Protecting Wildlife and Aquatic Resources Is a Shared Responsibility Across the Political System

(DTO) On the afternoon of March 31, the Dong Thap Provincial Interdisciplinary Steering Committee (Steering Committee 854) held a review conference on the implementation of Plan No. 628/KH-BCA-BNN&MT dated October 17, 2025, issued by the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and Plan No. 679/KH-UBND dated December 9, 2025, issued by the Provincial People’s Committee on communication, enforcement, and handling of violations related to wildlife protection and aquatic resources in the province.

The event was held online at two levels, connecting the Provincial Police Department headquarters with commune-level Police Stations. Major General Lam Phuoc Nguyen, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Provincial Police Department; and Nguyen Phuoc Thien, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, attended and directed the conference.

At the conference, the Steering Committee announced Decision No. 854/QĐ-UBND dated March 27, 2026, on the establishment of the Steering Committee and the Interdisciplinary Task Force. This is an important step in strengthening the organizational structure and providing a solid legal basis for coordinated interagency efforts in wildlife and aquatic resource protection across the province.

Also during the conference, units signed new coordination plans among the Provincial Police Department, the Provincial Military Command, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, and the Dong Thap Provincial Buddhist Sangha, marking closer alignment between law enforcement agencies and religious organizations in raising awareness and encouraging the public and Buddhist followers to abandon violations related to wildlife protection and aquatic resources.

The midterm report showed that after a period of implementation, the plans have been executed consistently from provincial to grassroots levels, contributing to initial positive changes in public awareness and legal compliance.

Regarding patrols, inspections, and sanctions, the Division for Economic, Corruption, Smuggling, and Environmental Crime Investigation under the Provincial Police Department, in coordination with commune- and ward-level police, the Fisheries Patrol Unit, and Forest Protection Unit No. 1, detected and apprehended 34 cases involving 37 offenders. One case involving repeated use of electric gear to exploit aquatic resources has been prosecuted. Another case has been concluded under Article 242 of the Penal Code. 31 cases involving 34 offenders have been administratively sanctioned, totaling more than 160 million VND in fines.

Authorities conducted 391 patrols with the participation of 2,356 officers and soldiers; seized a range of illegal tools, including 1,100 meters of netting, 1,500 meters of snare lines, and two sound-amplifying devices in the Gao Giong melaleuca forest. Notably, they received one homemade firearm and one Asian darter voluntarily surrendered by residents.

The Forest Protection Sub-Department and Fisheries Sub-Department, under the Department of Agriculture and Environment, carried out 28 patrols, handled 32 administrative violation cases with fines totaling 140.25 million VND; and confiscated 52 live animals (64 kg), 23 electric shock devices, 250 meters of invisible netting, and 1,200 meters of sky fishing line.
Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman Nguyen Phuoc Thien emphasized that environmental protection and biodiversity conservation are not merely technical tasks but core requirements for the province’s sustainable development.

He asked the Provincial Police Department to continue their role as the standing agency of the Steering Committee, strengthen professional measures to detect and strictly handle violations, and intensify communication efforts to encourage the public not to hunt, trap, capture, trade, or consume wildlife, migratory birds, or use destructive fishing gear.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment was tasked with leading legal communication efforts; sustaining the campaign “No hunting - No consumption - Protect wildlife, migratory birds, and aquatic resources”; and enhancing environmental governance capacity at commune and ward levels.
The Provincial Military Command will closely coordinate with the Provincial Police Department in gathering intelligence, investigating, and detecting violations; share information on offenders’ methods; identify hotspots; and ensure effective enforcement.

The Provincial Buddhist Sangha will continue guiding monks, nuns, and followers to practice release rituals responsibly; coordinate in developing the thematic program “Releasing animals in accordance with Buddhist principles, linked with biodiversity conservation and social responsibility”; and integrate environmental protection content into religious activities.

By TUAN LAM
Translated by ANH DUC