Education for Nature Vietnam
News Brief (E259, 10 April, 2008)
Top News
Ninh Binh province: 300 kg tiger body found in freezer
On April 9, Police and Ninh Binh Forest Protection Department discovered the body of two tigers weighing 300kg each. The tigers were being kept in the freezer in Gia Tien commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. This is largest tiger confiscation in Vietnam to date.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_259/Thu_giu_hai_con_dong_lanh.pdf
Red River threatened by waste
The Red River is becoming increasingly polluted as a result of the large volume of rubbish released directly into the river everyday. A lack of public awareness is thought to be the main factor contributing to this pollution.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_259/Song_hong_dang_o_nhiem_vi_rac_thai.pdf
Quang Nam: approximately 2000 deforestation cases in 2007
In 2007, there were 1,992 deforestation cases in Quang Nam, involving the confiscation of over 3,000m3 timber and the collection of over 16 billion VND in fines.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_259/Quang_Nam_mot_nam_gan_2000_vu_pha_rung.pdf
“Po mu” forest under threat
Over the last few decades, although the rangers have made attempts to protect the forest, forest products and in particular “po mu” timber (Fokienia hodgins), are still being exploited in Ta Xua Natural Reserve, Son La province . There have also been cases in which rangers have been attacked by loggers.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_259/Len_nui_xem_po_mu_bi_giet.pdf
Who is helping the loggers?
Interviews conducted with Kon Tum authorities have revealed that since 15th October 2007, policies have prohibited the exploitation of forest products and there have not been any deforestation cases officially reported in the local area. However, in spite of the legislation, logging has been occurring without intervention from the authorities.
(Vietnamese version)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_259/Ai_tiep_tay_cho_lam_tac_pha_rung.pdf
Bear bile being traded freely on market
A report has been released based on the experience of a journalist who, posing as a buyer, was able to easily and without consequence purchase bear bile from Ho Chi Minh city markets. Assuming he had the right price, the ‘buyer’ was able to purchase as much bear bile as he wanted. Many restaurants and shops publicly display bear bile advertisement signs.
(Vietnamese versions)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_259/Mua_mat_gau_de_nhu_mua_rau.pdf
No prosecution for bear farm owners
There are many bear farms in Vietnam. However, there is some controversy over the way in which authorities handle illegal bear farms, routinely failing to prosecute the bear farm owner.
(Vietnamese versions)
http://www.envietnam.org/E_News/E_259/Khong_xem_xet_trach_nhiem_hinh_su_voi_cac_chu_nuoi_nhot_gau.pdf
Update from ENV
Press release: New campaign message highlights cruelty and urges action
April 8, 2008 – Education for Nature – Vietnam (ENV) has just launched a new advertising campaign featuring the message “Bear Bile, 100% cruel. Extinction guaranteed” and urging the public to take action to help end the illegal trade of wildlife. Since late March, nine public buses have carried this message around Hanoi, urging the public not to consume bear bile. The new campaign also features a 270 square meter two-sided billboard bearing the same message that has been displayed on Highway One just south of Hanoi.
http://www.envietnam.org/ENV_Resource_Library/ENV_Activities/Press_release/PR_Bus_and_billboard
_advertisement_9_April_2008.pdf
One local resident presented one Common slow loris for ENV
On 8th April, Wildlife Crime Unit received one Common slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) from one local resident in Hanoi. A day after, ENV transferred the Common slow loris to Endangered Primate Rescue Centre in Cuc Phuong National Park.
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