The third International Wildlife Trade Conference (IWTC) will take place in Hanoi from November 16-18 with support of the UK Government. 




Dead pangolins as a result of smuggling are kept at the Hanoi centre for wildlife rescue


The event expects to see the participation of 54 countries, 10 international institutions, and non-governmental organisations, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). 

The conference is slated to adopt a Hanoi Declaration, decrying the illegal trade of endangered species as a serious crime and lining out measures and actions to strengthen law enforcement and promote international cooperation on the fight against illegal wildlife trade. 

On the occasion, MARD will coordinate with domestic and foreign partners to hold an exhibition on wildlife protection and efforts to curb the illegal trade of wildlife. 

The first IWTC was held in 2014 under the IUK’s initiative, which had the aim of reaching a political commitment to deal with illegal wildlife trade by specific actions. 

The second IWTC was held in Botswana in March 2015.

VNA