VietNamNet Bridge - The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is considering destroying the rhino horns and elephant tusks seized in smuggling cases as the way to confirm that Vietnam does not allow trade and consumption of wildlife.

The information was revealed by Deputy Minister Ha Cong Tuan at the roundtable conference on fighting transnational illegal trafficking of wild animals cross, with the participation of many international partners.

The Vietnamese Government has issued directives requiring all related ministries and departments to fight hunting and trafficking of African elephant’s tusks and rhino horns. However, according to some conference participants, Vietnam and related partners have yet to coordinated closely together.

"In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a key link in the global trafficking rings of illegal wildlife and the place for trade, transportation and consumption of wild animals,” said Dr. Susan Liebermen, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) conservation policy manager.

At the conference, Vice Minister Ha Cong Tuan said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is considering destroying the warehouse of rhino horns, elephant’s tusks and tiger bones seized in Vietnam.

According to experts, if this happens, Vietnam’s decision will set the standard high for other countries and reinforce Vietnam’s commitment of considering crimes related to wildlife a serious type of crime.

Xuan My