Environment

Vietnam hands over rhino horn DNA samples to South Africa

The Vietnam CITES Management Authority and the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources handed over 56 rhino horn DNA samples to the South African Embassy in Vietnam on June 1.
Vietnam hands over rhino horn DNA samples to South Africa ảnh 1Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnam CITES Management Authority and the Institute of Ecologyand Biological Resources handed over 56 rhino horn DNA samples to the SouthAfrican Embassy in Vietnam on June 1.

This is the fifth time Vietnam has handed over such samplesto South Africa, which were seized by local authorities in illegal wildlifetrafficking cases.

Pham Van Dien, deputy head of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST), said the sample handover is part of Vietnam’s responsible implementation of the Convention on International Trade inEndangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including ResolutionConf.9.14 (Rev. CoP15) on the Conservation of and trade in African and Asianrhinoceroses.

It also shows the close cooperation between Vietnamand South Africa in fighting illegal wildlife trafficking, he said.

South African Ambassador to Vietnam MK Lekgoro said the handing over of the rhinohorn samples to the CITES Management Authority of South Africa is a practicalmanifestation of the joint commitment of the two countries to fighting wildlifetrafficking and also contributes to protecting the animal.

The rhino horn DNA samples, which are from illegalimporting and trafficking cases, are expected to support authorised agencies in determining theirorigin and identifying those responsible.


Vietnam has uncovered many wildlife trafficking cases inrecent years, including two in 2020. On December 22, authorities at the Tan SonNhat International Airport in HCM City seized 93 kg of rhino horn, while authoritiesat the Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh province confiscated 7.8 kg onDecember 12./.
VNA
#Vietnam CITES Management Authority #rhino horn #South African Embassy #Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) #wildlife trafficking #Vietnam #Vietnam news #Vietnam News Agency
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Rhino horns seized at Tan Son Nhat airport

Rhino horns seized at Tan Son Nhat airport

The customs at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City said on March 6 that it has discovered 12 pieces of rhino horn weighing a total 6.2 kg in the luggage of a passenger arriving on a flight from Doha (Qatar).

See more

The forum takes place in Hanoi on August 25, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, RoK promote cooperation to deliver on net-zero commitments

Sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear power, science and advanced technologies are playing an increasingly important role in national competitiveness and economic development of each country. They also offer considerable room for Vietnam and the RoK to expand professional exchanges, share experience and promote cooperation, particularly among their energy experts.

Storm Narra's projected path as of 7:00 on August 22. (Photo: National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting)

Storm brings heavy rains to northern Vietnam

Storm Narra, the fourth to hit the East Sea this year, brought strong winds and heavy rains to northern Vietnam on early August 22, with some areas forecast to receive more than 500mm of rain as the storm moves slowly over the northern waters of the East Sea.

A view of the meeting between Phu Tho authorities and a visiting delegation from Germany's KfW Development Bank in the province on August 20, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Tho, German bank discuss wastewater treatment plan for Da River's left bank

The project is being implemented in the former Hoa Binh city, now Hoa Binh ward. It has a total investment of 688.7 billion VND (26.38 million USD), including 507.3 billion VND in ODA and 181.4 billion VND in counterpart funding. Major components include a wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, a collection network, and connection infrastructure.

Construction workers reinforce steel and pour concrete to cover the underground drainage channel, helping collect rainwater and tackle flooding in Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)

A new “shield” against climate change

Smart urban areas are no longer simply about technology; they are becoming a tool that enables authorities to forecast risks, adapt quickly and protect their residents.

Vietnam is exerting efforts to cope with climate change. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Vietnam approves carbon credit pact with Singapore under Paris Agreement

Signed on September 16, 2025, the Implementation Agreement on carbon credits collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change affirms Vietnam and Singapore’s pioneering role and commitment to close cooperation in the international carbon market, making a substantive contribution to global climate response.

A view of Vo Cuong ward, Bac Ninh province (Photo: VNA)

Bac Ninh earmarks over 1.7 billion USD for environmental protection

By 2030, Bac Ninh aims to ensure that all operating industrial clusters and industrial parks have centralised wastewater treatment systems meeting standards, while at least 95% of wastewater in Grade-I urban areas and 70% in Grade-II urban areas is collected and treated to required standards.

Many inland canals in Can Tho city dries up following a prolonged period of extreme heat. (Photo: VNA)

Government adopts action programme on environmental protection, climate resilience

The programme aims to translate the Party's orientations into concrete actions while strengthening environmental governance, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting a green, circular and low-carbon economy. It will serve as the basis for ministries, sectors and localities to formulate implementation plans for the 2026–2030 period, with a vision to 2045.