Hanoi (VNA) – A communication campaign highlighting the illegality of ivory product trade is being rolled out in Vietnam, targeting international tourists.
Jointly implemented by the Vietnam Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Management Authority and the World Wide Fund for Nature in Vietnam (WWF-Vietnam), the campaign aims to raise awareness about combating the illegal ivory trade. It underscores that any form of illegal ivory trade, possession, or transportation is strictly prohibited and punishable by law in Vietnam.
Striking visuals and impactful messages such as "Vietnam Says No to Ivory" are prominently displayed on digital screens at international airports, popular tourist destinations, and in major tourism hubs like Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. To amplify its reach, WWF-Vietnam is also leveraging its social media platforms to engage broader audiences.
Conservation Director of WWF-Vietnam Thibault Ledecq warned that without prompt action, the world faces the risk of losing elephants, iconic symbols of strength and wisdom. He stressed that halting the ivory trade is not just an environmental imperative but also a profound cultural and ethical responsibility.
The campaign goes beyond raising awareness, featuring workshops, community events, and educational initiatives to highlight the devastating impact of ivory consumption and inspire collective action to protect endangered wildlife.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Southeast Asia and China account for 90% of all seized African ivory globally. Vietnam has emerged as the world’s largest transit point for illicit ivory shipments, responsible for 34% of the total volume intercepted since 2018, as reported by the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS). Illegally crafted ivory items from Vietnam are often smuggled abroad or discreetly sold to domestic and foreign consumers, including via online platforms.
Tourism has been identified as a major contributor to the ongoing trade, with some tourist spots still showcasing and selling ivory products. WWF-Vietnam stressed that tourism businesses must take an active role in guiding visitors to avoid unlawful and environmentally harmful behaviors.
By empowering tourists with knowledge and rallying businesses to advocate for wildlife protection, the campaign aims to create lasting change and safeguard one of the planet's most iconic species from the brink of extinction./.
