Ninh Binh, 16–17 April 2026, Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Program (WCS Viet Nam), in collaboration with the Viet Nam Court Academy (VCA), organized a workshop “Enhancing the effectiveness of wildlife valuation in criminal case handling.”
Deputy Chief Justice Nguyen Bien Thuy, Supreme People's Court delivered the opening remarks at the workshop, Ninh Bình, April 2026
The workshop was attended by 50 delegates representing the People’s Courts, People’s Procuracies, Asset Valuation Councils in criminal proceedings, Forest Protection Departments, and Public Security agencies from 11 provinces and cities, namely: Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Phu Tho, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Ninh Binh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Da Nang, Dak Lak, and Dong Nai. In addition, representatives from valuation companies operating in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as experts and speakers from the Price Management Department - Ministry of Finance, VCA, WCS Viet Nam, and the Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) also participated in the workshop.
Participants attended the workshop, Ninh Bình, April 2026
Delivering remarks at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Bien Thuy, Vice Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, emphasized that violations against regulations on wildlife protection, particularly those involving endangered, and rare species, have shown an increasing trend in both number and severity. Meanwhile, the handling of such cases still faces numerous challenges, especially in forensic examination and asset valuation, notably where exhibits involve wildlife classified as prohibited goods. The organization of this workshop was therefore considered necessary to strengthen coordination among judicial bodies, state management agencies, Asset Valuation Councils and valuation companies, thereby promoting experience-sharing and improving the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in handling relevant cases.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duc Hanh, Director of the Court Academy, shared remarks at the workshop, Ninh Bình, April 2026
During the workshop, participants were updated on new regulations on asset valuation in criminal proceedings, with a particular focus on valuation methodologies for prohibited goods; the results of a review of court judgments during 2022-2026 involving wildlife valuation; as well as international experiences in providing wildlife valuation so support handling of wildlife- related violations.
Notably, in light of differing practices in the valuation of pangolin scales in criminal cases, participants were engaged in in-depth discussions on the specific characteristics of wildlife exhibits, based on analyses of their protection levels and situation of violations related to pangolin scales in Viet Nam and globally. Numerous opinions were shared to exchange practical experience of different provinces, supporting role of the valuation companies and propose solutions to enhance the effectiveness of wildlife valuation in general, and pangolin scales in particular. As part of the programme, participants also visited Cuc Phuong National Park to learn more about pangolin rescue and conservation efforts.
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.