Vietnam proposes ban on international rare turtle trade

Vietnam has proposed to ban the illegal trafficking of several wild species at the 16th Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Conference of the Parties in Thailand March 3-14.

Vietnam has proposed to ban the illegal trafficking of several wild species at the 16th Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Conference of the Parties (CoP) in Thailand March 3-14.

After nearly 20 years of CITES membership, the motion is the first time Vietnam has made the proposal to put two species of box and pond turtles, Cuora Galbinifrons and Mauremys Annamensis, onto the list of animals that need to be protected and prohibited from illegal trade worldwide.

Vietnam also lobbied support from Thailand and the US to enlist the tracwood (Dalbergia cochinchinesis) and big-head turtle (Platystermidae) onto the list that have to be specifically protected.

Receiving strong support from CITES members and international organisations, the proposals showed Vietnam’s dedication to preserving endangered animals from around the world.

Recently, Vietnam has focused attention on combating illegal hunting and trafficking of wild animals, however, the country still faces many uphill challenges.

Delegates from the Southeast Asian nation called for the assistance and cooperation of all CITES members and international organisations and showed their readiness to work with related parties to deal with wildlife crime involved with at both regional and global levels.

This year’s CoP attracted 178 member countries and nearly 200 international, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations.