models to local conditions, while strengthening linkages among households, socio-political organizations, and local authorities to support sustainable development. This study visit is a follow-up to the series of trainings on preventing risks from illegal migration and violations of wildlife protection laws in Malaysia and Thailand”, organised by WCS Viet Nam in partnership with CRRD in December 2025 and January 2026. In the coming period, participants will integrate sustainable livelihood messages into their community outreach activities. The study visit was conducted within the framework of the project “Transboundary problem-solving to prevent the international trafficking of Malayan tigers” funded by the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) under the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Nguyen, Thang Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26069 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/26056/Nature-expedition-and-technical-update-on-integrating-ESG-risks-for-commercial-banks.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=26056 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26056&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/26056/Nature-expedition-and-technical-update-on-integrating-ESG-risks-for-commercial-banks.aspx Dong Nai, March 26–28, 2026, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Program (WCS Viet Nam), in collaboration with MCG Management Consulting Co., Ltd., organized a nature expedition to Cat Tien National Park for managers and officers from compliance and risk management, anti-money laundering, sustainability/ESG, and client and investor relations departments of 13 commercial banks based in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. Participants attend the nature expedition, Dong Nai, March 2026 At Cat Tien National Park, participants had the opportunities to learn about the park’s rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, as well as the conservation efforts undertaken by the park management board, forest rangers, forest protection forces, local authorities, and communities. The delegates also visited the Nature Museum, the Wildlife Rescue Center, and the Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary to gain deeper insights into the rescue and care of wild animals who have been rescued from illegal trade, hunting, and captivity. Overview of the technical update session, Dong Nai, March 2026 To highlight the link between the financial sector and wildlife conservation, experts from WCS Viet Nam provided updates on the situation of illegal wildlife trade in Viet Nam, emphasizing that it constitutes a predicate offense to money laundering as regulated in the Penal Code 2015 (amended and supplemented in 2017, 2025). Experts from MCG introduced the “Handbook on Integrating ESG Risks Related to Illegal Wildlife Trade into Risk Management and Anti-Money Laundering Frameworks in Commercial Banks” through case studies and group discussions. Through these activities, participants were guided to identify ESG risks, recognize red flags of potential money laundering linked to illegal wildlife trade, and apply these insights to their organizations’ risk governance frameworks as well as Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS). The activity was conducted within the framework of the project “Disruption and deterrence: Reducing wildlife trafficking between Africa and Asia” funded by the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) under the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Nguyen, Thang Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26056 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/26015/Training-course-on-Detecting-and-reporting-suspicious-transactions-related-to-illegal-wildlife-trade-for-student.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=26015 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26015&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/26015/Training-course-on-Detecting-and-reporting-suspicious-transactions-related-to-illegal-wildlife-trade-for-student.aspx Ha Noi, March 18–19, 2026, The Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Program (WCS Viet Nam) collaborated with the Banking Academy to organize a training course titled “Detecting and reporting suspicious transactions related to illegal wildlife trade” for students. Mr. Pham Thanh Trung, Program Manager, WCS Vietnam, shared insights on the link between illegal wildlife trade and money laundering, Ha Noi, March 2026. There were 28 students from finance, banking, accounting, and law majors at the Banking Academy attended the training. The sessions were delivered by ESG experts from MCG Management Consulting Company, anti-money laundering (AML) specialists from the Banking Academy, and experts on combating illegal wildlife trade from WCS Viet Nam. During the training, students were introduced to key anti-money laundering (AML) and wildlife protection concepts as regulated in international standards and Viet Nam’s legislations, including money laundering risks in environmental crimes identified in the recent National Risk Assessment on money laundering (2018–2022). Sessions also highlighted the interlinkages between combating wildlife trade, AML, and compliance practices in the financial sector. A practical toolkit developed by the WCS Viet Nam and BAV to support financial institutions in detecting and reporting suspicious IWT-related transactions was also introduced to participated students. Through interactive activities, group work, and case studies, students were guided to apply the toolkit to identify red flags, detect and analyze suspicious transactions, track and map out the illicit financial flows associated with wildlife trafficking. Then students practiced developing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) that can be submitted to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and law enforcement agencies for further investigations Students present their group discussion, Hanoi, March 2026 After the training course, the BAV organized a field trip for students to Cuc Phuong National Park, where they visited rescue centers for endangered wildlife and rare plant species and learned about wildlife rescue operations conducted there. Through this hands-on experience, students had the opportunity to better understand the connection between illegal wildlife trade and its impacts on biodiversity, thereby gaining deeper insight into the importance of detecting and disrupting illicit financial flows in support of nature conservation. After this event, WCS and BAV will organize training courses, and technical update meetings for financial institutions, especially commercial banks and non-bank financial service providers, to guide them using the toolkit to detect suspicious transactions and improve the quality of their reports related to IWT. The trainings were conducted within the framework of the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, and implemented by WCS Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26015 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25858/Training-on-Preventing-risks-from-illegal-migration-and-violations-of-wildlife-protection-laws-in-Malaysia-and-Thailand-Course-2.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=25858 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25858&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25858/Training-on-Preventing-risks-from-illegal-migration-and-violations-of-wildlife-protection-laws-in-Malaysia-and-Thailand-Course-2.aspx Quang Tri, January 29–30, 2026, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Program (WCS Vietnam), in collaboration with the Center for Rural Research and Development (CRRD), organized the second training course in the series training on “Preventing risks from illegal migration and violations of wildlife protection laws in Malaysia and Thailand.”   Mr. Pham Mau Tai, Deputy Director of CRRD, delivering the opening remarks at the training workshop, Quang Tri, January 2026 30 participants, including representatives of local authorities and socio-political organizations from Quang Ninh Commune and Bo Trach Commune, Quang Tri Province and Provincial Employment Service Center participated the training. On the first day of the training, based on the action plans developed during training course 1, participants continued to discuss and propose solutions to prevent illegal migration and the illegal wildlife exploitation by local communities in Malaysia and Thailand. Through group work, participants developed detailed roadmaps for implementing communication plans tailored to specific target groups, using a variety of approaches such as loudspeaker broadcasting, social media, village meetings, and household visitings. These plans were reviewed and refined with input from trainers and fellow participants to ensure their feasibility and effectiveness in practical implementation. Participants discussed the action plan, Quang Tri, January 2026. On the second day of the training, participants had the opportunity to visit and learn about the operations of production facilities and households involved in the harvesting, processing, and trading of agarwood products in Truc Ly village, Quang Ninh commune, and Thanh Hung 2 village, Bo Trach commune. Through these field visits, participants gained a better understanding of the local context and practiced community communication skills, including disseminating information on legal regulations related to migration, residence, and wildlife exploitation in Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam to local residents. These practical activities enabled participants to draw lessons learned and revise communication content and methods to better suit the conditions and needs of each local community. Participants implemented household visits and community outreach activities, Quang Tri, January 2026. WCS Viet Nam and CRRD will continue to provide post-training technical support to assist participants in effectively implementing their action plans, thereby contributing to improved legal awareness among local communities and the prevention of violations of wildlife protection laws in Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The training was conducted within the framework of the project “Transboundary problem-solving to prevent the international trafficking of Malayan tigers” funded by the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) under the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Nguyen, Thang Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25858 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25828/Training-on-Using-the-points-to-prove-guide-in-handling-wildlife-related-cases.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=25828 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25828&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25828/Training-on-Using-the-points-to-prove-guide-in-handling-wildlife-related-cases.aspx Ha Noi, January 05 – 06, 2026, and Quang Tri, January 15 – 16, 2026, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Program (WCS Viet Nam), in collaboration with the Viet Nam Court Academy, organized two trainings on “Using the points to prove guide in handling wildlife-related cases”. Participants attend the the training, Quang Tri, January 2026 The two brought together more than 60 judges and court officials from provincial and interdistrict People’s Courts from nine provinces and cities, including Ha Noi, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Lang Son, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Hue and lecturers of Viet Nam Court Academy The trainings build on the application of the points to prove (P2P) approach within the prosecution system and previous training programs held for prosecutors on this approach conducted from 2022 to 2023. The aim of the trainings was to further develop and tailor the P2P guide for judges and to enhance consistency and coherence in the application of this approach in regard to wildlife laws throughout the criminal justice process. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Hanh shares insights on the assessment and use of digital evidence in criminal adjudication, Quang Tri, January 2026 During the trainings, participants were introduced to the P2P guide for judges and were provided with training on applying this methodology to analyze cases, assess evidence, and develop adjudicative orientations through hypothetical scenarios. They were also provided with an update on the current status of illegal wildlife trade in Viet Nam and joined discussions on key judicial skills, including charge determination, sentencing decisions, use of electronic evidence, and the application of criminal procedural measures in wildlife-related cases. Based on these discussions, participants jointly proposed a number of practical solutions aimed at improving the effectiveness of adjudication in the coming period. In the context of ongoing amendments and supplements to various laws and regulations, WCS Viet Nam provided participants with updates on newly issued legal documents on wildlife protection relevant to the adjudication of criminal wildlife cases as well as introduced several artificial intelligence–based tools to support judges and court officials in researching and tracking updated legal documents. Participants discussed and took part in group exercises, Ha Noi, January 2026 The trainings were conducted within the framework of the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, and implemented by WCS Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25828 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25805/Training-on-Preventing-risks-from-illegal-migration-and-violations-of-wildlife-protection-laws-in-Malaysia-and-Thailand.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=25805 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25805&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25805/Training-on-Preventing-risks-from-illegal-migration-and-violations-of-wildlife-protection-laws-in-Malaysia-and-Thailand.aspx Quang Tri, 29–30 December 2025 – Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Program (WCS Viet Nam), in collaboration with the Center for Rural Research and Development (CRRD), Gardening Association of Quang Tri province, organized a training course on “Preventing risks from illegal migration and violations of wildlife protection laws in Malaysia and Thailand.” The training brought together near 30 representatives from local government agencies and social-political organizations of Bo Trach and Quang Ninh communes, Quang Tri province. Participants in the training, Quang Tri, December 2025 In the opening remarks, representatives of WCS Viet Nam and CRRD highlighted the situation in which a number of Vietnamese citizens, including those from Quang Tri province, have become involved in illegal migration and harvesting, hunting, and transportation of wildlife in Malaysia and Thailand, as well as trafficking of wildlife products from these countries to Viet Nam. Such activities have led them, their families, and local communities to serious legal, financial and social risks. During the training, participants were provided with an overview of the current situation of Vietnamese citizens violating immigration and wildlife protection in Malaysia and Thailand. They were also guided to identify common types of violations, applicable sanctions and relevant legal frameworks in Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam. Based on this information, participants discussed and proposed solutions to prevent local citizens from illegal migration and exploitation of wildlife in these countries, emphasizing the roles of local authorities, social-political organizations, and community actors. Practice group exercises, Quang Tri, December 2025 To translate these solutions into practice, participants received hands-on training in community communication skills. Through group work and practical exercises, they developed action plans for implementing local communication and awareness raising activities aimed at improving legal knowledge within their communities. These action plans were then reviewed and refined with input from trainers and other participants to ensure feasibility and relevance to local conditions. Practicing community communication skills, Quang Tri, December 2025 WCS Viet Nam and CRRD committed to providing continued post-training support to participants, so that they can effectively implement their action plans, contributing to the prevention of illegal migration and violations of wildlife protection laws. The training was conducted within the framework of the project “Transboundary problem-solving to prevent the international trafficking of Malayan tigers” funded by the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) under the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Nguyen, Thang Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25805 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25538/Consultation-meeting-on-the-outline-of-the-Handbook-for-detecting-and-reporting-suspicious-transactions-related-to-illegal-wildlife-trade.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=25538 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25538&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25538/Consultation-meeting-on-the-outline-of-the-Handbook-for-detecting-and-reporting-suspicious-transactions-related-to-illegal-wildlife-trade.aspx Ha Noi, morning of November 7, 2025, Wildlife Conservation Society – Viet Nam Program (WCS Viet Nam), in collaboration with the Banking Academy of Viet Nam (BAV), organized a consultation meeting on the outline of the “Handbook for detecting and reporting suspicious transactions related to illegal wildlife trade.” Participants in the consultation meeting, Ha Noi, November 2025 The meeting gathered more than 40 participants, including representatives from the Anti-Money Laundering Department of the State Bank of Viet Nam and commercial banks such as Techcombank, BIDV, Vietcombank, SHB, SeABank and ABBank, together with representatives of the BAV’s Board of Directors, lecturers, and staff. Experts from the BAV and WCS Viet Nam presented the outline of the Handbook, which is developed and designed as a practical reference tool to support compliance and anti–money laundering officers working in banks and non-bank financial institutions in recognizing and detecting signs linked to illegal wildlife trade (IWT) in financial transactions.  The team received extensive feedback on the presented outline from participants representing management authorities and reporting entities in anti–money laundering. Their comments focused on improving the structure and content of the handbook, providing demonstrated case studies and operational guidance directly related to money laundering risks associated with the IWT. MSc. Pham Duc Anh - Deputy Head of Research and Consulting Department, Banking Research Institute, Banking Academy of Vietnam presented the outline of the handbook., Ha Noi, November 2025 At the meeting, a representative of the Anti-Money Laundering Department of the State Bank of Viet Nam also updated participants on key findings from the National Money Laundering Risk Assessment 2018 - 2022, particularly the risks associated with environmental crime, including IWT. Following that, WCS Viet Nam shared a plan of building capacity for Vietnamese financial institutions to prevent financial risks linked to IWT during 2025–2027. The meeting was conducted within the framework of the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, implemented by WCS in Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Mon, 10 Nov 2025 04:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25538 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25535/Student-seminar-Financial-risks-associated-with-illegal-wildlife-trade-awareness-and-actions-of-finance-and-banking-students.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=25535 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25535&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/25535/Student-seminar-Financial-risks-associated-with-illegal-wildlife-trade-awareness-and-actions-of-finance-and-banking-students.aspx Ha Noi, afternoon of November 7, 2025 – Wildlife Conservation Society Vietnam Program (WCS Viet Nam), in collaboration with the Banking Academy of Viet Nam (BAV), organized a seminar “Financial risks associated with illegal wildlife trade – awareness and actions of finance and banking students.” The event brought together experts in anti–money laundering from the State Bank of Viet Nam and commercial banks, wildlife crime experts from WCS Viet Nam, ESG expert from MCG Management Consulting, as well as lecturers and students from the BAV’s Faculties of Finance, Banking, Accounting, Business Administration, and Law. At the beginning of the seminar, through sharing of WCS Viet Nam and the MCG, students were introduced to the issue of illegal wildlife trade (IWT) from the perspective of the financial risks associated with this crime, which are also part of the ESG (Environmental – Social – Governance) risks faced by the banking sector in Viet Nam. The experts also highlighted the linkages between combating IWT, ESG risk management frameworks, and anti–money laundering obligations, and provided recommendations on practical preventive measures. Overview of the student seminar, Ha Noi, November 2025 Building on this, speakers, lecturers and students were engaged in a lively discussion on “Opportunities to integrate IWT-related financial risks into training programs for finance and banking students.” From the viewpoints of management authority, financial institutions, and training organizations, speakers highlighted the urgent need to strengthen capacity of the future human resources in financial sector in identifying and managing ESG risks, especially those linked to environmental crime such as IWT. Representatives from commercial banks emphasized that meeting anti–money laundering requirements and adopting ESG practices are becoming emerging professional standards. Therefore, beyond core academic knowledge and technical skills, students should also be equipped with a solid understanding of legal and technological risks, strong data analysis abilities, logical and critical thinking skills, and especially professional ethics to meet the demands of the growing labor market for green finance. Lecturers and students from the Banking Academy also exchanged ideas and proposed pathways to gradually integrate topics such as ESG risks, environmental crime, and sustainable development into training curriculum through academic modules, workshops, competitions, and experiential projects. Several participants suggested introducing practical simulation-based courses, mock trials, case analysis exercises, or partnerships with businesses to create internship opportunities linked to combating illegal wildlife trade. Presentation on ESG and its connection to combating wildlife trafficking, Ha Noi, November 2025 The seminar concluded with a joint commitment from WCS Viet Nam and the BAV to continue fruitful collaboration on training, research, and communication initiatives aimed at developing a new generation of finance and banking professionals capable of managing ESG risks and contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The event was conducted within the framework of the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, implemented by WCS in Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25535 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24896/Viet-Nam-and-Angola-sign-landmark-agreements-to-strengthen-legal-cooperation-in-combating-transnational-crimes.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=24896 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24896&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24896/Viet-Nam-and-Angola-sign-landmark-agreements-to-strengthen-legal-cooperation-in-combating-transnational-crimes.aspx Luanda, August 7, 2025 – During the official state visit of the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the Republic of Angola, the two countries formally signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in Criminal Matters. On the same occasion, the Supreme People’s Procuracy (SPP) of Viet Nam and the Attorney General’s Office of Angola also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strengthening cooperation in the field of prosecution and in the fight against transnational organized crime. These landmark agreements set a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in the prevention and prosecution of transnational organized crimes, including illegal wildlife trade (IWT) from Angola to Viet Nam. They are expected to facilitate swift and effective handling of mutual legal assistance requests, supporting joint investigations and prosecutions across continents. The General Prosecutor of Viet Nam and the Attorney General of Angola signed the MLAT and MoU, Luanda, August 2025. Photo: ©Lam Khanh/TTXVN Prior to the signing ceremony, from August 4 to 5, 2025, a series of bilateral technical review meetings took place in Luanda, with the participation of senior representatives from the Department of International Cooperation and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters under the SPP of Viet Nam and their counterparts in Angola including Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, and the Attorney General’s Office. These preparatory discussions were held with active support of the Embassy of Viet Nam in Angola and the Wildlife Conservation Society – Viet Nam Program (WCS Viet Nam). The General Prosecutor and SPP delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Attorney General’s Office following the signing ceremony, Luanda, August 2025. Photo: ©WCS Viet Nam Over the two working days, both sides jointly reviewed and finalized the full text of the MLAT between Viet Nam and Angola, with a particular focus on key provisions such as: procedures for submitting and handling mutual legal assistance requests, mechanism for evidence sharing, confiscation of criminal assets and asset recovery, and establishment of direct and emergency communication mechanisms between focal points for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters of the two countries. In addition, both parties also reviewed, updated and finalized the content of the MoU signed between the SPP of Viet Nam and the Attorney General’s Office of Angola. The final MOU outlines practical areas of cooperation such as exchange of delegations and technical visits, joint training programs for prosecutors, sharing of legal information, and support for the investigation and prosecution of transnational criminal cases. Technical meeting concluded between the SPP of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice and Human Rights of Angola, Luanda, August 2025. Photo: ©WCS Viet Nam Recognizing Angola’s significant role in the illegal wildlife supply chain, particularly trafficking of ivory and rhino horn, from Africa to Viet Nam, WCS Viet Nam has been working closely with the SPP of Viet Nam since 2019 to strengthen cooperation with Angolan authorities. Key activities have included: providing information on Angola’s legal and enforcement frameworks; organizing a high-level delegation from the SPP of Viet Nam to meet in-person with Angolan law enforcement agencies; developing draft agreements; facilitating virtual technical meetings between prosecution agencies of both countries; establishing liaison focal points; and promoting the active involvement of both countries’ embassies. These efforts have played a critical role in advancing negotiations and completing the procedures necessary for the formal signing of bilateral agreements on criminal justice cooperation. This milestone lays a strong foundation for the effective implementation of bilateral coordination mechanisms, contributing to the fight against transnational organized crime, the strengthening of national and regional security, and protecting biodiversity in both Viet Nam and Angola. Deputy General Prosecutor of Viet Nam and Deputy Attorney General of Angola signed the Minutes of the meeting, Luanda, December 2019. Photo: ©WCS Viet Nam WCS Viet Nam’s technical support for the development of bilateral agreements between Viet Nam and Angola has been initiated with grants from the US and German Governments since 2019. This effort has been completed with the signing of the MLAT and MOU under the framework of the project “Disruption and deterrence: Reducing wildlife trafficking between Africa and Asia”, funded by the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) under the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the project “Engaging Vietnam’s Financial Sector to Combat Wildlife Crime Through Promoting Public-Private Partnerships and Information Sharing”, funded by Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). ------------------------------------------------------------------------- References: Situation of wildlife trafficking from Angola to Viet Nam and law enforcement responses, 2020 – June 2025 Photos: Link Nguyen, Thang Fri, 08 Aug 2025 03:02:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24896 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24572/Recommendations-for-Improving-Viet-Nams-Criminal-Legislation-on-Crimes-Violating-Regulations-on-the-Protection-of-Wildlife-Endangered-and-Rare-Species.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=24572 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24572&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24572/Recommendations-for-Improving-Viet-Nams-Criminal-Legislation-on-Crimes-Violating-Regulations-on-the-Protection-of-Wildlife-Endangered-and-Rare-Species.aspx   In recent years, Viet Nam has made many efforts to improve the legal framework for wildlife protection in order to fully implement international commitments as a party member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Accordingly, Viet Nam’s legal system has been rated by the CITES Secretariat to be in Category 1 – legislation that is believed generally to meet the requirement for implementation of the CITES, including: i) designate at least one Management Authority and one Scientific Authority; ii) prohibit trade in specimens in violation of the Convention; iii) penalize such trade; or iv) confiscate specimens illegally traded or possessed.[i] The 2015 Penal Code (revised in 2017) has introduced several new provisions, building upon and adjusting the regulations found in the 1999 Penal Code (revised in 2009). Specifically, Article 234 - Offences against regulations on protection of wild animals, and Article 244 - Offences against regulations on protection of endangered, rare animals, have expanded the scope of wild species under protection. These articles also specify quantitative elements such as the number, weight, or value of the wildlife involved, as well as the amount of illegal profits gained. Furthermore, the penalties for individuals have been increased, with the maximum imprisonment extended from 7 to 15 years and the maximum monetary fine raised from 500 million to 2 billion VND. Notably, in addition to individuals, commercial legal entities can now be held criminally liable for these two offenses, facing potential fines of up to 15 billion VND. In addition, the issuance of Resolution No. 05/2018/NQ-HĐTP guiding the application of Article 234 on offences against regulations on protection of wild animals and Article 244 offenses against regulations on endangered, rare animals of the Penal Code (hereinafter referred to as Resolution No. 05/2018), together with case law No. 58/2023/AL[ii] relating to the determination of aggravating circumstances as regulated in point c Clause 3 Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code, has promptly supported and improved the effectiveness of investigation, prosecution and adjudication of wildlife-related crimes. PART I: GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS Based on results of our legal review and analysis, survey on the implementation of wildlife-related articles of the Penal Code in some localities, and consultations with representatives of wildlife protection and management authorities, law enforcement and judicial agencies, and legal research and training institutions at the workshop on “Handling criminal cases related to wildlife: Challenges and Solutions” organized by WCS Viet Nam in collaboration with the Procuratorate University’s branch in Ho Chi Minh City and the Faculty of Criminal Law - Ho Chi Minh City University of Law on March 21, 2025, we have identified some shortcomings in the provisions of Article 234 and Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code as follows: The quantitative threshold for criminal prosecution under Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code is too high, leading to the majority of violations that are handled by administrative penalties only. According to statistics from the Supreme People's Procuracy, in the period of 2022 - 2023, there were 17 cases that were adjudicated under Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code, involving 17 defendants (accounting for 2.87% of the total 592 defendants convicted under Articles 234 and 244 of the 2015 Penal Code).[iii] Disproportion in criminal sanctions between Article 234 and Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code: In Article 244, fines are regulated only for offences under Clause 1. Meanwhile, in Article 234, fines can be applied to both Clause 1 and Clause 2 – that is, even in cases with aggravating circumstances. This discrepancy leads to inconsistency in the criminal policy regarding acts infringing upon wildlife. Products of endangered and rare animals of Group IB in the list of endangered, and rare species of forest fauna and flora, and CITES Appendix I are not yet specified as subject to Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. Therefore, currently, the criminal procedure authorities apply the prohibited goods offences under Articles 190 and 191 of the 2015 Penal Code to handle acts of illegally transporting and trading these products, typically exemplified in cases involving pangolin scales originating from Africa.[iv] The arrangement of animal products into the same group as individuals or vital body parts necessary for life of species on the lists of endangered, and rare species prioritized protection under point b, Clause 1, Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code is not appropriate because acts infringing upon animal products cannot be considered to have the same level of harm as infringing upon individuals or vital body parts of the animals. Criminal liability has not been differentiated for products of species on the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection. Therefore, apart from the quantity of ivory and rhino horns regulated in separate clauses, regardless of how big quantity of the seized wildlife, the violator will only be handled under point b Clause 1, Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. Lack of criminalization of violation acts related to the body parts of species thar are subject to Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. This leads to an inconsistency where the same violation acts related to the body parts of animals belonging to a species group with a higher level of protection under Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code may not result in criminal prosecution if it does not fall within the scope of regulations on "vital body parts", whereas Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code has already regulated the value of animal body parts as a basis for criminal prosecution. The failure to prosecute for criminal liability in cases of seizing animals of different classes but not meeting the required quantity for each class as regulated in Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code according to Article 6 of Resolution 05/2018/NQ-HDTP leads to unfairness in assessing the danger of the criminal act. For example,  an individual illegally trading 17 specimens of endangered and rare animals of Group IB in the list of endangered, and rare species of forest fauna and flora, and or CITES Appendix I (including: 02 mammal specimens, 06 bird specimens, 09 specimens of other animal classes) will not be prosecuted for criminal liability; whereas a subject found illegally trading 03 mammal specimens listed in the CITES Appendix I will be penalized according to the provisions in Clause 1 Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. There is inconsistency in the use of the term "individual specimen" in Article 234 and Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. Although guidance on understanding of the "individual specimen" was provided in Resolution No. 05/2018, the "individual specimen" is only mentioned in point b, Clause 1, Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code and is not further mentioned in Clauses 2 and 3 of this article, nor it is regulated in Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code. There is a contradiction in the quantitative thresholds for bear specimens under Clause 2, Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. Only the Sun Bear and Asiatic Black Bear are listed In the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection, and Group IB in the list of endangered and rare species of forest fauna and flora; while many other bear species are listed under CITES Appendix I, such as the Giant Panda, Spectacled Bear, Sloth Bear etc. Thus, if there is an act of illegally trading or killing a bear species that is only listed under CITES Appendix I but not in the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection... with a quantity from 03 to 07 specimens, there are sufficient grounds to charge under point d, Clause 1 Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code; whereas point c, Clause 2 of this Article only quantifies from 03 to 05 bear specimens. Failure to fully address cases of recidivism in the field of wildlife protection. Currently, there are two articles (Article 234 and Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code) that directly regulate acts infringing upon wildlife. If the  recidivism is only defined within each of those specific articles, then there may be a legal loophole in handling cases of recidivism involving similar acts between the two articles.  Currently, there are two different perspectives on determining the awareness of the offender, leading to inconsistency in charging. Firstly, to establish criminal liability, the criminal procedure authorities are required to prove that the offender clearly knew it was wildlife before committing the act. Secondly, there is a view that all subjects are presumed to know, and it is not necessary to prove the element of "knowing" in each specific case. Based on the above-identified shortcomings, we propose some recommendations to improve provisions of the Article 234 and Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code as follows: 1. Regarding the crime of violating regulations on the protection of wild animals (Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code) First, adjust and reduce the threshold value of wild animals, body parts of species in the Group IIB of the list of endangered and rare species of fauna and flora or CITES Appendix II, and other wildlife under Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code as a basis for criminal prosecution. Second, remove the fine penalty in Clause 2 of Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code to ensure consistency, proportionality, and reasonableness between the two articles closely related to the same group of criminal acts. 2. Regarding the crime of violating regulations on the protection of endangered and rare animals (Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code) First, supplement the products of wildlife from Group IB in the list of endangered and rare species of forest fauna and flora and CITES Appendix I, especially pangolin scales, as subjects covered by Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code, and simultaneously introduce specific quantitative criteria as a basis for criminal prosecution. Second, differentiate criminal liability for products of species in the list of endangered, and rare species prioritized protection under point b Clause 1, Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code and separate them into a distinct point, not grouped with individual specimens or vital body parts of this species. Third, supplement body parts as subject covered by Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. Fourth, supplement regulations allowing the cumulation of harmed species from different classes and converting them to a wildlife class for which the law stipulates the highest minimum quantity threshold to determine the crime and penalty. Fifth, remove the "bear" species as a specific subject under point c, Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. 3. Regarding both of the aforementioned crimes First, re-examine the use of the term "individual specimen" in these two articles to ensure consistency. Second, amend the provision “...was administratively sanctioned for one of the acts regulated in Article 234 or Article 244 of the Penal Code, or was convicted for one of these two crimes and whose criminal record has not been expunged, but commits the violation again”. Furthermore, it is necessary to have a guidelines on determining the defendant’s mental state (mens rea) of the crimes under Article 234 and Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. It is an objective and urgent task for the continuous improvement of the provisions of the Penal Code related to crimes of violating regulations on the protection of wildlife, endangered and rare animals. The recommendations proposed above not only contribute to enhancing the legal effectiveness, ensuring consistency and feasibility of the criminal legislation, but also demonstrate Viet Nam's strong commitment to fulfilling international obligations and effectively protecting the nation's biodiversity resources.     PART II: COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE 234, ARTICLE 244 OF THE 2015 PENAL CODE[v] Point, Clause, (as draft) Shortcomings and Challenges Recommendations Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code Point a, b Clause 1 According to the current Penal Code, in the basic framework for criminal prosecution, the value of the subject is determined as follows: for species in Group IIB of the list of endangered and rare species of forest fauna and flora or CITES Appendix II with value from 150,000,000 VND, for other wildlife with value from 300,000,000 VND. In reality, results of reviewing wildlife cases and violations as well as referencing to the market prices of the above species shows that it is very rare that the seized exhibits in a single case have a sufficient value to constitute a crime. Therefore, most of the cases are handled as administrative violations. According to statistics from the Supreme People's Procuracy, in the period 2022-2023, there were about 17 cases that were adjudicated under Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code, involving 17 defendants (accounting for 2.87% of the total 592 defendants convicted under Articles 234 and 244 of the 2015 Penal Code).[vi] The draft revised article's proposal to raise the value threshold of seized exhibits in the basic framework - for species in Group IIB of the list of endangered and rare species of forest fauna and flora or CITES Appendix II from VND 300,000,000, and for other wildlife from VND 600,000,000 - will make criminal handling under Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code even more difficult due to not reaching the threshold for establishing criminal liability. Thus, it will not be sufficiently deterrent against acts violating wildlife. Maintain the quantitative thresholds for the value of wildlife species and illicit gains as regulated in the current Penal Code.     Clause 2 Under Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code, the fine penalty is only applied to crimes under Clause 1, whereas under Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code, the fine penalty can be applied to both Clause 1 and Clause 2. This difference can lead to inconsistencies in the practical application of the law. For instance, an individual committing a serious violation prosecuted under Clause 2, Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code, may only be subject to a fine penalty and not imprisonment. Meanwhile, another individual committing a less serious violation but prosecuted under Clause 1, Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code may have to serve a prison sentence. This creates irrationality in criminal policy, as the severity of the violation is not consistently reflected in the forms of punishment. Remove the fine penalty in Clause 2 of the Article.   Proposed amendment to Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code: Article 234. Offences against regulations on protection of wild animals 1. A person who commits any of the following acts, except in the circumstances specified in Article 242 and Article 244 of this Code, shall be liable to a fine from VND 100,000,000 to VND 600,000,000, non-custodial reform for up to 03 years, or imprisonment from 06 months to 03 years. a) Illegally hunting, killing, raising, keeping, possessing, transporting, trading animals in the list of endangered, and rare species of forest fauna and flora Group IIB or CITES Appendix II valued from VND 300.000.000 150,000,000 to under VND 1.000.000.000 500,000,000 or other wildlife valued from VND 600.000.000 300,000,000 to under VND 1.400.000.000 700,000,000 or with illicit gains from VND 100.000.000 50,000,000 to under VND 400.000.000 200,000,000; b) Illegally storing, transporting, or trading individuals, body parts, or products of animals on the list of endangered, and rare species of forest fauna and flora Group IIB or CITES Appendix II  valued from VND 300.000.000 150,000,000 to under VND 1.000.000.000 500,000,000, or other wild animals valued from VND 600.000.000 300,000,000 to under VND 1.400.000.000 700,000,000, or illicitly gaining from VND 100.000.000 50,000,000 to under VND 400.000.000 200,000,000; c) Illegally hunting, killing, raising, keeping, storing, transporting, or trading animals, individuals, body parts, or products of animals, illicitly gaining or valued below the level specified in point a, point b of this Clause, while having incurred an administrative sanctions for any of the offenses specified in Article 234 or Article 244 of this Code, or having unspent conviction of one of these two crimes. 2. This offence committed in one of the following circumstances shall be subject to a fine from 300.000.000 600,000,000 VND to 1.500.000.000 3,000,000,000 VND, or imprisonment from 03 years to 07 years: a) Committed by an organized group; b) Abusing position or power; c) Abusing the name of an agency or organisation; d) Using banned hunting equipment; đ) Hunting in a no-hunting area or during a prohibited time; e) Transporting or trading across the border; g) Animals, individuals, body parts, or products of animals on the list of endangered, and rare species of forest fauna and flora Group IIB or CITES Appendix II valued from VND 1,000,000,000 500,000,000 to under VND 2,000,000,000 1,000,000,000, or of other wild animals valued from VND 1,400,000,000 700,000,000 to under VND 1,500,000,000 500.000.000; h) Illicitly gaining from 200,000,000 VND to under 500,000,000 VND; i) Dangerous recidivism. 3. This offence committed in any of the following circumstances carries a penalty of 07 - 12 years' imprisonment: a) Animals, individuals, body parts, or products of animals on the list of endangered, and rare species of forest fauna and flora Group IIB or CITES Appendix II, valued at 2.000.000.000 1,000,000,000 VND or more, or of other wild animals valued at 3.000.000.000 1,500,000,000 VND or more; b) Illicitly gaining 1.000.000.000 500,000,000 VND or more. 4. The offender may also be liable to a fine from 100,000,000 VND to 400,000,000 VND, prohibition from holding certain positions, practising certain professions, or performing certain jobs from 01 year to 05 years. 5. Commercial legal entities committing crimes specified in this Article shall be penalised as follows: a) Committing this offence in any of the circumstances specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall be subject to a fine from 600,000,000 VND to 2,000,000,000 VND; b) Committing this offence in any of the circumstances specified in points a, d, đ, e, g, h, and i of Clause 2 of this Article shall be subject to a fine from 2,000,000,000 VND to 6,000,000,000 VND; c) Committing this offence in any of the circumstances specified in Clause 3 of this Article shall be subject to a fine from 6,000,000,000 VND to 12,000,000,000 VND, or suspension of operation for a fixed term from 06 months to 03 years; d) Committing this offence in any of the circumstances specified in Article 79 of this Code shall have their operation permanently suspended; đ) Commercial legal entities may also be liable to a fine from 100,000,000 VND to 400,000,000 VND, prohibition from doing business, operating in certain specific fields, or raising capital from 01 year to 03 years. Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code Point b Clause 1 Criminal liability has not been differentiated at point b Clause 1 Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code: apart from ivory and rhino horn in separate Clauses, regardless of whether a large or extremely large quantity of wildlife is seized, the subject is only handled according to Clause 1 Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. This leads to irrationality because for elephant ivory, 02 kg is a basis for criminal prosecution, whereas if a similar act is committed with elephant tail hair belonging to the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection, any quantity can be considered a crime; The grouping of animal products together with individuals or vital body parts of wildlife on the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection under point b, Clause 1, Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code is not appropriate because the acts of harming animal products cannot be considered to have a similar level of harm as harming individuals or vital body parts of wildlife. For example, illegally trading of 01 tiger skeleton is more serious than illegally trading 01 tiger tooth. Remove “products of animals” at point b, Clause 1, and instead add a separate point to regulate animal products. Differentiate criminal liability for products of all species. Point c Clause 1 There are 08 pangolin species, including 04 species distributed in Asia and 04 species distributed in Africa. All of these pangolin species are listed in CITES Appendix I,[vii] of which 02 Asian pangolin species, the Golden Pangolin (also known as Chinese Pangolin) and the Java Pangolin (also known as Sunda Pangolin), are included in the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection in Viet Nam, meaning they have a highest level of protection. The current estimated value of various wildlife products is as follows: Ivory: 15,000,000 – 20,000,000 VND/1 kg[viii] Rhino horn: 300,000,000 – 400,000,000 VND /1 kg[ix] Pangolin scales of species distributed in Africa (in 04 verdicts[x]): average about 2,380,000 VND /kg Pangolin scales of species distributed in Asia (in 03 verdicts [xi]):  average about 5,780,000 VND/kg Based on a comparison of the transaction values of different product types, it can be observed that the proposed valuation  threshold for pangolin scales in the draft revised article is only suitable for Chinese pangolins and Java Pangolin – species enjoying a higher level of protection and possessing higher commercial value in Viet Nam. However, practice of law enforcement and judicial agencies indicates that majority of cases involving the illegal trade and transportation of pangolin scales detected and handled in Viet Nam related to pangolin scales originating from Africa, which are typically found in large volume and have a lower commercial value in the black market.   Consequently, applying the valuation level set for Java and Chinese pangolin scales to other pangolin species would result in unfairness and would not accurately reflect the nature of the violation or the actual value of the seized exhibits. Adjust the valuation threshold of pangolin scales based on the method of calculating the average value across pangolin species and comparing it with the market prices of elephant ivory and rhino horn (refer to the illustrative table below).   In addition, the option of valuing pangolin scales or setting the quantifying pangolin scales by Asian and African pangolin groups can also be considered. Table: Estimated values of wildlife product types and wildlife volumes and quantities as proposed in the draft revision of the Penal Code: Article 244 (as draft) Market price - VND (1 kg) Clause 1 Clause 2 Clause 3 Product Weight (kg) Total price (VND) Weight (kg) Total price (VND) Weight (kg) Total price (VND)   Ivory  17,500,000 2 - 20 35,000,000 - 350,000,000 20 - 90 350,000,000 -1,575,000,000 >90 1,575,000,000   Rhino horn  350,000,000 0.05 - 1 17,500,000 -350,000,000 1 - 9 350,000,000 - 3,150,000,000 >9 3,150,000,000   Pangolin scale (Chinese pangolin, Sunda pangolin)  5,780,000 3 - 60 17,340,000 -346,800,000 60 - 250 346,800,000 - 1,445,000,000 >250 1,445,000,000   Pangolin scale (other pangolin species)  2,380,000 3 - 60 7,140,000 -142,000,000 60 - 250 142,800,000 - 595,000,000 >250 595,000,000   Pangolin scale (proposed)  4,080,000 5 - 90 20,400,000 -367,200,000 90 - 400 367,200,000 - 1,632,000,000 >400 1,632,000,000       Point g Clause 1 Overlaps with the content of point a and point b, Clause 1, regarding the illegal storage, transportation, and trading of animals on the list of endangered and rare species prioritized for protection (the quantity of animals serving as the basis for criminal prosecution) Remove this point. Clause 1 Criminalization has not yet been applied to acts involving infringement upon the body parts of the species falling within the scope of this article. According to the provisions of the article, the subject is limited to “vital body parts ” of animal on the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection or Group IB of the list of endangered and rare species of forest fauna and flora, and CITES Appendix I, but has not yet regulated other body parts. Meanwhile, Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code has stipulated the value of body parts of species at a lower level of protection than this Article, to serve as a basis for criminal prosecution. This leads to an inconsistency where, for the same act involving infringement upon animal body parts, the acts against species with a higher level of protection under Article 244 of the Penal Code may not be criminally prosecuted if the animal body parts do not fall within the scope of the regulation on “vital body parts”. With this approach, it can be seen that the scope of protection under Article 234 of the 2015 Penal Code appears somewhat more comprehensive in terms of considering the value of each animal body part, instead of being limited only to “vital body parts” only as stipulated in Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code. Add 'body parts' as the subject of this Article Criminal penalties have not been stipulated for products of species in Group IB of the list of endangered and rare species of forest fauna and flora or CITES Appendix I that are not on the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection, except elephant ivory, rhino horn, and pangolin scales. Thus, similar to handling of the cases related to pangolin scales of species on CITES Appendix I, but not on the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection, criminal procedure authorities currently must apply the offenses related to prohibited goods under Articles 190 and 191 of the 2015 Penal Code. Add products of species in Group IB of the list of endangered and rare species of forest fauna and flora or CITES Appendix I that are not on the list of endangered and rare species prioritized protection as the subject of this Article.   Proposed amendment to Article 244 of the 2015 Penal Code: Article 244. Offences against regulations on protection of endangered and rare animals 1. Any person who violates regulations on the protection of animals on the list of endangered, and rare species prioritised for protection or the list of endangered, and rare species of forest fauna and flora Group IB or CITES Appendix I in any of the following circumstances shall be liable to a fine of from 1,000,000,000 VND to 4,000,000,000 VND or face a penalty of from 01 year to 05 years’ imprisonment: a) Illegally hunting, killing, raising, keeping, transporting, or trading animals on the list of endangered, and rare species prioritized protection; b) Illegally storing, transporting, or trading animals, vital body parts or products of animals specified at point a of this Clause; c) Illegally storing, transporting, or trading elephant ivory with a quantity ranging from 02 kilogram to under 20 kilogram; rhino horn with a quantity ranging from 50 grams to under 01 kilogram; pangolin scales ranging from 03kg 05 kilogram to under 60kg 90 kilogram; d) Illegally hunting, killing, raising, keeping in captivity, transporting, or trading animals on the list of endangered, and rare species of forest fauna and flora Group IB or CITES Appendix I that are not species specified at point a of this Clause, in a quantity of from 03 to 07 individuals of class mammalia, from 07 to 10 individuals of class birds or reptiles, or from 10 to 15 individuals of other classes; đ) Illegally storing, transporting, or trading individuals, vital body parts of from 03 to 07 individuals of class mammalia, from 07 to 10 individuals of class birds or reptiles, or from 10 to 15 individuals of other classes specified at point d of this Clause. e) Illegally storing, transporting, or trading body parts, products of animals that do not fall under point c of this Clause, with a value from 50,000,000 VND to 150,000,000 VND, or earning illicit profits ranging from 50,000,000 VND to under 200,000,000 VND; g) Illegally hunting, killing, raising, keeping in captivity, transporting, or trading animals, or illegally storing, transporting, or trading specimens, vital body parts, body parts, or products of animals with a quantity or value below the thresholds specified at points c, d, đ, and e đ of this Clause, while having incurred an administrative penalties for any of the offenses stipulated in Article 234 or Article 244 of this Code or having an unspent conviction of one of these two crimes. g) Illegally storing, transporting, or trading animals on the list of endangered, and rare species prioritised for protection with a value ranging from 100,000,000 VND to under 2,000,000,000 VND.   2. This offence committed in any of the following circumstances carries a penalty of 05 - 10 years' imprisonment: a) The quantity of animals, individuals, or vital body parts of from 03 to 07 individuals of class mammals, from 07 to 10 individuals of class birds or reptiles, or from 10 to 15 individuals of other animal classes specified at point a, Clause 1 of this Article; b) The quantity of animals, individuals, or vital body parts of from 08 to 11 individuals of class mammals, from 11 to 15 individuals of class birds or reptiles, or from 16 to 20 individuals of other animal classes specified at point d, Clause 1 of this Article; c) From 01 to 02 individuals of elephants, rhinos, or body parts inseparable from the life of from 01 to 02 individuals of elephants, rhinos; from 03 to 05 individuals of bears, tigers, or vital body parts from 03 to 05 individuals of bears, tigers; d) Elephant ivory with a quantity ranging from 20 kilograms to under 90 kilograms; rhino horn with a quantity ranging from 01 kilogram to under 09 kilograms; pangolin scales with a quantity ranging from 60 90 kilograms to under 250 400 kilograms; đ) Body parts, products of animals that do not fall under point d of this Clause, with a value of from 150,000,000 VND to 300,000,000 VND, or earning illicit profits ranging from 200,000,000 VND to under 500,000,000 VND; e) Committed by an organized group; g) Abusing one's position or power, or abusing the name of an agency or organisation; h) Using banned hunting equipment; i) Hunting in a no-hunting area or during a prohibited time; k) Transporting and trading across borders; l) Dangerous recidivism. l) Illegally storing, transporting, or trading animals on the List of Endangered and Rare Species prioritised for protection with a value ranging from 2,000,000,000 VND to under 18,000,000,000 VND. 3. This offence committed in any of the following circumstances carries a penalty of 10 - 15 years' imprisonment: a) The quantity of animals, individuals, or vital body parts of 08 or more individuals of mammals, 11 or more individuals of birds or reptiles, or 16 or more individuals of other animal classes specified at point a, Clause 1 of this Article; b) The quantity of animals, individuals, or vital body parts of 12 or more individuals of mammals, 16 or more individuals of birds or reptiles, or 21 or more individuals of other animal classes specified at point d, Clause 1 of this Article; c) From 03 or more individuals of elephants, rhinos, or vital body parts of 03 or more individuals of elephants, rhinos; 06 or more individuals of bears, tigers, or vital body parts of 06 or more individuals of bears, tigers; d) Elephant ivory with a quantity of 90 kilograms or more; rhino horn with a quantity of 09 kilograms or more; pangolin scales with a quantity of 250 400 kilograms or more; đ) Body parts, products of animals that do not fall under point d of this Clause, with a value of 300,000,000 VND or more, or earning illicit profits exceeding 500,000,000 VND; đ) Illegally storing, transporting, or trading animals on the List of Endangered and Rare Species prioritised for protection with a value of 18,000,000,000 VND or more. 4. The offender may also be liable to a fine of between 100,000,000 VND and 400,000,000 VND, prohibited from holding certain positions, practising certain professions, or doing certain jobs for a period of between 01 year and 05 years. 5. Commercial legal entities committing the crime specified in this Article shall be penalised as follows: a) Committing this offense in any of the circumstances specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall be liable to a fine of from 2,000,000,000 VND to 10,000,000,000 VND; b) Committing this offense in any of the circumstances specified in points a, b, c, d, đ, g, h, i and k of Clause 2 of this Article shall be liable to a fine of from 10,000,000,000 VND to 20,000,000,000 VND; c) Committing this offense in any of the circumstances specified in Clause 3 of this Article shall be liable to a fine of between 20,000,000,000 VND and 30,000,000,000 VND or suspension of operation for a definite period of from 06 months to 03 years; d) Committing this offense in any of the circumstances specified in Article 79 of the Penal Code shall be liable to permanent suspension of operation; đ) Commercial legal entities may also be liable to a fine of from 600,000,000 VND to 1,200,000,000 VND, prohibited from doing business, operating in certain fields, or raising capital for a period of from 01 year to 03 years.           References: WCS Viet Nam, Procuratorate University’s branch in Ho Chi Minh City and the Criminal Law Faculty - Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. (2025). Workshop Proceedings "Handling criminal wildlife cases: Challenges and Solutions”. WCS Viet Nam. (2024). Report on the Review of the Vietnamese Legal Framework Related to Wildlife. Ha Noi, Viet Nam: WCS Viet Nam.   [i] See the table evaluating the status of legal development related to the implementation of the CITES Convention by the CITES Secretariat: https://cites.org/eng/legislation/parties. [ii] See details of Case Law No. 58/2023/AL regarding the aggravating circumstances for sentencing at Point c, Clause 3, Article 244 of the Penal Code at: https://anle.toaan.gov.vn/webcenter/portal/anle/chitietanle?dDocName=TAND292157. [iii] WCS Viet Nam (2024). Report on the situation of wildlife crime and law enforcement responses in Viet Nam, Period 2022-2023. Hanoi, Viet Nam: WCS Viet Nam. [iv] According to the database of WCS Viet Nam, in the period 2018-2023, Vietnamese competent authorities seized 52,319 kg of pangolin scales, mainly scales from African pangolin species. However, the practical application of law in handling cases related to African pangolin scales still faces difficulties, such as some localities were able to appraise the value of pangolin scales to handle according to Articles 190 and 191 of the 2015 Penal Code, but some localities were unable to appraise the value. [v] According to the content of the draft Penal Code (amended) issued together with the Appraisal dossier of the draft Penal Code project (amended) published on the electronic portal of the Ministry of Justice on April 3, 2025. [vi] WCS Viet Nam (2024). Report on the situation of wildlife crime and law enforcement responses in Viet Nam, Period 2022-2023. WCS Viet Nam. Hanoi, Viet Nam. [vii] See Appendix II issued together with Notification No. 25/TB-CTVN dated February 17, 2023, of the CITES Management Authority of Viet Nam on the announcement of the list of wild animal and plant species in the CITES Appendices. [viii] According to open sources: transaction prices on the black market. [ix] According to open sources: transaction prices on the black market. [x] Verdict No. 113/2024 dated June 26, 2024, of the People's Court of Nghe An province: 2,543.5 kg of pangolin scales of Giant pangolin, Long-tailed pangolin, White-bellied pangolin species, appraised value: 12,672,500,000 VND, i.e., 4,982,307 VND/kg (price surveyed in August 2023). Verdict No. 80/2023/HSST dated June 21, 2023, of the People's Court of Cao Bang province: 200 kg of Giant pangolin scales, appraised value 370,000,000 VND, i.e., 1,850,000 VND/kg (price surveyed in July 2022). Verdict No. 234/2022/HSPT dated July 12, 2022, of the People's Court of Hanoi City: 984 kg of White-bellied tree pangolin scales, appraised value 1,328,400,000 VND, i.e., 1,350,000 VND/kg (price surveyed in April 2021). Verdict No. 45/2021/HSST dated June 02, 2021, of the People's Court of Hung Yen province: 780 kg of Ground pangolin and White-bellied tree pangolin scales, appraised value 1,053,000,000 VND, i.e., 1,350,000 VND/kg (price surveyed in August 2020). [xi] Verdict No. 46/2022/HSST dated October 31, 2022, of the People's Court of Huong Khe district, Ha Tinh province: suspect Nguyen Song H bought 0.6 kg of Javan pangolin scales for the price of 3,600,000 VND, i.e., 6,000,000 VND/kg (transaction time in May 2022) erdict No. 267/2022/HSST dated November 30, 2022, of the People's Court of Tan Uyen town, Binh Duong province: suspect Tran Hong H sold 250 grams of Javan pangolin scales for the price of 2,400,000 VND, i.e., 9,600,000 VND/kg (transaction time in September 2022). Verdict No. 41/2023/HSST dated September 18, 2023, of the People's Court of Can Loc district, Ha Tinh province: suspect Dang Van D bought 15.8 kg of Javan pangolin scales for the price of 28,000,000 VND, i.e., 1,750,000 VND/kg (transaction time in April 2023). Nguyen, Thang Wed, 21 May 2025 02:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24572 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24277/Training-on-applying-problem-oriented-wildlife-protection-approach-in-legal-research-for-law-students.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=24277 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24277&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24277/Training-on-applying-problem-oriented-wildlife-protection-approach-in-legal-research-for-law-students.aspx In Ha Noi, March 28-29, 2025, and Ninh Binh, March 30, 2025, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) organized a training on “Applying the problem-oriented wildlife protection in legal research for law students”. Assoc.Prof.Dr. Le Huynh Tan Duy - Deputy Head of the Faculty of Criminal Law, Head of the Department of Criminal Procedure Law, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, share with students, Ha Noi, March 2025 15 law students from the University of Law – Viet Nam National University in Hanoi (VNU-UL) and Hanoi Law University (HLU) with feasible abstracts were selected to participate in the training course that was delivered by WCS team and trainers from Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (HCMULAW). On the first day of the training, students were updated on the legal framework on wildlife protection, situation of wildlife violations and crime in Viet Nam, and law enforcement responses. They were also provided with information of the involvement of Vietnamese in illegal wildlife poaching and agarwood harvesting in Thailand and Malaysia, and the possibility to apply the problem-oriented wildlife protection (POWP) approach to solve this issue. On the second day of the training, students were trained in using the POWP approach in conducting legal research and developing legal articles on wildlife protection topics that can be submitted for publication in national and international journals. Particularly, students received feedback from the trainers and WCS to finalize their research topics as well as improve their abstracts. Students had an opportunity to explore the wildlife rescue efforts in Cuc Phuong National Park on the last day of the training. This field trip helped students to gain practical insights into wildlife protection in Viet Nam that can be useful for their research plans. Students visit wildlife rescue centers at Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh, March 2025 The training was conducted within the framework of the project “Transboundary problem-solving to prevent the international trafficking of Malayan tigers” funded by the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) under the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Nguyen, Thang Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24277 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24263/Workshop-Handling-criminal-wildlife-cases-challenges-and-solutions.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=24263 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24263&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24263/Workshop-Handling-criminal-wildlife-cases-challenges-and-solutions.aspx Ho Chi Minh City, March 21, 2025, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Program (WCS Viet Nam) in collaboration with the Procuratorate University’s branch in Ho Chi Minh City and the Criminal Law Faculty - Ho Chi Minh City University of Law organized a  workshop on “Handling criminal wildlife cases: challenges and solutions”. Participants attended the workshop, Ho Chi Minh City, March 2025 More than 50 participants from wildlife management authorities, law enforcement agencies, and judiciary at the central and local levels, including those from Ho Chi Minh City, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, and Cao Bang attended the event, together with representatives from legal training and research institutions, as well as experts in wildlife protection. The workshop provided a platform for the lecturers and researchers in wildlife protection laws, and law enforcement practitioners to connect and discuss legal reforms aimed at effectively preventing and combating wildlife crime. Associate Professor, Dr. Le Huynh Tan Duy presented on the orientation to finalize the Criminal Law on wildlife protection, Ho Chi Minh City, March 2025 At the workshop, participants were updated with the situation of wildlife violations and crime in Viet Nam from 2020 to 2024, challenges in handling criminal wildlife cases, and directions for improving the legal framework on wildlife protection. Key topics for discussion included determining wildlife crime based on Penal Code’s regulations, judicial examination and valuation of wildlife products, especially African pangolin scales, and the preservation and handling of wildlife exhibits. Furthermore, the participants also shared their specific proposals for amendments of wildlife-related articles in the Penal Code 2015 (revised in 2017) and Resolution No. 05/2018/NQ-HDTP dated November 05, 2018 of the Justice Council of the Supreme People’s Court on the application of Article 234 on offences against regulations on protection of wild animals, and Article 244 on offences against regulations on protection of endangered and rare animals of the Penal Code aiming to enhance the effectiveness of prosecuting cases involving the illegal possession, transportation, and trade of wildlife in general, and pangolin scales in particular. The workshop was conducted within the framework of the project “Reducing the trafficking of pangolins in Asia” funded by “Pangolin Crisis Fund”, an initiative by the Wildlife Conservation Network and Save Pangolins, implemented by WCS Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:06:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24263 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24027/Project-introduction-meeting-and-training-on-wildlife-crime-prevention.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=24027 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24027&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/24027/Project-introduction-meeting-and-training-on-wildlife-crime-prevention.aspx On December 05-06, 2024, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) organized a " Project introduction meeting and training on wildlife crime prevention."  Mr. Pham Thanh Trung, Program Manager, WCS Viet Nam shares about project activities, Ha Noi, December 2024 In recent years, the tiger population in Malaysia has significantly declined due to illegal hunting, trading, and transportation of tigers and tiger products. Analysis of arrests in Malaysia has revealed a large number of involved Vietnamese people, particularly those from Quang Binh province and other central provinces. To prevent and reduce the involvement of Vietnamse people in illegal hunting, trading, and transportation of wildlife in Malaysia and from Malaysia to Viet Nam, WCS Viet Nam and WCS Malaysia, in collaboration with partners in both countries, have developed and implemented the project “Transboundary problem-solving to prevent the international trafficking of Malayan tigers”.   To provide an overview of the project and the activities to be implemented in both countries, WCS Viet Nam organized a project introduction meeting and consulted with local partners on the implementation plan for some activities in Viet Nam. The meeting was attended by 10 representatives from 4 social organizations operating in Quang Binh province and lecturers from the Law School, Viet Nam National University, Hanoi.  MSc. Le Xuan Luc, Hanoi Procuracy University, shares about crime prevention theory, Ha Noi, December 2024 During this event, WCS Viet Nam also conducted a training on the basic theoretical framework for wildlife crime prevention. The participants were updated on the legal violations related to wildlife protection in Viet Nam as well as the situation of illegal trade and transportation of wildlife from Malaysia to Viet Nam. Based on this, the participants discussed crime prevention measures and practiced applying legal communication activities in wildlife crime prevention.   MSc. Hoang Hai Yen, Hanoi Procuracy University, shares about skills in planning and implementing legal dissemination and communication, Ha Noi, December 2024 The meeting and training were conducted within the framework of the project “Transboundary problem-solving to prevent the international trafficking of Malayan tigers” funded by the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) under the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  Nguyen, Thang Tue, 10 Dec 2024 04:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24027 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/23642/Workshop-on-Preventing-and-combating-illegal-wildlife-trade-using-e-commerce-platforms-and-digital-payments.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=23642 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23642&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/23642/Workshop-on-Preventing-and-combating-illegal-wildlife-trade-using-e-commerce-platforms-and-digital-payments.aspx Ninh Binh, September 27, 2024, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) in collaboration with the Banking Academy of Viet Nam (BAV) organized the workshop on “Preventing and combating illegal wildlife trade using e-commerce platforms and digital payments”. Participants attended the workshops, Ninh Bình, September 2024 About 50 participants who are representatives of the state management and law enforcement agencies on wildlife protection, management authorities on e-commerce and digital payments, commercial banks and non-bank financial service providers, and relevant faculties of the BAV and University of Law - Viet Nam National University, attended the workshop. According to recent studies of WCS and other wildlife conservation organizations, the diversity of e-commerce business models and the convenience of digital payments in Viet Nam have negatively contributed to an increase in illegal wildlife trade (IWT) activities, especially online trading since the COVID-19. Therefore, the workshop was organized to raise awareness among state management and law enforcement agencies, e-commerce and digital payment service providers of the suspicious transactions related to IWT; and propose solutions to promote inter-agency cooperation among stakeholders in preventing and combating online IWT. At the workshop, participants were updated on the IWT situation in Viet Nam from 2018 to 2023, together with detailed information on the methods and modus operandi used by criminals on e-commerce platforms and digital payment channels. A representative from the Anti-Money Laundering Department of the State Bank presented a summary of the National Risk Assessment Report on Money Laundering for the period of 2018-2022, emphasizing the risks of money laundering in environmental crimes and identifying suspicious transactions related to IWT using e-banking services. Participants then discussed the Vietnamese government’s efforts to develop and improve the legal framework for management of e-commerce and digital transactions, and handling relevant violations, including the online illegal trading and advertising of wildlife. Representatives of the Ministry of Information and Communications,  and the Department of E-Commerce and Digital Economy - Ministry of Industry and Trade, shared their practical insights on managing and handling violations related to illegal advertising and trading of wildlife on e-commerce and social media  platforms, highlighting challenges such as limited knowledge and information on wildlife protection, the shortage of staff, inadequate and inconsistent awareness and participation of e-commerce and digital payment service providers in preventing and combating IWT. During the panel discussion and presentations, experts, guest speakers and participants also discussed the role and practices of e-commerce and social media  platforms, commercial banks, and non-bank financial service providers in monitoring and identifying suspicious transactions related to IWT. Especially, the development and implementation of a mechanism for sharing information between service providers; reporting violations to relevant state management agencies such as the State Bank, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as coordinating with law enforcement and judicial agencies such as forest rangers, tax authorities, customs, market surveillance, police, and prosecutors, was proposed as effective solutions to enhance coordination between law enforcement agencies and relevant parties in detecting, handling, and preventing wildlife-related violations using e-commerce platforms and digital payments. WCS Viet Nam acknowledged the suggestions and will include them in future cooperation plans with relevant partners. Participants discussed on the role of online payment service providers in CWT, Ninh Binh, September 2024 The workshop was conducted within the framework of the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State. Nguyen, Thang Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23642 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/23631/Seminar-on-Assessing-the-risks-of-violations-in-the-wildlife-management-and-enforcement-of-wildlife-protection-legislation.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=23631 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23631&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/23631/Seminar-on-Assessing-the-risks-of-violations-in-the-wildlife-management-and-enforcement-of-wildlife-protection-legislation.aspx Thua Thien Hue, September 24, 2024, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) in collaboration with the Faculty of Criminal Law, University of Law, Hue University organized a seminar on “Assessing the risks of violations in the wildlife management and enforcement of wildlife protection legislation”. Participants in the seminar, Thua Thien Hue, September 2024 About 50 participants who are representatives of wildlife management authorities, law enforcement and judicial agencies, anti-corruption bodies, press agencies, legal training and research institutions, legal experts attended the seminar. To contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement on wildlife protection as outlined in the National Strategy on Biodiversity to 2030, with a vision to 2050, and the action plan on “Strengthening the prevention and combat of biodiversity crimes by 2030, with a vision to 2050,” since June 2024, WCS Viet Nam has worked with national experts in anti-corruption and wildlife protection to conduct international experience studies and developed a survey plan on assessing the risks of violations in the wildlife management and enforcement of wildlife protection legislation in Viet Nam. Therefore, this seminar was organized to update and inform participants of the situation of illegal wildlife trade (IWT) in Viet Nam, the relationship between corruption and IWT, as well as the risks of violations in the management of wildlife supply chains. Participants also shared of the international experiences in preventing and combating corruption in the IWT. During the seminar, WCS Viet Nam also consulted with participants of the feasibility of a survey plan on assessing the risks of violations in the wildlife management and enforcement of wildlife protection legislation in Viet Nam and discussed the effective preventive measures. Ms. Ha Le Thuy shared on the relationship between corruption and IWT, Thua Thien Hue, September 2024 The seminar was conducted within the framework of the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, implemented by WCS in Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23631 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/23612/Training-courses-on-Countering-wildlife-trafficking-through-marine-based-transport-routes.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=23612 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23612&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/23612/Training-courses-on-Countering-wildlife-trafficking-through-marine-based-transport-routes.aspx Quang Binh, September 16-17, 2024, and Ho Chi Minh City, September 19-20, 2024, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) in collaboration with the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) to organize two training courses on “Countering illegal wildlife trade by sea route”. Ms. Tran Thi Kim Thanh shared the Vietnamese legal framework on wildlife protection, Ho Chi Minh city, September 2024 The training sessions were delivered by experienced experts on customs risk management, criminal law, CITES implementation and management, and wildlife identification from the GDVC’s Risk Management Department, Ha Noi Procuratorate University, Tam Dao National Park and the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources. The training courses brough together 52 participants who are customs officials from the Customs Departments of 22 provinces/cities that have seaports in Viet Nam, along with representatives from the Risk Management Department, and the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Department of the GDVC. The training courses were organized to enhance awareness and knowledge for national customs officials on countering illegal wildlife trade (IWT) by sea route. During the training, participants were updated on the situation of illegal wildlife trade and transportation though seaports in the world and Viet Nam, international and domestic legal regulations on wildlife protection, and sanctions for wildlife-related violations, especially for the illegal trade and transportation of wildlife by sea routes. They were also guided to identify wildlife species and products that are commonly smuggled through seaports in Viet Nam; and practiced skills to recognize false CITES documents for the export and import of wildlife products as well as detect signs of violations based on the customs’ risks management system. Participants practiced identifying wildlife products, Quang Binh, September 2024 The training courses also created a forum for the participants and experts to discuss the role and challenges of customs in detecting and investigating wildlife crime cases as regulated by the criminal legislation and solutions to collaborate with other relevant law enforcement agencies to improve the customs control over the operations of wildlife-related freight in the seaports. These training courses were conducted within the framework of the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, implemented by WCS in Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Sat, 21 Sep 2024 02:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23612 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/23594/Closing-workshop-of-The-Wildlife-Crime-Leadership-Initiative-for-prosecutors-in-Viet-Nam.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=23594 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23594&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/23594/Closing-workshop-of-The-Wildlife-Crime-Leadership-Initiative-for-prosecutors-in-Viet-Nam.aspx Ha Noi, September 10, 2024, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) in collaboration with the Department of International Cooperation and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (Department 13) of the Supreme People's Procuracy (SPP) organized a closing workshop of “The Wildlife Crime Leadership Initiative for prosecutors in Viet Nam” (WCLI-2). Award certificate of completion for participants of the WCLI-2, Ha Noi, September 2024 More than forty participants who are representatives of the SPP’s Department 13, the Hanoi Procuratorate University (HPU) and the Prosecutors professional training school in Ho Chi Minh city (HPS), National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA); and WCLI Cohort II participants and their supervisors/leaders attended the closing ceremony.   WCLI-2 was implemented from June 2023 to September 2024, by WCS Viet Nam in collaboration with the SPP’s Department 13, HPU and HPS for 20 prosecutors selected from 13 provinces/cities and lecturers of HPU and HPS to enhance their management and leadership skills in prosecution and supervision of handling wildlife crime cases.   After 15 months of implementation, 85% of Cohort II participants completed the WCLI-2’s three thematic courses delivered by experienced experts and lecturers from the HPU, HPS, SPP’s Department 13, AML Consulting Global (United Kingdom) and the NAPA trainers. In addition, 95% of Cohort II participants also conducted their personal counter wildlife trafficking (CWT) change projects to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in practice. About 1,195 people have benefited from their CWT change projects, where the cohort disseminated their knowledge via seminars, training sessions and other outreach activities. The cohort also led or supported 26 wildlife crime cases (6 closed and 20 ongoing). Participant shared her CWT change project, Ha Noi, September 2024 At the workshop, participants reported that participation in the WCLI-2 has made positive changes in their professional and leadership ability to CWT. Lessons learned and recommendations for improving future WCLI programs were discussed, including the balance of self-taught vs. in-class sessions, species identification training and practical exercises. These suggestions will be used for adjusting and improving content of the thematic courses and designing the next phase of WCLI for prosecutors. The workshop was organized within the framework of “The wildlife crime leadership initiative for prosecutors in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State. Nguyen, Thang Fri, 13 Sep 2024 09:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23594 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22996/Training-on-Skills-to-detect-and-handle-violations-in-the-forestry-sector.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=22996 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22996&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22996/Training-on-Skills-to-detect-and-handle-violations-in-the-forestry-sector.aspx Ha Noi, July 18–19, 2024 and Da Nang City, July 25-26, 2024, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) in collaboration with the Viet Nam National University of Forestry (VNUF), organized two training courses on “Skills to detect and handle violations in the forestry sector”. Overview of the training in Ha Noi, July 2024 The training courses brought together 65 forest rangers and officers from national parks and forest protection departments across 25 provinces/cities in Viet Nam, along with representatives from other forestry research and training institutions. Participants in the training, Da Nang, July 2024 The training programs were organized to pre-test the learning materials on “Skills to detect and handle violations in the forestry sector” that have been jointly developed by the WCS Viet Nam and VNUF. The learning materials include three core parts: (i) Legal system for management and handling violations in the forestry sector; (ii) Methods for identification of faurna and flora species that are commonly exploited and illegally traded; (iii) Skills applied in detecting and handling adminiatrative and criminal violations in the forestry sector. Particularly, the third part focused on illegal wildlife trade investigation skills including: collecting and consolidating information and evidences of the wildlife- related violations, crime scene investigation, interviewing offenders, witnesses and other related people, developing case files. Participants practice identifying some types of forest products, Ha Noi, July 2024 After the pilot training courses for both VNUF students, forest rangers and officers from national parks and forest protection departments, WCS Viet Nam and VNUF will finalize the learning material package and agree on a roadmap for integration of the learning module on “Skills to detect and handle violations in the forestry sector” into the official training program for VNUF students in the next school year (2024-2025) which will start in September 2024. These training courses were conducted within the framework of the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, implemented by WCS in Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Mon, 29 Jul 2024 11:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22996 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22950/Workshop-on-Initiatives-on-countering-illegal-trade-and-transport-of-wildlife-by-sea-route.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=22950 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22950&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22950/Workshop-on-Initiatives-on-countering-illegal-trade-and-transport-of-wildlife-by-sea-route.aspx Ninh Binh, July 13-14, 2024, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) in collaboration with the Center for Research on Maritime and International Law (SimLaw Center) of the University of Law, Viet Nam National University, Hanoi (VNU-UL) organized a workshop on “Initiative on countering illegal trade and transport of wildlife by sea route”. Participants in the workshop, Ninh Binh, July 2024 The workshop was attended by more than 40 participants who are lecturers, trainers, undergraduate and master students of the VNU-UL, lecturers from the Viet Nam Marine University, Ha Noi Law University and WCS Viet Nam. At the workshop, 08 groups of students had the opportunity to present their initiatives and suggested solutions aimed at combating illegal trade and transport of wildlife by sea route through various forms including research projects, communication products, and applied action plan. These were the outstanding proposals selected from 18 solutions and initiatives developed and proposed by 41 students who participated in the training on " Combating illegal trade and transport of wildlife by sea route A group of students presented their initiative, Ninh Binh, July 2024 After presentation of each group, reviewers from the Faculty of International Law, VNU-UL, Department of Maritime Law, Viet Nam Maritime University; SimLaw Center and WCS Viet Nam provided students with comment and suggestion for improvement of their proposals. The workshop was not only an academic playground but also an opportunity for students to exchange, learn, and develop ideas to promote the prevention of illegal trade and transport of wildlife by sea route. Attending the workshop, participants also experienced wildlife conservation work at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center as well as learn more about environmental protection at the Cuc Phuong National Park. Participants visited wildlife conservation centers in Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh, July 2024 This workshop was conducted in the framework of the project “Combating Wildlife Trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, and implemented by WCS Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Wed, 17 Jul 2024 01:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22950 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22909/Workshop-Digitalization-in-the-handling-of-wildlife-related-cases.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=22909 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22909&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22909/Workshop-Digitalization-in-the-handling-of-wildlife-related-cases.aspx Ha Nam, June 25, 2024, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam), in collaboration with the Procuracy Magazine, the Supreme People’s Procuracy (SPP), and the Ha Nam Provincial People’s Procuracy, organized the workshop on “Digitalization in the handling of wildlife-related cases.”  Participants attended the workshop, Ha Nam, June 2024 Mr. Nguyen Quang Dung, Deputy General Prosecutor of the SPP, and Ms. Hoang Bich Thuy, Country Director of WCS Viet Nam opened the workshop. The event was attended by more than 60 delegates who are leaders and prosecutors working at various SPP’s departments, the Central Military Procuracy, the People’s Procuracies of Ha Nam, Thanh Hoa, Quang Ninh, Tien Giang, and Ha Noi; the Ha Noi Procuratorate University (HPU); the Ho Chi Minh City Professional Prosecutor Training School (HPS). Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Hanh, Editor-in-Chief of Procuracy Magazine, Supreme People's Procuracy introduces guideline, Ha Nam, June 2024 At the workshop, participants were updated on the situation of legal violations related to wildlife protection globally and in Viet Nam, results of prosecution of wildlife crime cases during 2018-2023. They also shared and discussed the challenges and suggested solutions for improving the effectiveness of handling wildlife-related cases through experiences sharing and some case studies which are real cases of the Provincial People's Procuracies of Ha Noi, Quang Ninh and Ha Nam. Additionally, at the workshop, Procuracy Magazine and WCS Viet Nam introduced and got feedback from participants on the draft document on “Applying mind mapping in the handling of criminal cases and illustration of wildlife-related cases”, aimed at improving the application and effectiveness of this case handling guidance. This is one of the publications jointly developed by WCS Viet Nam and Procuracy Magazine to help prosecutors improve the quality of their prosecution of criminal cases in general and wildlife-related cases in particular, to meet requirements for promoting digital transformation within the People’s Procuracy system, as stipulated in Directive No. 03/CT-VKSTC dated May 17, 2021, of the SPP’s General Prosecutor. This activity was carried out under the framework of the project “Combating Wildlife Trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, and implemented by WCS Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Thu, 27 Jun 2024 01:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22909 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22884/Student-training-on-Countering-illegal-trade-and-transport-of-wildlife-by-sea-route.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=22884 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22884&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22884/Student-training-on-Countering-illegal-trade-and-transport-of-wildlife-by-sea-route.aspx Ha Noi and Cat Ba, June 18-20, 2024, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) collaborated with Law of the Sea and International Maritime Law Center (SimLaw Center), University of Law, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-UL) organized a student training on “Countering illegal trade and transport of wildlife by sea route”. Participants attended the training, Ha Noi, June 2024 More than 40 participants who are undergraduate and master students from VNU-UL attended the event. During the training course, with the guidance of VNU-UL trainers, Viet Nam Maritime University (VMU) trainers and WCS Viet Nam, students were shared and updated the situation of illegal trade and transport of wildlife from other countries to Viet Nam by the sea route; overview of international and Vietnamese law on wildlife protection; international and national legal framework on wildlife protection, and handling wildlife-related and  crimes. Particularly, though practical exercises and group discussions, the students were also guided to detect sign of risks related to illegal trade and transport of wildlife as well as the role and participation of relevant stakeholders in preventing and combating illegal trade and transport of wildlife by sea route. Students discussed group exercises, Ha Noi, June 2024 After two-day in-class training at the VNU-UL, students and trainers had the opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation activities in Cat Ba National Park through a field trip to Cat Ba Island. Participants in the field trip to Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong, June 2024 This training program was also an opportunity for WCS Viet Nam to pre-test the training materials on “Legislation for countering illegal trade and transport of wildlife by sea route” that was developed by WCS Viet Nam in collaboration with VMU in 2023. This will be a useful reference for undergraduate and master students in law and maritime to explore in-depth knowledge and international experiences in preventing and combating illegal trade and transport of wildlife by sea route. The activity was conducted in the framework of the project “Combating Wildlife Trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State, and implemented by WCS Viet Nam. Nguyen, Thang Fri, 21 Jun 2024 07:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22884 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22775/Technical-update-on-Wildlife-protection-policy-and-recommendations-for-applying-ESG-in-financial-institutions-in-Viet-Nam.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=22775 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22775&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22775/Technical-update-on-Wildlife-protection-policy-and-recommendations-for-applying-ESG-in-financial-institutions-in-Viet-Nam.aspx Ninh Binh, June 7-8, 2024, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) organized a technical update on  “Wildlife protection policy and recommendations for applying ESG in financial institutions in Viet Nam”. More than 20 participants who are epresentatives of the Anti-Money Laundering Department (State Bank of Viet Nam), commercial banks, training and research institutions in Banking and Finance in Ha Noi attended the event. Ms. Bui Thi Thu Loan, Head of Department of Finance and Banking, Hanoi University of Industry shared on overview of ESG in financial institutions in Viet Nam, Ninh Binh, June 2024 In the context that ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has become an inevitable trend in global business that many countries are now targeting at, environmental protection activities in general and wildlife protection in particular are receiving more attention and being integrated into the corporate social responsibility policies, especially those of the the financial institutions. Therefore, at the event, participants were updated on the overview of applying ESG in financial institutions in Viet Nam, the situation of illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and related financial risk indicators; and how the wildlife protection activities in Viet Nam  are reflected in the Environmental (E) pillar. During the discussion part, participants shared their experiences in developing ESG Strategy and promoting ESG practices in banks, as well as their challenges in developing and implementing activities meeting requirement for the under the Environmental (E) indicators. To promote the role of wildlife protection policies in applying ESG in financial institutions in Viet Nam, representatives of WCS Viet Nam proposed some suggestions to Vietnamese banks, such as: (i) integrating requirement of not trading, storing, consuming/using wildlife and wildlife products into Internal Commitments and Codes of Conduct for leaders and employees of banks, (ii) integrating topic of preventing and combating IWT into the internal training and communication programs of banks and training institutions, (iii) encouraging banks to participate in international initiatives on preventing and combating IWT. At the same time, to strengthen ESG risk management, financial institutions were suggested to integrate topic of combating environmental crimes, including IWT into their anti-money laundering and risk management policies. At Cuc Phuong National Park, participants also had the opportunity to explore and observe the nightlife of wild species, and were introduced to the identification of some commonly traded species such as pangolin, turtle, primate, and otter; as well as learn of the operation of rescue and conservation of wild species at the rescue centers. Participants participate in field trip to wildlife rescue centers in Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh, June 2024 The technical update was conducted within the framework of the project “Improving the effectiveness of multi-sectoral collaboration in combating illegal wildlife trade from Africa to and within Viet Nam” implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU); and the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State Nguyen, Thang Mon, 10 Jun 2024 10:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22775 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22724/Photos-exhibition-and-talk-show-on-the-role-of-forest-rangers-in-wildlife-protection.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=22724 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22724&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22724/Photos-exhibition-and-talk-show-on-the-role-of-forest-rangers-in-wildlife-protection.aspx On May 25, 2024, at the campus of Viet Nam National University of Forestry (VNUF), with guidance and support of Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) and Faculty of Forest Resources and Environmental Management, VNUF, 17 VNUF students who participated in the program “Enhancing capacity on forest protection through guided field practice” organized photos exhibition and talk show “Step into the wild”. The event was attended by more than 50 students. Students participated in interactive games, Ha Noi, May 2024 Vising the photos exhibition, students had an opportunity to learn about legislation on wildlife protection and handling wildlife-related violations and crimes, identifying wildlife species that are most illegally traded through interactive games, and demonstrating their commitment to wildlife protection. At the talk show, the team of 17 guided students also demonstrated their creativity and innovation in introducing wildlife-related legal framework through a theatre performance titled "Illegal hunting and capturing rhesus macaque in Cat Ba National Park". Joining the event, VNUF students also learned more of the role of forest rangers in wildlife protection and career opportunities in the forestry sector through sharing and discussion with Mr. Doan Thanh Son, Vice Director, Center for Environmental Education and Forest Environmental Services, Cat Ba National Park. A theatre performance titled "Illegal hunting and capturing rhesus macaque in Cat Ba National Park", Ha Noi, may 2024 Sharing of Mr. Doan Thanh Son, Vice Director, Center for Environmental Education and Forest Environmental Services, Cat Ba National Park, Ha Noi, May 2024 This activity was implemented within the framework of the collaborative plan on “Integrating the skills for detecting and handling of violations in the forestry sector into the training program” between WCS Viet Nam and VNUF in June 2023 to contribute to enhancing the efforts of countering wildlife trafficking. The training course was implemented in the framework of the projects “Combating Wildlife Trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State. Nguyen, Thang Mon, 27 May 2024 10:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22724 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22336/The-forest-ranger-practicum-program-for-forestry-students.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=22336 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22336&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22336/The-forest-ranger-practicum-program-for-forestry-students.aspx Cat Ba, April 12-16,2024, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) collaborated with the Faculty of Forest Resources and Environmental Management, Viet Nam National University of Forestry (VNUF) and Center for Environmental Education & Forest Environmental Services of Cat Ba National Park to organize a field learning program - Stage 4 of “the forest ranger practicum program: realizing your know-how".   Students practice forest patrol with forest rangers, Hai Phong, April 2024 The program was organized for the first time with the goal of creating a learning playground with practical experience for students and orienting their careers to become a forest ranger. Participating in the program were 16 students who successfully passed the selection and interview rounds, and sessions to update legal knowledge on wildlife protection, identification of some commonly hunted and traded wildlife in Viet Nam. During 05 days in Cat Ba, with the guidance of representatives of WCS Viet Nam, Center for Environmental Education and Forest Environmental Services (Cat Ba National Park), and Inter-district Forest Ranger Division (Hai Phong Forest Protection Department), students were able to learn about fauna and flora conservation work at Cat Ba National Park, development of a forest patrol plan and information collection, supportive equipment/tools used for forest patrol, procedures for reintroducing, rescuing, and handling confiscated wildlife. In addition, the students also had the chance to experience the work of forest rangers such as forest patrolling, removing traps, and practicing making records of handling wildlife-related administrative violations. Students develop a forest patrol plan, Hai Phong, April 2024 These will be valuable experiences for students to have a deeper understanding of the responsibilities, knowledge, and required skills to become a forest ranger. After this stage, the students will be guided to develop an action plan to spread knowledge and skills gained from the program to broader students and lecturers of the VNUF. This activity was implemented within the framework of the collaborative plan on “Integrating the skills for detecting and handling of violations in the forestry sector into the training program” between WCS Viet Nam and VNUF in June 2023 to contribute to enhancing the efforts of countering wildlife trafficking. The training course was implemented in the framework of the projects “Combating Wildlife Trafficking in Viet Nam” funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State. Nguyen, Thang Tue, 16 Apr 2024 11:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22336 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22300/Luncheon-on-Detecting-and-reporting-illegal-wildlife-trade-risks-in-financial-transactions.aspx#Comments 0 https://programs.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=21412&ModuleID=39178&ArticleID=22300 https://programs.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=22300&PortalID=119&TabID=21412 https://programs.wcs.org/vietnam/en-us/News/Activities/ID/22300/Luncheon-on-Detecting-and-reporting-illegal-wildlife-trade-risks-in-financial-transactions.aspx Ho Chi Minh city, April 08, 2023, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Office (WCS Viet Nam) organized a luncheon with financial institutions on “Detecting and reporting illegal wildlife trade risks in financial transactions”. Mr. Pham Thanh Trung, Program Manager of WCS Viet Nam delivered the opening speech, Ho Chi Minh City, April 2024 Representatives of the State Bank of Viet Nam Branch in Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh Province, international and national commercial banks, non-bank financial institutions, education and training institutions in Law, Banking and Finance in Ho Chi Minh City attended the luncheon. At the luncheon, participants were updated on the situation of illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and associated financial risks in Viet Nam, new and revised legal provisions related to money laundering risk assessment and suspicious transaction reporting as regulated in the 2022 Anti-Money Laundering Law (AML Law) and its guiding documents. In particular, participants had the opportunity to learn good practices of international financial institutions in detecting and reporting IWT-related suspicious activities, and cooperation between financial institutions with the Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in preventing and combating money laundering risks related to IWT through the sharing of representatives of the Western Union (WU)Payments in Asia Pacific & Middle East, and United Overseas Bank (UOB) Thailand. Mrs. Sirirut Rattanamongkolsak Head of Anti Financial Crimes, Investigation and Intelligence, United Overseas Bank's sharing, Ho Chi Minh City, April 2024 Taking into consideration of the context that Viet Nam has been added to the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) grey list (jurisdictions under increased monitoring) since June 2023, participants and experts from WU and UOB Thailand discussed solutions to strengthen the role, participation, and coordination among financial institutions, FIUs, LEAs and conservation NGOs in preventing and combating IWT by following the illicit financial flows. One of the effective models discussed is the establishment of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for information sharing. Mr. Nick Mays Senior Manager, Global Compliance, Asia Pacific & Middle East - Financial Intelligence Unit, Office of Law Enforcement & External Partnerships, Western Union Payments's sharing, Ho Chi Minh City, April 2024 WCS Viet Nam also acknowledged the participants’ initiatives to enhance the role of financial institutions in combating wildlife trafficking and will continue gathering information and develop IWT red flags and risk indicators in financial and banking transactions to share with the financial institutions. The luncheon was conducted within the framework of the project “Improving the effectiveness of multi-sectoral collaboration in combating illegal wildlife trade from Africa to and within Viet Nam” implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU); and the project “Scaling up efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Viet Nam funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), United States Department of State. Nguyen, Thang Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:22300