VietNamNet Bridge – Nearly 500 inspections for environment violations have been conducted at 2,500 organisations over the first half of the year, resulting in more than VND5 billion (nearly US$239,000) in fines being collected.

The first six months of the year also saw nearly VND2.35 billion ($111,900) in environment protection fees collected, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

A spokesperson from the ministry said officials would continue inspections in a large scope over the second half of the year, with a focus on violations against the laws on environment, land and water resources.

* Rare wild animals returned to forest

More than 20 tonnes of rare wild animals were returned to their natural habitat by the Forest Management Department of southernmost Ca Mau Province at U Minh Ha Vo Doi National Park.

The rare wild animals are of 10 different types, including a python, tortoise, iguana, monkey and snake.

This is the third time this year that the department has returned rare wild animals to the forest.

According to Nguyen Van Dau, deputy director of the park, local forest rangers discovered at least 120 cases of illegal animal hunting each month in the area.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News