Discussing solutions to limit the use of bear bile in Vietnam

This is a Workshop organized by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Institute of Biochemistry and Environmental Technology –Vinh Universityjointly organize to implement the Strategy for the conservation of the Moon Bear in Vietnam.

Associate Professor Dr. Cao Tien Trung - Director of the Institute of Biochemical and Environmental Technology spoke at the conference. Photo: MH

Attending the workshop were Dr. Kirstie Ann Rupper - Director of San Diego County Wildlife Alliance and members of the unit.

On the side of Vinh University, there were Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hien - Party Committee Secretary, Chairman of the University Council - Vinh University, Associate Professor, Dr. Cao Tien Trung - Director of the Institute of Biochemical Technology - Environment; representatives of international and domestic organizations, national parks, nature reserves, representatives of a number of authorities, units and social organizations.

In recent years, the Vietnamese Government has paid great attention to research, exploitation and conservation of nature in general and bears in particular. International organizations at home and abroad have actively made efforts to research and propose solutions and action plans to conserve this resource and have achieved certain results such as protecting wild bear populations, reducing the demand for bear bile, communicating the effects of bear bile, supporting bear captivity management, etc.

However, many species of bears are currently facing the risk of extinction due to loss of habitat and frequent hunting to meet the demand for food, raw materials, and illegal drugs.

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hien delivered the opening speech at the workshop. Photo: MH

In addition, habitat loss due to deforestation for timber, burning forests for farming, and hunting in the wild for bile farming has affected their population. In particular, the demand for bear bile as a folk remedy continues to be a threat to wild moon bear populations.

Despite the Government’s efforts to close all bear farms, bear bile use remains widespread. Because bear bile use is widely accepted in Vietnamese society, and because of the low penalties for this practice, efforts to prevent it have so far been ineffective.

Dr. Kirstie Ann Rupper – Director of San Diego County Wildlife Alliance spoke at the conference. Photo: MH

Based on the above facts, the Workshop on “Designing a Theory of Change in an Effort to Reduce the Demand for Bear Bile in Vietnam” is an important first step in developing a strategy to reduce the demand for bear bile in Central Vietnam. At this workshop, attendees will be provided with an overview of the research conducted by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Institute for Biochemical and Environmental Technology on bear bile consumption in Vietnam; describing the Process Theory of Change and Adaptation in Behavioral Change.

Experts go on field trips in the forest. Photo: PV

Quote: The report of the representative of Nghe An Provincial Forest Protection Department at the workshop said: Currently, in Nghe An province, there are 51 bears in captivity, including 50 moon bears and 1 sun bear. Bears are raised in 8 facilities, including 6 households, 1 ecological facility and 1 rescue center. The bear captivity units have built cages that fully meet the captivity regulations and have signed commitments according to the regulations.

Bear captivity in households is a historical legacy and the forest rangers have repeatedly proposed transferring bears to state agencies, but most households have refused. Meanwhile, sanctions are not yet adequate, so management is facing some difficulties.

In addition, the workshop also featured a number of presentations to share expertise and experience from the Vietnamese Government, NGO partners and local people with international experts to collaborate on designing a Theory of Change that will be used in bear bile demand reduction efforts; and to discuss priority needs for bear conservation in Vietnam.

Based on the assessment of the achieved points, analyze the reasons for not achieving the desired results and propose feasible solutions suitable for bear conservation conditions in Vietnam.

Presenting gifts to delegates from the San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Alliance. Photo: MH.

In his opening speech at the conference, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hien - Chairman of the Council of Vinh University highly appreciated the significance of this conference. On the part of Vinh University, over the past years, Vinh University's scientific research activities have been effectively implemented in many fields, including bear population research and the need to use bear bile.

The initial research results of the School's scientific staff in the field of bear populations and bear bile demand have demonstrated the School's efforts in implementing research for the region and meeting the local socio-economic and educational development needs in the face of new demands of the country's industrialization and modernization period.

After this workshop, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hien also hopes that the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Institute of Biochemistry and Environmental Technology - Vinh University will continue to cooperate towards a strategy for conserving moon bears in Vietnam.

Delegates attending the conference took a souvenir photo. Photo: MH

Through the workshop, the organizing units will also seek opinions and understanding from community members in Nghe An and other key individuals to design a campaign to reduce the demand for bear bile; encourage the use of other alternative products that do not harm wildlife.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that is a leader in conservation, inspiring passion for nature and creating a world where all species live peacefully, supporting the mission of wildlife conservation through innovation and partnership. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports cutting-edge conservation work and brings their stories back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Park – giving millions of visitors the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to regional conservation “hubs” around the globe, where their strengths can effectively link with hundreds of regional partners to improve wildlife populations through the “Conservation Toolbox,” including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank.

By leveraging these tools of conservation science, wildlife care, and working with hundreds of partners, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has returned more than 44 endangered species to their native habitats. Each year, the Alliance reaches more than 1 billion people in 150 countries through news media, social media, websites, educational resources, and the San Diego Zoo Kids channel, which is featured in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Such great success is due to the support of members, donors, and visitors to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Park, who share a common mission of commitment to Wildlife Conservation.