However, executive director of Wildaid Peter Knights said that only 10% of the consumption volume could threaten rhinos with extinction.
Wildaid, African Wildlife Foundation and the CHANGE organization on Monday held a press briefing to launch the campaign to stop using rhino horns. The campaign ‘When the buying stops, the killing can too’ aims to raise awareness of the rhino horn crisis and urge people to stop using rhino horns.
The campaign focuses on Vietnam and China, two largest markets for consuming rhino horns.
Patrick Bergin, CEO of African Wildlife Foundation, mentioned the Java rhino in Vietnam which was officially declared extinct in 2011 after the country’s last one was killed by poachers and had its horn taken.
He stressed the need for the local people to ensure Africa’s rhinos do not suffer the same fate as Vietnam’s rhinos by saying no to rhino horn before it’s too late.
Rhino poaching is on the rise with 1,004 rhinos killed for their horns in South Africa last year.
The latest report of South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs showed that there were at least 146 rhinos killed from the year’s beginning until February 26 compared to only 13 rhinos killed in 2007.
Prof. Nguyen Lan Dung, chairman of the Vietnam General Biology Association, said that rhino horns could not cure cancer and dysfunction as rumored. Moreover, rhino horns, after being poached and stolen from museums, is impregnated with harmful chemicals for preservation, which can be toxic or fatal.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan said that Vietnam pledged to support the meaningful campaign by using communications channels to change behaviors, educate people on laws regarding endangered species, and join with international communities in protecting the species.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
