Hope for the Future
ENV calls upon Vietnamese to stop the wildlife trade (speech from the Bring Peace to Bears exhibit), November 24, 2006
As I speak here tonight, gunshots echo through the forests of Vietnam; a cargo of wildlife rumbles through the night toward the border with China, and patrons feast on wildlife dishes in restaurants from Ca Mau to Lao Cai.
Sadly, the future of Vietnam’s wildlife is more often in our stomachs than in our hearts, and more often in our wallets than in our minds.
The time for talking is done. We must put aside everything that is routine to us and move forward with a new determination, commitment, energy, and a clear vision of a Vietnam where our precious wildlife remains a strong and living part of our culture.
To achieve this vision, the business of wildlife must be ended. Ended for those who consume wildlife, for those that profit from hunting and trading wildlife, for those that perpetuate the wildlife business through inaction or indifference.
Over the last decade, there have been many advances in efforts to protect wildlife in Vietnam: new laws; steadily improving enforcement; establishment of parks and nature reserves; investments by government and international institutions.
But are we winning the war against the wildlife trade?
Not ten years ago, most of our wildlife was being exported to meet demand from foreign markets. Today, as we race toward the future and join our rightful place in the community of developed nations, new wealth has generated a massive increase in consumer demand for wildlife here in Vietnam, placing even greater pressure on our wildlife resources.
The challenge we face today is how we can turn this situation around. Most importantly, can our efforts lead to social change, where public attitudes toward wildlife generate strong support, participation, and active involvement by the public in protecting wildlife?
Only once we have mobilized all levels of society will wildlife have its chance.
As rangers, we must aggressively enforce the law. We must also achieve the trust and respect of the people as protectors of wildlife. Our image will go a long way toward generating public support.
As police, prosecutors, and judges, we must treat wildlife crime as a serious crime, not unlike the trade and use of illegal drugs, and ensure that our actions and the punishment we administer deter similar crimes.
As legislators, we must strengthen and clarify the law to remove loopholes, reduce ambiguity, and empower those tasked with enforcement.
As teachers, we must educate our students toward a greater understanding and appreciation for nature, and the delicate balance that exists between humans and the environment.
As parents, we must instill values in our children that will contribute to creating a better world, where our great natural heritage remains for future generations to enjoy.
As people and citizens of Vietnam, we must strive to make a difference, to do our part, to be counted and act NOW to save our precious wildlife before it is lost forever.
The Bring Peace to Vietnam’s Bears exhibit is a manifestation of the people of Vietnam and a reflection of their attitudes toward wildlife. Having personally reviewed some 96,000 pieces of artwork submitted from all over the country, I sense the growing change in attitude, particularly among younger generations toward wildlife.
ENV was established as Vietnam’s first environment-focused NGO only six years ago. However, we see ourselves as a reflection of public attitudes. Our inspiration and commitment is driven by the hope shared in thousands of letters that we receive from people all over the country through our Green Forest magazine. Moreover, we are energized by growing public participation in the reporting of wildlife crimes through ENV’s Wildlife Crimes Hotline, and from the overwhelming response in the form of artwork from all corners of society to the Bring Peace to Vietnam’s Bears competition.
It is our hope that ENV’s efforts, and the efforts of others that share our commitment to protecting wildlife, will bring about positive change in society, and meet the critical challenges ahead, realizing a future where bears and other wildlife remain part of our healthy living environment.
