This report examines how timber moves into one of the world’s most important wood-processing hubs - Vietnam. During the past two decades, Vietnam has become a major global exporter of furniture and wood products, supplying markets across Asia, Europe and the US. To support this growth, the country relies not only on its own plantations, but also on timber imported from a wide range of international sources, including neighbouring countries such as Cambodia and Laos.
Vietnam’s ongoing fight against the illegal wildlife trade
Environmental crime relies on corruption to thrive and flourishes in places where individuals or groups exploit positions of authority for personal gain. To effectively combat corruption and environmental crime, the following priorities should therefore be established...
Parties to the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP19) are reminded of the critical conservation status of Asia’s big cats
The illegal wildlife trade corridor between Nigeria and Vietnam was recognised in the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS) report to CoP18 and the 2020 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Wildlife Crime Report, which identified Nigeria and Vietnam as the largest export hub and import hub of ivory and pangolin scales respectively. This briefing highlights the parallel responsibilities and shortcomings of Nigeria and Vietnam which, as exporter and importer countries, share responsibilities to implement their commitments under CITES effectively and cohesively.
For a decade, Vietnam has been repeatedly highlighted for its role in the international illegal wildlife trade, so it is encouraging to see the recent efforts taken by the Government to address its involvement; it is to be congratulated for the measures it has taken and the successes it has had domestically.