Vietnam: Education for Nature – Vietnam

Vietnam has been identified as one of the countries of priority concern due to the high demand for rhino horn within the country, contributing towards the extensive poaching of the species across Africa and Asia. Education for Nature – Vietnam has been working on reducing the demand for rhino horn within Vietnam through a variety of creative and innovative strategies.

The problem

The demand for rhino horn in Vietnam is recognised as one of the main driving forces for the escalating poaching of rhinos. In 2013, the CITES Parties made decisions to compel Vietnam to improve law enforcement, curtail rhino horn consumption and engage in demand reduction campaigns.

Education for Nature – Vietnam was established in 2000 as Vietnam’s first non-governmental organisation focused on the conservation of nature and the environment. They employ creative and innovative strategies to influence attitudes and mobilise Vietnamese citizens reduce the demand for rhino horn within Vietnam.

How is Education for Nature - Vietnam tackling this problem?

Education for Nature – Vietnam has been working on reducing the demand for rhino horn within Vietnam through a variety of creative and innovative strategies:

Reducing consumer demand for wildlife products, through investment in a long-term and sustained effort to influence public attitudes and behaviour
Strengthening law enforcement, through direct support and assistance to law enforcement agencies, and mobilising active public participation in helping combat wildlife crime
Working with policy-makers to strengthen legislation, close loopholes in the law, and promote sound policy and decision-making relevant to wildlife protection

Our work

Save the Rhino International has been supporting the vital work of the Education for Nature – Vietnam since 2012 in a number of ways. Our funds have supported public awareness campaigns, including public service announcements on national TV, viral campaigns, public exhibitions and university programmes. Due to concerns about law enforcement in the country, the majority of our support has focused on supporting Education for Nature – Vietnam’s law enforcement and policy work.