News Brief (E267, 06 June, 2008)

Top News

Thanh Hoa: Rangers attacked while apprehending illegal hunters
On 1st June, 2008, on Highway 1A alongside Nguyen Chi Thanh Road (Ham Rong – Thanh Hoa), five rangers were attacked by a driver and several hunters after the rangers stopped the coach on which they were traveling and discovered it was loaded with wildlife. One of the rangers was seriously injured while the remaining four suffered minor injuries.
(Vietnamese version)
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_267/Can_bo_kiem_lam_bi_tan_cong.pdf
 
National Assembly discusses Bio-Diversity Bill
On 2nd June, the National Assembly conducted a meeting to discuss the Biological Diversity Bill in the context of whether the breeding of valuable and rare animals should be banned or not. While some delegates supported this idea, others were opposed to it for a variety of reasons. In addition, many delegates recommended that there should be an official document released to define local authorities’ responsibilities in preserving bio-diversity.
(Vietnamese version)
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_267/Khong_nen_cho_nuoi_sinh_san_dvhd.pdf
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_267/Vi_sao_cam_nuoi_dvhd.pdf

Nghe An: Gold mining causing severe pollution
Along the Lam River and the Hieu River, dozens of ships are being used to mine and sift gold. This is resulting in serious environmental pollution and negative impacts on local ecology as well as people’s daily lives.
(Vietnamese version)
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_267/Dao_dai_vang_o_Nghe_An.pdf

Da Nang: Six enterprises fined for environmental pollution
On 30th May, 2008, Da Nang People’s Committee decided to punish six enterprises operating in the Da Nang seafood service industrial zone for violation of environmental protection regulations. These enterprises may be fined between 21 and 33 million VND, permanently stripped of their environmental licenses or temporarily suspended from operating.
(Vietnamese version)
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_267/Da_Nang_xu_ly_6_doanh_nghiep_gay_o_nhiem_moi_truong.html

Lam Dong: Vang Stream severely polluted due to uncontrolled sand exploitation
Vang Stream, an important source of water for over 200,000 inhabitants of Da Lat City, is becoming increasingly polluted as a result of irresponsible sand exploiting activities. Local authorities are yet to come up with any sufficiently timely or practical solutions to the situation.
(Vietnamese version)
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_267/Khai_thac_cat_o_suoi_Vang.pdf

Ho Chi Minh City: Canals full of waste and sewage
A survey conducted by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment reveals that 40 tons of household waste and 70,000 m3 of sewage are directly dumped every day into the system of canals that spans the city, polluting both the water and the surrounding environment.
(Vietnamese version)
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_267/TP_HCM_He_thong_kenh_rach_hung_chiu_rac_va_nuoc_thai.html

Ten billion VND bear rescue center sits virtually empty
More than one month after its completion, the bear rescue center constructed in accordance with international standards in the buffer zone of Tam Dao National Park Vinh Phuc Province is still yet to operate at full capacity. Mr. Tuan Bendixsen, Chief Representative of AAF, has talked about the obstacles to taking custody at the rescue center of the 80 bears recently found being kept illegally in Quang Ninh.
(Vietnamese version)
http://envietnam.org/E_News/E_267/Tram_cach_ly_gau.pdf

Le Thi Tra My                                                  
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