RI-Vietnam Discuss Cooperation To Combat Illegal Plant

Kuta (Antara Bali) - Cooperation to eliminate illegal trade in plants and wildlife under the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network is being discussed in the 2nd Bilateral Indonesia-Vietnam Dialague taking place here on Friday.

Darori, director general of forest protection and nature conservation at Indonesia's Forestry Ministry, said the dialogue was to exchange information and knowledge on law enforcement, especially regarding regulations relating to illegal trade in wildlife and timber.

"We also want to strengthen formal and non formal cooperation in eradicating illegal trade in tigers, armadillos and other wildlife species," he said.

The dialogue was expected to result in the signing of a  memorandum of understanding on cooperation in law enforcement, public awareness, human resources capacity building, training and  coordination between the two parties.

Vietnam was considered to be a country often used by animal and plant smugglers as a stepping stone to ply their contraband in countries such as China.*