Workshop discusses restoration of endangered turtle populations in Vietnam
Experts and delegates at a workshop on May 27 discussed challenges to the restoration of wild turtle populations in Vietnam, and the possibility of reintroducing turtles in the central region.
Hanoi (VNA) – Experts and delegates at a workshop on May 27 discussed challenges to the restoration of wild turtle populations in Vietnam, and the possibility of reintroducing turtles in the central region.
The workshop was held by the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency at the Vietnam Environment Administration under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in coordination with the Asia Turtle Proramme.
Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan, deputy head of the agency, said scientists have found 25 species of tortoises and freshwater turtles along with five species of sea turtles in Vietnam.
Vietnam accounts for 9 percent of turtle species globally. However, their populations are rapidly declining due to the loss of habitats and illegal hunting and trade, with many on the edge of extinction.
To build and implement conservation programmes for endangered precious and rare species, the Prime Minister on September 12, 2019 issued Decision No. 1176/QD-TTg approving the programme on the conservation of endangered turtles by 2025, Nhan said.
Associate. Prof. Le Duc Minh from Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said many endangered, precious and rare turtle species in Vietnam have high genetic diversity.
He, therefore, suggested relevant ministries and agencies conduct genetic analysis before sending them to breeding facilities.
Ministries, agencies and localities should closely coordinate with research and management agencies to protect endangered species in general and turtles in particular, he said.
Other delegates also suggested applying technological and scientific solutions in the work, d🌱iversifying investment sources, and establishing financial mechanisms in support of these efforts./.
A 120-kg sea turtle stuck in a fishing net was released to the sea by border guards at Roon border post in Quang Trach district of the central province of Quang Binh and local fishermen on October 27 morning.
The Cham Island’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) management board and Quang Nam province’s rangers have released an endangered turtle to the local forest, three days after it was captured by a local farmer and handed to the MPA.
A 3kg hawksbill turtle, a rare species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam, was released into the sea in the south central province of Binh Dinh on April 13.
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Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
Illustrative image (Source: internet) 
