World Wildlife Day: Empowering Vietnam’s youth to protect wildlife
Friday, 03/03/2017 17:12 (GMT+7)
(CPV) - Members of the conservation community in the nation are encouraging young Vietnamese to be part of the solution and “speak up” for the protection of endangered wildlife species to welcome the World Wildlife Day (March 3rd).
Aiming to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants, this year’s theme “Listen to the young voices” is encouraging youth around the world to rally together to address ongoing major threats to wildlife, including illicit trafficking, over-exploitation and habitat loss.
“Change must come from within, and right now there is an important window of opportunity for young people to make a difference for Vietnam’s wildlife,” said a spokesperson from a group of 14 Embassies, international organisations, local and international non-governmental organizations, to protect wildlife and combat wildlife crime.
It is a message that carries particular weight in Vietnam, where many wildlife species are facing the brink of extinction due to over-exploitation and illegal trade. It is a very real threat already played out with the Javan rhino, which was declared extinct in Vietnam in 2010; and now many other species including tigers, elephants, and pangolins are not far behind. While Vietnam has enacted a range of efforts in recent years to improve legislation, strengthen law enforcement, and reduce consumer demand, there is still much more that needs to be done to respond to wildlife crime.
Vietnam is currently recording the highest proportion of young people in its history, according to the United Nations Population Fund. Young people aged 10-24 now represent nearly 40% of the population, which presents a unique chance in its history for young people to influence and contribute to positive change.
“As the largest demographic group and the future leaders and decision makers of Vietnam, it is crucial that young people are empowered to act at both local and global levels to protect wildlife. By calling for and practicing zero tolerance for wildlife crime - starting with our own behavior and not purchasing or consuming any products made from endangered species - young people can help to mobilize the change that is urgently needed”, stressed a spokesperson of the conservation group.
World Wildlife Day is also a timely opportunity to remember the commitments made at the third international conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, which was hosted by the Vietnamese Government in November 2016. During the event, Vietnam and other countries made important commitments to end illegal wildlife trade.
It is vital that 2017 is a year of strong and sustained action to close down illegal wildlife markets and reduce consumer demand for illegal wildlife products./.
| On December 20th, 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3rd, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. |
ATP
Tags: