VietNamNet Bridge - In an interview with Nhan Dan Online in the corridor at the National Assembly session, historian and National Assembly member Duong Trung Quoc said he would ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat--in an official letter about issues relating to the Bear Rescue Center. According to him, the rhino story is a lesson for us not to bring shame to the country again.

Tam Dao bear rescue center and “national security”




- You said you will question the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat on issues relating to the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre in the 4th session of the 13th National Assembly. So what questions will you ask?

- This session, Mr. Cao Duc Phat, is not among the ministers who will be questioned at the 13th National Assembly. But with his responsibilities, I will question him in official letter to clarify the issue. I will ask Minister Cao Duc Phat only these questions:  If for legitimate defense significance reasons and not because of other benefits; then what do we have to replace this Bear Rescue Center? Is bear protection still the objective and priority of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development?

The second question is what is the attitude of MARD toward the bear Center in regard to their contributions for such a long period so far plus the financial losses they suffer? We cannot forget, by making defense the critical factor, their contributions over time. In this case, I think there is another crucial challenging factor that should be taken into account; this is the factor of international commitment. We have international commitments with Animals Asia, and they have partnered with us. We should see the rhino story as a shame! Although there are many factors that led to the tragic outcome, why aren't we ashamed of it? But if we once again behave such irresponsibly, soullessly, I think it would damage the reputation of our country, especially in the sensitive area that the world is very concerned about: wildlife conservation.

- The Ministry said that during project approval procedures for the Bear Rescue Center construction site in Tam Dao National Park, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and other relevant agencies did not consult with defense; therefore they were not aware of the bear project?

- If so, I would like to say to the Minister of Defense that maintenance of national security is his duty. The Bear Center has had activities there for five years and he did not know? He should reconsider his responsibilities.

- Why don't you ask the Ministry of Defense?

There is no precedent of questioning the Defense Ministry, but of course I will raise this question.

“National Defense” is an unreasonable argument
 
On the 15th of October, Professor Nguyen Lan Dung, Representative of 12th National Congress, Member of the Central Fatherland Front Committee, sent a letter to Professor-Academician Dang Vu Minh, Chairman of Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Association (VUSTA), to hold a referendum to gather opinions of scientists and urgently report to the Prime Minister for a timely intervention in order to support the retaining of an important scientific project – the Vietnam Bear Rescue Center (VBRC).

Prof. Lan Dung wrote: “Through Communiqué 4850/TB-BNN by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), according to the request from Ministry of Defense (MoD) (it is said as a result of lobbying by the Tam Dao National Park Director), VBRC is requested to stop the expansion and even be relocated.

“This is extremely unreasonable, for it is rooted in personal agendas – allowing half the project land to Truong Giang Joint Stock Company to develop tourism services. National Defense is an absolutely irrational reason as it has been approved by the Government.

“Furthermore, the project has invested over USD 2 million which was funded by individuals and organizations worldwide. The project is now the home for 104 rescued bears that were transferred from the Forrest Protection Department, offering 77 jobs for local employees.”

On 17th of October, Chairman of VUSTA, Đặng Vũ Minh sent an official document attached by Prof. Lan Dung’s letter to Central Government Office and MARD for guidance on this issues.

Talking to Nhan Dan Online about the issue related to Vietnam Bear Rescue Center, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan said: "The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will coordinate with other ministries, and government branches to solve this matter in a legal and humanly acceptable way, in accordance with Vietnam's law and with international practice."

Ha Cong Tuan, there is not yet a decision to displace the Bear Rescue Center. The parties are taken into consideration the possibility of relocating or not moving. The Government will have the final say.

Translated by VNN from Nhan Dan Online