Education for Nature Vietnam
News Brief (E189, 28th Oct - 3rd Nov, 2006)
World Biosphere Reserve named in Vietnam
France – On October 27, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the coastal area of Kien Giang province as a world biosphere reserve. The decision was made by the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB), during a session held from October 23-27 in France. Also recognized were 24 other areas, bringing the total to 507 reserves in 102 countries.
Vietnam now has five MAB reserves and was elected MAB International Coordinators’ Council Vice President, representing Asia-Pacific nations.
(Website www.monre.gov.vn dated October 30, 2006; website www.thanhnien.com.vn dated October 28, 2006)
Wildlife traders brought to court
Nghe An – At the end of October, Vinh city police announced they would press charges against traders arrested for transporting macaques. On October 28, two motorcycles were stopped, carrying the dried carcasses of 50 crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis). According to the trader, the animals were bought in the district of Son Tinh of Quang Ngai province. Authorities auctioned off the dried carcasses.
(Sai Gon Liberated issue 10547 dated November 1, 2006; Nghe An provincial Forest Protection Department)
Thanh Hoa – On October 28, Quang Xuong police brought Nguyen Manh Thang to court for illegally transporting wildlife. Thang and several other men were stopped as they drove a truck carrying a large number of pangolins on October 24. While the police talked with Thang, his accomplices made their getaway in the vehicle. During a pursuit, they threw the pangolins out onto the road. Eventually, they abandoned the truck and escaped on foot. Police arrested Thang.
(People’s police issue 521 dated October 30, 2006; Thanh Hoa provincial Forest Protection Department)
Pollution-caused diseases on the rise
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Dustry roads like this are common in Hanoi from construction activities |
Hanoi – On October 25, the Environmental Health Forum was held in Hanoi. Nguyen Huy Nga, Chief of Standby Health Department (SHD) said, “over the past 30 years, more than 40 new diseases have been discovered in Vietnam, which are believed to be the products of a polluted environment. The new diseases include SARS, Avian Influenza, and other dangerous respiratory conditions.
At the moment the rate of respiratory-related diseases is high in Vietnam, relative to the region. According to a recent SHD study, last year 415 out of one hundred thousand people sampled had contracted pneumonia; and 614 out of one hundred thousand people were diagnosed with throat diseases, bronchitis or tonsillitis.
The study also revealed a connection between environmental cleanliness and the most dangerous infectious diseases in Vietnam. Flu, diarrhea, fever, mumps, and hepatitis are all related to water and environmental sanitation and preservation. The report stated that roughly 80% of the population suffers from parasitic worms.
(Website www.nea.gov.vn dated October 25, 2006)
Links to environmental articles (Vietnamese)
The flying bat is calling for help
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&idmid=&ItemID=18285
Forest growing man honored with doctorate
http://www.nea.gov.vn/thongtinmt/noidung/cand_29_10_06.htm
Housing and natural energy
http://www.sggp.org.vn/moitruongdothi/2006/10/68952/
Ha Tinh: difficulties in managing nature reserve and multi-purpose forests
http://www.monre.gov.vn/monreNet/default.aspx?tabid=209&idmid=&ItemID=18308
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 Thi Phuong Ngan
Education for Nature - Vietnam (ENV)
No.2/C5 tap the Dai hoc Ngoai Thuong, pho Chua Lang, Ha Noi.
Tel/Fax: 04-775 3685
Email: env@fpt.vn or communication.env@fpt.vn