Education for Nature Vietnam
News Brief (E166, 19th - 25th May, 2006)
Microchips implant to protect Asian elephants
The Prime Minister has just approved Decision No. 733/QD – TTg on protecting the Asian elephant in Vietnam. The plan promotes the protection of wild and domestic elephants in Vietnam and establishes three elephant reserves in Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Nghe An provinces.
The National FPD will manage the implantation of microchips in domestic elephants to better manage their numbers, and support research on their reproduction in order to conserve and increase the number of available domestic elephants.
At the three elephant reserves, the functional authorities will develop in – situ conservation initiatives for small elephant populations inhabiting the areas with the goal of securing opportunities for elephants to live peacefully well into the future.
Vietnam is one of 13 Asian nations where Asian elephants are found. However, Vietnam’s wild elephants are at risk of extinction. Wild populations have declined by 93% over the last 30 years. Between 1975 and 1980, there were about 2,000 wild elephants in Vietnam. However, in 2005, only about 150 individuals are thought to remain, concentrated in small groups within provinces along the border with Laos and Cambodia.
(Website Vietnamnet dated May 18, 2006; Economics Times issue 100 dated May 19, 2006; The Law issue 123 dated May 23, 2006)
A five ton whale stranded on the coast
Kien Giang – On May 23, a whale measuring nearly 10m in length, 3.8m in diameter and weighing over five tons, was found in Hon Tre commune of Kien Hai district. Local fishermen used a boat to pull the whale out into the depths, however the animal reportedly died of injuries. On May 24, the Kien Giang Fishery Department identified the whale. The Provincial People’s Committee requested that the whale be transported inland and frozen..
(The Pioneer Issue 104 dated May 25, 2006; The Labor Issue 142 dated May 25, 2006; The Youth Issue 126 dated May 25, 2006)
Prosecution of a Chu Mom Ray National Park officer
Kon Tum – On May 23, Kon Tum Provincial Police investigators prosecuted Phan Dang Thuong, a ranger at Chu Mom Ray National Park, for violating the Law on Forest Protection and Development. According to police documents, in 2005 Thuong illegally logged 2 ha of forest in sector 179 of Dak Kan commune in Ngoc Hoi district.
(The Labor issue 141 dated May 24, 2006)
The hair from elephant tails sold to tourists
Dak Lak - Recently in Dak Lak province, elephant tail hair has become a unique souvenir sold to tourists in local markets.. According to the article, hundreds of individual hairs from the tails of elephants are sold to tourists each day (Editors note: These hairs are most probably harvested from domestic elephants). As a consequence, thieves have taken to cutting the hair from the tails of some of the few remaining elephants in Dak Lak province.
In the past, elephant tail hair was of interest of the mandarins, helping them to ward off evil spirits and protecting them from wild beasts in the forest. The ethnic M’ Nong people believe that elephant tail hair not only brings good luck but also faithfulness. However, many visitors now buy elephant tail hairs not because of their belief in magic but as a souvenir or curious..
(The Pioneer issue 91 dated May 8, 2006)
Information on Activities
Selection of Golden cup for “Vietnam’s environment protection achievements”
This is the first time that a gold cup for “Vietnam’s environment protection achievements” will be awarded to economic and social organizations, which have had great contributions to environmental protection. Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Association and the Ministry of Resource and Environment will sponsor the cup. Organization committee will receive registered participants from June 1, 2006 and the award ceremony will be held on October 13, 2006 – Vietnam’s Businessman Day. Specific information can be read at www.vayse.org and www.nhanhieuviet.com.vn.
(Science & Life issue 42 dated May 26, 2006)
Wildlife Trade Hotline Update
Sun bear on display at hotel to be transferred to zoo
A foreigner sent an email to ENV’s hotline regarding to a Malayan sun bear being kept in captivity at Cuu Long Hotel of Cuu Long Tourism Joint-stock Company in Vinh Long province. The information was passed on to the Forest Protection Department. On May 5, the Department determined that the bear be voluntarily placed at the Sai Gon zoo.
(Education for Nature – Vietnam)
Links to environmental articles (Vietnamese)
Bac Giang : The second biggest camphor (Cinnamomum sp.) of the world being destroyed by insects.
http://www.tienphongonline.com.vn/Tianyon/Index.aspx?ArticleID=47862&ChannelID=2
Dong Nai: Successful restoration of fresh water crocodile population in Cat Tien National Park
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=14166
Viet Nam: The best place for biodiversity conservation
http://vietnamnet.vn/khoahoc/moitruong/2006/05/572380/
More than 300,000 writings sent to “We are writing on environment tourism”
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&ItemID=14209
Picture of the week
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| The Green Warrior Club working on their campaign aimed at cleaning up Hanoi markets; “Say NO to plastic bags” (Source: ENV) |
STOP THE WILDLIFE TRADE
If you observe wildlife being displayed, sold, transported, or kept illegally in captivity, notify your local Forest Protection Department or contact the ENV Wildlife Trade Hotline
1800-1522
YOU can make a difference!
For more information, please contact:
Nguyen Phuong Dung
Education for Nature - Vietnam (ENV)
No.2/C5 tap the Dai hoc Ngoai Thuong, pho Chua Lang, Ha Noi.
Tel/Fax: 04-775 3685
env@fpt.vn or communication.env@fpt.vn