Vietnam boosts protection of endangered wildlife and biodiversity

The proposed regulations also aim to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at the meeting on February 17. (Photo: VNA)
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at the meeting on February 17. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on February 17 chaired a meeting to review a draft decree on the management and protection of endangered wildlife species.

The proposed regulations also aim to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Ha stressed the need for strict enforcement, including administrative, economic, and criminal measures to combat the illegal exploitation, trade, and consumption of endangered wildlife.

He requested that the new decree must include a dedicated chapter on public awareness, particularly through education, and immediate action against violations.

The decree must cut both supply and demand for endangered wildlife, ensuring tighter control and elimination of illegal activities, he said.

The Deputy PM also emphasised integrating conservation of sustainable resources used to support local livelihoods and called for clear regulations on data publication, mapping, and biodiversity monitoring.

The draft decree consists of five chapters and 28 articles, retaining key regulations on protecting, assessing, and researching endangered forest flora and fauna. It also sets conditions for breeding, planting, and issuing identification codes for facilities handling CITES-listed species.

The decree updates CITES regulations, strengthens decentralisation, and streamlines administrative procedures to improve transparency and efficiency for businesses and citizens. It aligns with existing laws, addresses implementation challenges, and refines previous decrees.

Key provisions include criteria for listing endangered species, procedures for harvesting specimens, facility registration requirements, permit exemptions, and trade regulations with non-CITES member countries. The decree also defines the responsibilities of authorities in managing wildlife trade, breeding, and conservation.

Revisions cover restrictions on importing CITES-listed aquatic species regulated under Vietnam’s fisheries laws, conditions for import/export, facility registration, and regulations on processing, transport, and display of specimens.

It also provides guidelines for handling confiscated wildlife and outlines the roles of management agencies in Vietnam./.

VNA

See more

At a ceremony to donate 100,000 trees to the Naval Region 4 (Photo: HANE)

Tree planting programme spreads green momentum in islands

The Ho Chi Minh City Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (HANE) on January 11 announced 10 outstanding green programmes and activities carried out in 2025, including a programme to plant 1 million trees in Vietnam’s island areas.

Lam Dong releases hundreds of wild animals into the wild. (Photo: VNA)

Lam Dong releases hundreds of wild animals back into the wild

According to the Ta Dung National Park Management Board, the park has for years served as a trusted destination for authorities and residents to hand over and release wildlife. Such actions not only contribute to biodiversity conservation but also help reduce illegal hunting and captivity of wild animals.

According to the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment, air quality index (AQI) readings have at times reached poor and very poor levels. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi targets 20% reduction in PM2.5 levels

Hanoi has affirmed its commitment not to trade environmental protection for economic growth. The city is moving to establish low-emission zones (LEZs) as a core measure to control emissions and promote green, sustainable urban development.

A waste collection area. (Photo: VNA)

Ca Mau approves investment policy for waste-to-energy plant

The waste-to-energy plant is planned for construction in Dat Moi commune, covering a total area of about 20 hectares. It will have a waste treatment capacity of approximately 600 tonnes of household waste per day and a power generation capacity of 6MW.

Ice coats the summit of Fansipan in the northern province of Lao Cai in the early morning of December 25. (Photo: Published by VNA)

Peak Fansipan blanketed in ice on Christmas Day

With temperatures hovering between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius, frost and ice covered the summit area, creating an ideal condition for tourists eager to admire icy scenery, clouds and experience a Christmas atmosphere amid a sea of cold mist.