Crackdown on wild bird hunting during migration season

Hai Phong’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently issued a document requesting local authorities, including district People's Committees,Cat Ba National Park, the Forest Protection Department, and the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine, to step up efforts to manage and protect the migratory wild birds that have taken refuge in the coastal forests of the city.

These authorities have been instructed to intensify public awareness campaigns on wildlife protection, particularly focusing on migratory birds.

The aim of these campaigns is not only to raise public consciousness about the importance of biodiversity conservation but also to encourage locals to identify and report illegal activities related to the hunting, trading, transportation, slaughter, use, and consumption of wild animals.

Alongside awareness efforts, localities have been urged to form inter-agency task forces to inspect and crack down on illegal wild animal hunting, especially migratory birds. Social media accounts advertising illegal wildlife trade will be monitored and penalized. Additionally, business establishments have been guided not to engage in the sale of illegal wildlife products.

The People's Committees of communes, wards, and townships have been assigned the task of increasing control over and dismantling tools used for hunting wild and migratory birds. They will be held accountable to district leaders if violations involving wild or migratory birds occur in their jurisdiction.

The Forest Protection Department, directly responsible for enforcement, has been asked to strengthen cooperation between mobile forest rangers, wildfire prevention teams, and inter-district ranger units to prevent violations of wildlife protection laws.

The Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine has also been tasked with collaborating with local authorities and relevant agencies to detect and prevent diseases transmitted by wild birds that could affect human health, livestock, and poultry. Cat Ba National Park, which plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection, has been requested to increase inspections and prevent illegal hunting or trapping activities.