E 263

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News Brief (E263, 9 May, 2008)

Top News

Vietnamese species at risk of extinction
In the past, Sarus cranes (Grus antigone) gathered in large numbers in Tram Chin National park in Southern Vietnam. However the size of the crane population in the area is gradually decreasing, and there are thought to be fewer than 100 remaining. A three-day fire in Tram Chim National park from April 22 to 25 has contributed to this decline, by damaging approximately 500ha of grassland which provides an important source of food for the Sarus crane.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_263/Seu_dau_do_co_nguy_co_bien_khoi_Viet_nam.html

The recent discovery in northern Vietnam of a Swinhoe’s soft-shell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei), previously thought to be extinct in the wild, has created optimism amongst nature conservationists. However, hunting and illegal trade continue to threaten the survival of 25 tortoise and fresh water turtle species in Vietnam.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_263/Cac_loai_rua_Viet_nam_nguy_co_tuyet_chung.html

Deforestation: Thanh Hoa authorities failing to intervene
Widespread deforestation has been occurring in Xuan Quy commune, Nhu Xuan district, Thanh Hoa province with no intervention from local authorities. When queried on the situation, local authorities assert that there are no problems relating to forest management in the area.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_263/Thanh_hoa_Lam_tac_pha_rung_chinh_quyen_khong_hay.pdf

Yok Don National Park: The crying of the forest
An increase in the volume of illegal logging, hunting and trade of wildlife, combined with weak conservation management represent a worrying menace to biodiversity in Yok Don National Park. Since late 2007, while rangers reported discovering 243 deforestation cases, only one individual was prosecuted.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_263/Yook_Don_mau_rung_van_chay.html

Ha Nam: Human health directly impacted by water pollution
In Ha Nam, testing of water samples has indicated the presence of bacteria, and concentrations of SO3, various organic substances and hazardous metal at levels significantly higher than acceptable standards for domestic water. In fact, in this area, up to 700 separate sources of waste have been identified, including industrial zones, trade villages and private homes, which are directly releasing their waste into local rivers. These rivers have now become points of transmission for several potentially life threatening infectious diseases.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_263/6huyen_thi_bi_anh_huong_boi_o_nhiem_nuoc_song.pdf

Hanoi: Struggle against rubbish and waste
Each day, a large number of trucks containing hundreds of cubic meters of mud and rubbish are being transported directly through public areas, even in the centre of Hanoi. Since early of April, the Hanoi Department of Transport and Urban public works has been working on a plan to establish more than 14 waste centers throughout the city.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_263/Cuoc_chien_voi_rac_phe_thai.pdf

Le Minh Thao
Communications Officer
Education for Nature - Vietnam (ENV)
N5. IF1, lane 192 Thai Thinh Str, Dong Da Dist, Hanoi
Tel/Fax: (84 4) 514 8850
Email: communication.env@fpt.vn