Members of the conservation community in Vietnam are encouraging local young people to be part of the solution and speak up for the protection of endangered wildlife species in recognition of World Wildlife Day.
Each year on March 3, World Wildlife Day aims 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 on-going major threats to wildlife, including illicit trafficking, over-exploitation and habitat loss.
According to a group of 14 organisations working in Vietnam to protect wildlife and combat wildlife crime including Animals Asia, Change, Education for Nature-Vietnam, Freeland, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, and Traffic, 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.
According to the United Nations Population Fund, Vietnam is currently recording the highest proportion of young people in its history. Young people between the ages of 10 to 24 now represent nearly 40 per cent of the population in Vietnam, 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,” said a spokesperson of the conservation group. “By calling for and practicing zero tolerance for wildlife crime – starting with our own behaviour and not purchasing or consuming any products made from endangered species – young people can help to mobilise the change that is urgently needed.”
The Javan rhino was declared extinct in Vietnam in 2010 while other wildlife species including tigers, elephants, and pangolins are facing the brink of extinction. 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.
World Wildlife Day empowering Vietnam’s youth to protect wildlife
Members of the conservation community in Vietnam are encouraging local young people to be part of the solution and speak up for the protection of endangered wildlife species in recognition of World Wildlife Day.
Source: dtinews.vn
