HANOI, Vietnam (AP) – Britain’s Prince William has praised Vietnam, China and other Asian countries for taking unprecedented steps to battle wildlife trafficking but says the truth is that rhinos, elephants, pangolins and lions are still being killed in horrifying numbers.
William spoke at the Third International Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade hosted by Vietnam, one of major transit points and consumers of trafficked ivory and rhino horns.
He says organized crime syndicates are much more agile than we are.
Vietnam Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh says wildlife trafficking is a global problem that needs comprehensive cooperation and strong commitment. He says Vietnam is facing many challenges in protecting wildlife and ensuring economic growth, such as raising awareness in local communities and improving their livelihoods, and limitations in prosecuting and convicting criminals.