On the heels of the coronavirus spread, conservationists have been pushing for a ban to the international wildlife trade. Vietnam is now drafting a plan to end the wildlife trade in the country, following conservationists’ request.
Scientists believe that the coronavirus began in an exotic animal market in Wuhan, where it was passed from an animal to a human.
Non-profit group Pan Nature sent a letter urging the government to protect wildlife, ban wild animal markets to stop the spread of coronavirus and similar viruses.
The letter was signed by groups including World Wildlife Fund (WFF),TRAFFIC, Animals Asia Foundation, Save Vietnam Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Pan Nature.
“The lesson from SARS and now Covid-19 are clear: new viruses will continue to move from wildlife to people while illegal wildlife trade and wildlife consumption continue,” the letter said.
Trinh Le Nguyen, director of Pan Nature said that Vietnam’s legislation would provide a model for others in the area and show the importance of biodiversity conservation and stopping illegal wildlife trade.
Nguyen said, “We expect that with this response of the Prime Minister, enforcement agencies will demonstrate their commitment to eradicate illegal wildlife trade and consumption in our country completely.”
Vietnam had 14 cases of coronavirus as of March 9. Over 3,000 people have died around the globe.
You can help stop the incidence of viruses like these by signing this petition to ban the wildlife trade.
This article was first published by OneGreenPlanet on 12 March 2020. Lead Image Source : wk1003mike/ Shutterstock.com
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