VietNamNet Bridge - The governments of the United States and Vietnam have partnered to organize a multilateral wildlife trafficking workshop in Hanoi from November 19 – 21, with the participation of investigators and prosecutors from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.  

“In Southeast Asia and Vietnam in particular, the United States is partnering with bilateral and regional partners to take bold action to combat wildlife trafficking.  Only by working together can we stop this criminality that is corroding the rule of law and threatening our national security,” said Chargé d'Affaires Claire Pierangelo of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.

The Hanoi Wildlife Trafficking Workshop is the second in a series of regional wildlife trafficking law enforcement workshops supported by the United States government. The first was held in Bogor, Indonesia in May.  

The workshops provide an opportunity for investigators and prosecutors from the participating countries to discuss policy, information sharing, and enforcement issues.  Ultimately, the workshop offers an opportunity to improve regional cooperation to combat wildlife trafficking.  Wildlife trafficking is closely related to the trafficking of other illicit goods and often involves transnational criminal organizations.  

This series of workshops is one aspect of the strengthened commitment of the United States to support efforts to stop wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species in the United States and around the world.

In July 2013, President Obama signed an executive order that resulted in the release in February 2014 of the first U.S. National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking.  The strategy incorporates the efforts of over 17 U.S. government agencies and sets three strategic priorities:  strengthening enforcement, reducing demand, and building international cooperation, including through efforts with the 46 countries that signed the London Declaration on the Illegal Wildlife Trade.  

PV