The Ministry of Agriculture wants to ban all rhino specimens

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is working with relevant ministries and agencies to submit to the Prime Minister for a decision to prohibit the import of all rhino specimens into Vietnam in 2012.

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Mr. Cao Duc Phat, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, published the above information during the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding to improve cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa on conservation and protection of biodiversity at Hanoi yesterday. Ms. Edna Molewa, Ministry of Water Resources and Environment of South Africa, has represented the South African government to sign a memorandum within the framework of her visit to Vietnam.

The International Fund for Nature Conservation (WWF), said the key areas of cooperation were clearly stated in the Memorandum of Understanding, including: management, conservation and protection of biodiversity and law enforcement. , comply with CITES and other legal provisions as well as other relevant International Conventions. On the basis of equality and mutual benefit, the Memorandum of Understanding will take effect immediately after the signing, especially in the context of wild species trafficking is still a global challenge.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Edna Molewa said: 'The South African authorities expect the Vietnamese partners to work closely to prevent the illegal sale of rhino horn from South Africa soon. come back Vietnam".

The demand for buying horns in Asia has caused rhino poaching to stay
South Africa is becoming increasingly serious.(Photo: blogspot.com)

Minister Cao Duc Phat also emphasized the importance of cooperative relations between the two countries.

'Fighting against crimes of violating the regime of managing wild animals and plants, especially endangered, precious and rare species, including rhinos and their products, are always competent authorities. Vietnam's interest. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is currently coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies to submit to the Prime Minister for a decision to ban the import of all rhino specimens into Vietnam in 2012, " he said.

Although the Memorandum of Understanding between South Africa and Vietnam only mentioned in general the settlement of illegal wildlife trade, many clear evidence that illegal rhino horn trade would be The most important issue in the new agenda of cooperation between the two countries, WWF said.

Hundreds of rhinos are poached every year in South Africa. Poachers cut their horns and smuggled to meet the demand for rhino horns in Asia, where part of the population thought rhino horn was a miracle drug despite no medical evidence to prove it. . Scientists claim rhino horns are not medicinal.

Officials say Asian criminal corporations are behind poachers and transporters are paid to smuggle rhino horn from Africa to Asia. The report of the Control Network of Wild Fauna and Flora (TRAFFIC) in August 2012 indicates that Vietnam is a destination of illegal rhino horn.

The number of poached rhinos in South Africa has increased from 13 in 2007 to over 600 in 2012. In 2012 alone, officials arrested 246 people involved in rhino poaching and trafficking. Illegal rhino horn in South Africa.