Last Saturday, ENV’s Wildlife Protection Volunteer Network dropped in to visit the iZi English club in Ho Chi Minh City for an informative and interactive discussion on the illegal trade and consumption of wildlife in Vietnam.
Nearly 50 club members – mostly recent graduates or young professionals aged in their early twenties – listened to our presentation entitled “Score a goal for wildlife” and engaged enthusiastically in an extensive Q&A session and questionnaire. We gave an overview of wildlife trade in Vietnam and its consequences, and highlighted some practical examples of bear bile being used as a traditional medicine and wildlife being used as souvenirs and trophies.
The meet-up was an excellent opportunity to engage with young Vietnamese locals with limited prior knowledge of wildlife crime issues. Participants shared their experiences and encounters with illegal wildlife products and raised a range of insightful and creative questions and ideas for how illegal consumption and trade can be discouraged and reduced in Vietnam. We look forward to having more conversations like this at similar events in the future!
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