The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on May 11 launched the $10-million USAID Saving Species project in Hanoi, state media and the RFA Vietnamese news service reported. Addressing the launching ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink said: “USAID Saving Species is not just a commitment between the U.S. and Vietnamese governments, it will also link to the efforts of other organizations, within Vietnam and beyond, who are committed to combating wildlife trafficking.” Ambassador Kritenbrink emphasized that elephant and rhino populations across the globe fell sharply and the situation of rhinos in Asia is even worse. The last rhino in Vietnam has died. “Only by working together can we solve this global issue,” the ambassador urged. With a budget of $10 million, USAID Saving Species supports the Vietnamese government to combat wildlife trafficking through three integrated and mutually reinforcing objectives: harmonizing and improving the legal framework for wildlife crime; strengthening and improving law enforcement and prosecution of wildlife crime; and reducing consumer demand for illegal wildlife products. The event also drew the participation of diplomats from embassies of the U.S., the United Kingdom, South Africa and more to Vietnam alongside international organizations and governmental stakeholders. (Vietnam Plus; VnExpress; Thanh Nien – Young People May 11)
