Launching a network of reporters participating in investigating and combating wildlife trafficking

The Network of Investigative Journalists and Reporters on Combating Illegal Wildlife Trafficking (the Network) is a voluntary, non-political, non-profit professional group that complies with the regulations on the establishment of associations and groups of Vietnamese law, including independent journalists and reporters who are specialized in or interested in investigating and writing articles on combating illegal wildlife trafficking.

Launch of the Wildlife Crime Investigation Team, Figure 1 — Workshop "Enhancing the participation of reporters and journalists in preventing illegal wildlife trafficking". Photo: Bich Hong

Through technical support from the Endangered Wildlife Protection Project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the network will be a space and bridge for journalists and reporters to share information, enhance capacity, support and coordinate press and communication activities, contributing to preventing illegal wildlife trafficking and consumption in Vietnam.

The network will contribute to enhancing the role of the press in communicating to raise public awareness of wildlife conservation, condemning illegal acts in hunting, transporting, trading and using wildlife products.

The network shares information, raises awareness, strengthens capacity on the legal framework, policies on wildlife conservation, as well as investigative skills, news writing, participates in detecting and closely monitors the handling of wildlife violations by authorities. Thereby, mobilizing support and commitment from leaders at all levels, central and local departments, to address illegal wildlife trafficking and consumption.

The network will develop a specific and practical action plan for journalism and communication to enhance the exploitation and reporting of illegal wildlife trade. At the same time, organizations and individuals with achievements in attracting public attention to cases related to wildlife crime will be honored through the annual journalism awards.

Mr. Le Trong Dam, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, hopes that through the Network, it will effectively support the communication campaign "Say no to illegal trading and consumption of wildlife and wildlife products throughout society in Vietnam".

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