THESE ARE THE THEMES
Select thumbnail images to open themes.THESE PHOTOS MAY DISTURB
28-09-97
Breeders
07-07-98
Captives
20-09-1997
Dealers
24-11-97
Documents
07-07-98
Eats
28-09-97
Growers
28-09-97
Museums
28-09-97
Products
28-09-97
Saviours
02-06-98
Toons
28-09-97
Woods
03-10-97
Zoos
THIS IS THE PROBLEM
The purpose of this web page is to show you the effects of wildlife trafficking it Vietnam, a continuing problem which even now is extinguishing species, and even more important, rendering extinct entire ecosystems. The destruction of Vietnam's natural resources today is at a critical point.I would like this to be a page for the discussion of options rather than the presentation my own views. I do have a point of view, though. I see no purpose in blaming the governments of Vietnam or its neighbours, which have few ways to attack this problem. It is hard to blame poor villagers who need an income to survive.
To its credit, Vietnam has put in place laws and directives to curb wildlife exploitation. Vietnam is a signatory of CITES. The international community has responded with some funds for training of customs and forestry staff and for environmental awareness - vital, though not enough for this daunting task. Vietnamese newspapers regularly condemn exploitation. In April 1997, Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet declared a 10 year moratorium on export logging.
Even so, the headlong destruction of nature continues. Many shops - government shops among them - display illicit goods and restaurants openly sell 'wild meat'. People in the highlands are exploited for forest products which are traded on by dealers at much higher prices. While corrupt officials are cited in government papers for hunting or dealing, forest protection officers have been killed.
This is also a regional tragedy. The preponderance of illegal products from Vietnam are exported to other nations, for food, traditional medicine, ornaments and pets or for overseas research laboratories. Foreign interests in the developed world drive this trade. Evidence suggests that wildlife from other countries, especially Laos and Cambodia, is shipped elsewhere through Vietnam.
There must be rational, effective ways stop wildlife exploitation first of all at its source, the people who have access to forests and waters but little power - they are often exploited by more powerful dealers. Second, we need to help Vietnam find and stop professional traders and identify corruption where it exists. Third, we must stop international trade in wildlife - the part of this problem that we cause. But more important than all of these we must, fourthly, do everything possible to encourage environmental awareness in the region and in the rest of the world.
Combating illegal wildlife exploitation can be dangerous. Forest service workers and police have been killed in Vietnam. While regulatory mechanisms are important at one level, but so are economic mechanisms. Poverty alleviation - raising the living standards of poor people - is undoubtedly the best solution in the country side.
Some experts support the appropriate use of forest and sea products, especially where this can enhance the perceived value of natural resources. I'd like to show you images of what may be the sustainable use of wildlife and wilderness. I'd like you present examples of Vietnam's own system of sustainable agriculture, the to see the marvellous VAC (garden-fish pond-corral) system. You can see not just the extent of the problem, but the breadth of possible solutions.
The predominant use of animals and non-timber plants taken from the wild is food or medicine. And these two uses are closely aligned. Proponents will argue that traditional medicines are the product of generations of research. So while we may rightly argue that rhinoceros horn is no aphrodisiac, pharmaceutical companies are exploring the effectiveness of many other traditional medicines. One line of argument among development specialists suggests it is possible to grow endangered plants and husband wild animals commercially in the hope that this will protect them from extinction. Another is that commercial exploitation depends on maintaining viable wild populations. Others argue commercialisation leads to further exploitation and may drive wild populations extinct. Each of these viewpoints may have validity with different human social conditions, ecosystems or species. The best solution is one that appreciates Vietnamese cultural values.
It is also worth mentioning that Vietnam, as the other countries of Indochina,
suffered much during many years of war. Destruction of forest, estuaries and the
continuing effect of chemical toxins in herbicides, are a world responsibility.
Just as foreign soldiers destroyed forest, Vietnamese guerilla fighters used
forest as a shield and larder. The country side still hides the undischarged ordinance
of all armed parties - weapons which now maim indiscriminately. It should be everyone's
responsibility to help build a future with less conflict and more environmental
and social consciousness.
THIS IS THE CHALLENGE
I encourage you to contribute to this page in some of the following ways:
- send us photos or photoessays web link details on illegal wildlife use,
- expose the culprits by giving details of illegal traders,
- help develop the network to stop illegal wildife use outside and within Vietnam,
- encourage socially and environmentally benign solutions,
- promote a caring and humane future for our small planet.
DISCLAIMER: We at this site make no accusations beyond what is obvious in these
photos. We take no responsibility either for the photos or the comments.
They are presented for discussion and reflection.
There exist different approaches to the management of natural resources.
None of these is necessarily best or worst. This web page is here to raise questions for
discussion. It is worth considered thought within a multicultural framework.
Your contributions and comments are very welcome.
Contact me, Vern Weitzel
<vern@coombs.anu.edu.au>