Vietnam’s young entrepreneurs make commitment for wildlife protection Hanoi, January 16, 2015 – Young leaders and representatives from the business community across Vietnam committed to support wildlife protection efforts, at a special event held in Hanoi today during a national conference for the Vietnam Young Entrepreneur’s Association. The meeting launched MONRE’s new initiative of working with businesses to implement awareness raising programs for wildlife protection; and following the address, participants joined a symbolic commitment to not consume wildlife products, and to promote positive behaviour change for wildlife protection within their workplaces. “The private sector can play an important role in efforts to conserve and protect nature for the sustainable development of Vietnam,” said Mrs. Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan, Deputy Director of Biodiversity Conservation Agency of MONRE. “Today we’re encouraging businesses to make a contribution by implementing awareness programs that engage employees in activities to reduce consumer demand for wildlife products.” The overexploitation of wildlife caused by unsustainable and illegal consumption is one of the most serious issues facing biodiversity management in Vietnam today. This includes the consumption of wildlife as meat, in wine, as traditional medicine, exotic pets, ornaments and decorations. It is not only pushing many species such as tigers, elephants, and a number of rare primates to the brink of extinction; but the subsequent loss of biodiversity resources from ecosystems has a significant negative impact on the economy and society. “Corporate social responsibility is still a relatively young concept amongst Vietnamese companies, but we are working to promote the benefits of these programs to our members,” said Mr. Bui Van Quan, President of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneur’s Association. “FPT Corporation is the sponsor of this conference, and also provides a great role model with their ‘Go For Zero’ wildlife protection campaign. Participation in programs that promote sustainable practices and the protection of nature are not just good for society; they can also contribute long-term benefits for businesses, such as strengthening brands and reputations.” MONRE partnered with the Central Youth Union and Vietnam Young Entrepreneur’s Association to organise today’s meeting, as part of a wider communication campaign from MONRE calling for wildlife protection during the Tet period. The Tet Campaign has included other activities such as a roundtable meeting with the Communist Party’s Central Committee for Propaganda and Education on enhancing communication efforts to reduce demand for wildlife consumption; and the release of two new public service announcements on national television, calling for the protection of endangered wildlife species for Vietnam’s future generations. The meeting was held within the scope of the project Wildlife Consumption in Vietnam: Reforming Policies and Practices to Strengthen Biodiversity Conservation (WLC Project), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) via the World Bank.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 01:32:35 +0000
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