The project, just approved by the Prime Minister, has counterpart capital of VND 11.125 billion (nearly $500,000) funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The project includes completing the legal framework related to wildlife, enforcing the implementation of legal documents, and promoting communication to raise public awareness of using and buying wild animals and related products.

Illegal trading of wild species is estimated to bring smugglers US$10-15 billion each year. It depletes natural resources and increases the risk of spreading diseases.

VNA