SA, Vietnam discuss poaching

2012-08-17 14:50

Russel, a Belgian shepherd trained to track rhino poachers, “reports” for duty with his handler at the Pilanesberg nature reserve. (Liza van Deventer, Beeld)

Pretoria - Poaching was among the topics dominating discussions at the second meeting of the Vietnam-South Africa Partnership Forum held in Pretoria, an official said on Friday.

Deputy International Relations Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim said both countries had expressed deep concern over the ongoing illegal hunting and trafficking of wildlife products, particularly rhino horn.

"The two sides agreed to work closely together, through bilateral and multi-lateral mechanisms, to address concerns in this area to protect these endangered species," he told reporters in Pretoria.

A memorandum of understanding in the fields of bio-diversity management and law enforcement had been agreed upon, said Ebrahim.

The agreement sought compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) and other legislation.

The pact would now be tested in the legal processes of both countries before being signed.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Le Luong Minh said his country was intensely concerned about the widespread poaching problem.

"We discussed and shared the concerns over the illegal hunting, trade, and trafficking of wildlife," said Minh.

Media reports cited the "obsession" with rhino horn products in Vietnam as a serious threat to the world’s rhino population.

Rhino horn products are perceived to have curative powers for an assortment of ailments, from headaches to cancer.

- SAPA