Posted on May, 23 2024
Annually, May 22 is designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for Biological Diversity to raise awareness, responsibility, and action on biodiversity. With the 2024 theme "Be part of the Plan," the United Nations (UN) calls upon stakeholders to join and contribute to the implementation of the Kunming - Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted at COP15, aiming to prevent and mitigate biodiversity loss during the decade of “Ecosystem Restoration”.
In response to the International Day for Biological Diversity 2024, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment called on Ministries, branches, and localities to strengthen communication, education, and raise awareness of biodiversity and its value in the national strategy of sustainable development; integrate biodiversity conservation content into educational programs, while promoting a lifestyle in harmony with nature.
“Natural ecosystems and biodiversity resources in Vietnam are facing extremely serious threats. Through this event, I encourage all agencies, organizations, and individuals to join hands to preserve and conserve Vietnam's biodiversity, which ranks 16th in the world.” - said Ms Phan Viet Nga, Deputy Director of The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency (NBCA), MARD.
Through the event Take action for Wildlife, Vũ Quang National Park Management Board has promoted the importance of biodiversity conservation, widely showcasing the natural beauty and wild flora and fauna richness at Vũ Quang National Park. This is an opportunity to propagate and raise community awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation; reflect our responsibility to protect precious heritage for future generations; encourage people to live responsibly with nature and join hands to preserve wild flora and fauna; and also promote the necessity of preserving biodiversity and the natural beauty of Vũ Quang National Park in particular and Hà Tĩnh in general.
“Vũ Quang National Park is known as one of the most important biodiversity centers in Vietnam, including many endangered and rare species that need to be prioritized for conservation. This park is located in an ecoregion of global priority, identified as an extremely important area in preserving biodiversity for both Vietnam and the globe. We call upon individuals, communities, and organizations to respond and join hands to prevent the illegal hunting, trading, and consumption of wildlife in order to maintain and conserve biodiversity, and to promote a harmonized lifestyle with nature”, Mr. Nguyễn Danh Kỳ, Director of Vũ Quang National Park said.
Also at this event, the USAID Biodiversity Conservation Activity announced outstanding results in biodiversity conservation at Vũ Quang National Park during the period from July 2020 to May 2024. The project supported the training and implementation of biodiversity surveys utilizing 85 camera trap stations and conducted threat assessments to biodiversity by using the SMART tool. Besides, the project also assisted Vu Quang National Park in establishing and operating 01 Community-based Patrol Teams (CPT) with 5 members. Team members have been trained in basic skills for forest patrol, trap removal, and wildlife rescue; code of conduct when performing duties; how to identify common wildlife and rare plant species. They were also provided with knowledge of first aid and social and environmental safety in forest protection patrols. As a result, since April 2023, the CPT teams have conducted 33 patrols, removed nearly 1,500 snares, and recorded 50 violations.
“The U.S. Mission to Vietnam, through USAID, is a strong partner of Vietnam in combating wildlife trafficking and conserving biodiversity,” said USAID/Vietnam Deputy Mission Director Bradley Bessire. “This International Biological Diversity Day, themed 'Be part of the plan,' we call for everyone to do their part to combat and reverse biodiversity loss in Vietnam. Now is the time to act responsibly to sustain biodiversity as a global asset for future generations.”
At the event, over 200 representatives from the local community, various agencies, and students in Vu Quang district, Ha Tinh province, responded to Vu Quang National Park's call and pledged not to hunt, trade, or consume wildlife illegally. Vu Quang National Park is committed to enhancing biodiversity and aspires to become "Vu Quang National Park - A Safe Haven for Wildlife."
