South Africa and Vietnam Sign Biodiversity Conservation and Protection Implementation Plan

allafrica.com 6 May 13;

The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Ha Cong Tuan, today signed an action plan to implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Biodiversity Conservation and Protection signed by the two countries in Hanoi, Vietnam, in December 2012.

The Implementation Plan, effective until 2017, gives further impetus to the fight against wildlife crimes, particularly rhino poaching. The Plan is reviewable during, and at the end, of the said period.

It is the direct result of cooperation and continued negotiations following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa and the Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Dr Cao Duc Phat in Vietnam.

The objective of the MoU is to promote cooperation in the field of biodiversity management, conservation and protection. It is also expected to assist in curbing the scourge of rhino poaching because the MoU seeks to promote cooperation in law enforcement, compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other relevant legislation and Conventions on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

The signing today of the Action Plan is the culmination of intensive negotiations and discussions between the two governments. It aims to put into operation the agreements defined in the signed MoU.

The Action Plan is particularly aimed at reinforcing efforts that would assist in addressing rhino poaching. It also promotes cooperation in law enforcement, compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other relevant legislation and Conventions on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

Put into action is the development of joint legislative efforts to conserve biodiversity, to build capacity and promote participation of international organisations and non-governmental organisations in the process.

Priority areas of cooperation include: Biodiversity management, conservation and protection