These USAID-funded projects, worth more than $2 million in total, will be implemented by Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) and the Centre for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), and represent USAID’s first countering wildlife trafficking projects directly awarded to local organisations in Vietnam.

Joining the event were representatives from the Vietnamese government, national parks and protected areas, and international and local organisations.

USAID deputy mission director Debra Mosel giving remarks at the event

“The United States is a committed partner of Vietnam’s in countering wildlife trafficking and conserving biodiversity, in line with our two countries’ shared priorities under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Today, we advance our cooperation on this shared priority by launching these two new projects,” said USAID deputy mission director Debra Mosel in remarks delivered at the event.

“We are thrilled that these projects will be implemented by two Vietnamese organisations. USAID prioritises locally led development because local leadership and ownership are essential for fostering sustainable results. Here in Vietnam, local organisations play an increasingly important role in environmental protection- specifically, in nature and biodiversity conservation, and in the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking,” Mosel added.

Vietnam is ranked 14^th in the world for biodiversity richness, and the country is home to many rare and precious species. Unfortunately, many of them are on the brink of extinction.

USAID supports local organisations in countering wildlife trafficking and conserving biodiversity

The Sustainable Wildlife Conservation project, implemented by SVW, and the Conserving Threatened Species project, implemented by CCD, will support Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve in the southern province of Dong Nai, and Huong Son Special Use Forest in Hanoi to protect their biodiversity through enhancing capacities of their staff and applying Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool technology in forest patrolling and camera traps for wildlife surveillance.

The projects will also help reduce demand for illegal wildlife products by raising awareness among the public, empowering local communities and their leaders to help ensure the protection of these areas.

Since 2016, the US government has provided $27.8 million to Vietnam to support efforts to counter wildlife trafficking, including strengthening law enforcement, reducing demand, and building international cooperation.