April 14, 2025 | 21:15 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Thursday- 17:37, 21/09/2023

Viet Nam convenes experts for improved management of captive tigers

(VAN) On September 21, 60 national and international management officers and experts on tiger conservation worked together to discuss solutions to manage captive tigers in Vietnam.
Ms. Heather Sohl, Chief Advisor on Wildlife and Tiger Trade Leader, WWF, presents on the role of captive tigers in the global illegal tiger trade.

Ms. Heather Sohl, Chief Advisor on Wildlife and Tiger Trade Leader, WWF, presents on the role of captive tigers in the global illegal tiger trade.

The Technical Dialogue on the Framework for the Management of Tiger Facilities in Vietnam, was hosted by the Forest Protection Department and supported the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Saving Threatened Wildlife project, implemented by the Management Board for Forestry Projects of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), and WWF.

Tigers are globally endangered and are protected both nationally and internationally under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 

CITES requires all member states to implement measures to restrict captive tiger populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers and to prevent breeding for trade in their parts and derivatives.

In Vietnam, according to the Forest Protection Department, approximately 388 tigers are kept in zoos, safaris and under private ownership. In 2020, the Prime Minister assigned MARD to organize an assessment of the pilot and the status of the five private facilities allowed to keep/breed tigers for conservation purposes. Based on these assessments, the development of a National Framework for the Management of Captive Tigers has been proposed.

“Implementing Directive No. 29/CT-TTg (July 23, 2020) issued by the Prime Minister on Some urgent Solutions to address management of wildlife species, the Forest Protection Department has coordinated with relevant units to conduct a survey and evaluation of the current situation of tiger farming as well as tiger management. We realized that there were remaining difficulties and challenges for tiger facilities as well as management and supervision of the authorities. 

Based on these assessments, the development of a National Framework for the Management of Captive Tigers has been proposed with several new solutions such as: managing and monitoring tigers using DNA technology, striped images, microchips, etc. to serve the purpose of origin traceability; complete relevant legal policies; strengthen the effectiveness of law enforcement, prevent and stop the illegal trade, captivity, and use of tigers’ parts and derivatives,” says Mr. Bui Chinh Nghia, Director of the Forest Protection Department.

Mr. Nghia believes that this timely dialogue will contribute ideas to the Forest Protection Department to complete the National Framework for the Management of Captive Tigers in the coming time, ensuring compliance with the provisions ofCITES, Vietnamese law and the practical situation.

Mr. Bui Chinh Nghia, Director of the Forest Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) delivered the opening speech.

Mr. Bui Chinh Nghia, Director of the Forest Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) delivered the opening speech.

Mr. Do Quang Tung, Director of the Management Board for Forestry Projects (MARD), says, “Tigers are an endangered, precious and rare species with a very high risk of extinction due to illegal hunting, trading, raising and breeding. Therefore, they must be protected under International Conventions and National Law. Viet Nam has been working to show our commitment in the conservation of tigers, especially in captive facilities. With the contribution of national and international experts, we are looking forward to the completion of the Framework for the Management of Captive Tigers in Vietnam.”

The two-day technical dialogue provided participants with information on the state of captive tigers in Vietnam and the measures necessary to improve their management, and compliance with CITES. 

Examples and discussion of the current status and practical experience of managing captive tigers in other countries were also highlighted. Participating in the workshop, delegates enthusiastically discussed and provided professional expertise to strengthen the management of captive tiger facilities and minimize the risk of trafficking and/or leakages of tigers and tiger products into illegal markets. 

Some key opinions raised by many delegates including building a nationwide tiger management system with individual DNA profiles and stripe patterns, providing a definition of keeping and breeding tigers for conservation purposes, and ensuring husbandry and welfare standards for captive tigers. Following the dialogue, the Framework will be revised and submitted to MARD for consideration. 

“The management of captive tigers requires the collective effort from Government Agencies, facility owners and partners from international organizations. This was well reflected in the diversity of participants from different sectors joining the Technical Dialogue today. We welcome the opportunity to have expert input for the improved management of captive tigers in Vietnam,” said Ms. Michelle Owen, Chief of Party - Saving Threatened Wildlife project.

Author: Tung Dinh

Translated by Quynh Chi

The rice fields that ‘pave the way’ for scaling up One Million Hectares Rice Project

The rice fields that ‘pave the way’ for scaling up One Million Hectares Rice Project

(VAN) The results from pilot fields are catalyzing the expansion of the One million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice project in Kien Giang.

Cuc Phuong National Park rescues many rare wildlife species from Da Nang

Cuc Phuong National Park rescues many rare wildlife species from Da Nang

(VAN) On the morning of April 11, Cuc Phuong National Park received 18 individuals of endangered and rare wild animals from Da Nang city.

FAO supports Vietnam in collecting data for 2025 Agricultural and Rural Census

FAO supports Vietnam in collecting data for 2025 Agricultural and Rural Census

(VAN) FAO supports Vietnam in enhancing survey sampling techniques for the 2025 nationwide agricultural and rural census.

Green transition: A foundation for a sustainable and equitable economy

Green transition: A foundation for a sustainable and equitable economy

(VAN) By participating in the green transition, manufacturers become an indispensable part of the circular economy, contributing to resource optimization and environmental protection.

How can 14 million tons of rice straw from one million hectares of rice be used?

How can 14 million tons of rice straw from one million hectares of rice be used?

(VAN) The One Million Hectares of High-Quality and Low-Emission Rice Program can generate nearly 14 million tons of straw annually, posing an urgent requirement to diversify straw-based products.

Nearly VND 4.3 trillion allocated for climate-resilient infrastructure development in ethnic minority areas

Nearly VND 4.3 trillion allocated for climate-resilient infrastructure development in ethnic minority areas

(VAN) This figure was recently announced at a conference held in Yen Bai, focusing on climate-resilient infrastructure development for ethnic minority regions.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Japan-funded evacuation center

Groundbreaking ceremony for Japan-funded evacuation center

(VAN) The evacuation center is a practical work in efforts to respond to natural disasters and adapt to climate change in vulnerable areas.

Read more