Gaps in enforcement and public awareness
Viet Nam has established a relatively comprehensive framework of legal documents aligned with international standards, incorporating provisions from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). These include the Forestry Law, Fisheries Law, Biodiversity Law, Environmental Protection Law, Investment Law, and the 2025 Penal Code, all of which set stringent requirements for safeguarding wildlife species.
Data from the Environmental Crime Prevention Department under the Ministry of Public Security show that coordination between the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has yielded positive outcomes in wildlife protection, migratory bird conservation, and aquatic resource management. Implementation plans have been issued across all 34 provinces and cities, with steering committees established in 33 localities.
407 animal species listed in Viet Nam’s 2007 Red Data Book are threatened with extinction, while seven species feature among the world’s 100 most endangered.
Communication campaigns have intensified, with authorities securing commitments from 4,782 establishments, households, and individuals to protect forests and macaques. Additionally, 131 individuals voluntarily handed over 1,065 bird specimens and 195 endangered wildlife specimens.
Joint inspections by the Environmental Crime Prevention Police, Forestry and Forest Protection Department, Directorate of Fisheries, and local agencies have addressed 1,784 violations of wildlife and aquatic resource protection laws. These efforts have contributed to the gradual restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Nevertheless, statistics from the Viet Nam CITES Management Authority reveal that 407 animal species listed in Viet Nam’s 2007 Red Data Book are threatened with extinction, while seven species feature among the world’s 100 most endangered. Wildlife trafficking and illegal transportation, often carried out with increasingly sophisticated methods, continue to rise.
The primary drivers of illegal hunting, trading, and transport of wildlife are consumer demand rooted in misguided beliefs and the lure of economic profit.
Nguyen Duc Luong, a guide at the Centre for Rescue, Conservation and Development of Creatures under Cuc Phuong National Park, noted that the Centre is currently caring for 14 of Viet Nam’s 25 endangered primate species. Each rescued animal represents evidence of illegal hunting, captivity, or trade.
Many people mistakenly believe that wildlife parts can cure illnesses, boost health, or prolong life. This unfounded belief fuels demand, leading to sharp declines in wild populations. For instance, langurs are hunted for their stomachs, thought to have medicinal properties, though scientists confirm they are no different from those of other species.
Local authorities hold primary responsibility for inspections and enforcement, yet the number of cases investigated remains limited, with many violations handled only administratively, lacking deterrent effect. Commune and ward police forces often lack the expertise to conduct thorough inspections or record violations effectively.
Major General To Anh Dung, Director of Thanh Hoa Provincial Police, highlighted that public awareness of wildlife and aquatic resource protection remains low. Vast areas, complex terrain, and poor transport infrastructure hinder patrols and enforcement. Offenders frequently operate at night, using cheap, easily available hunting tools, making control difficult.
Strengthening coordination and changing perceptions
Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security, emphasised the need to reinforce coordination between the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Authorities must tighten inspections at bird markets, captivity facilities, restaurants, transport routes, release sites, and migratory bird habitats.
Experts recommend issuing guidance documents for species listed under the Priority Protected Endangered, Rare, Precious List and CITES Appendices, ensuring that criminal prosecution is based on the number of individuals rather than asset valuation.
Experts recommend issuing guidance documents for species listed under the Priority Protected Endangered, Rare, Precious List and CITES Appendices, ensuring that criminal prosecution is based on the number of individuals rather than asset valuation.
To challenge perceptions of wildlife as medicine, the National Institute of Medicinal Materials under the Ministry of Health has launched communication campaigns, published educational materials, and introduced medicinal plants with similar effects to products wrongly believed to have curative powers, such as rhino horn, pangolin scales, or tiger bones.
Experts also stress the importance of raising awareness among ethnic communities in forested areas, special-use reserves, and marine protected zones. These communities must understand their role and responsibility in conserving nature and wildlife, abandon the use of wildlife products, and report offences.
Households, businesses, restaurants, eateries, and agricultural collection points should sign commitments not to hunt, trap, buy, sell, or store wildlife.
Authorities must also publicise enforcement outcomes, including severe sentences for wildlife crimes and destructive fishing practices, to deter future violations and strengthen public trust in conservation efforts.
