Author: warnew
Green Talk – Eloquence Contest in English About Initiatives Toward a Green Environment for students in Ho Chi Minh City
From 15 November to 18 December 2010, Wildlife At Risk will cooperate with UNESCO to organise an Eloquence Contest in English for students in Ho Chi Minh City. The Green Talk Contest aims to raise awareness of the public, especially youngsters, about the environment and also encourage young people to creatively and actively participate in environmental protection. This is also an avenue for youngsters to improve their English skills while contributing to environmental protection.
Contest regulations
Theme
Initiate a practical idea that involves participation of the public in environment protection toward a “green, clean and beautiful” environment”.
Participants
All students aged 16 to 30, in Ho Chi Minh City
Contest rounds and regulations
Round 1: Submit an application form
Send your application form, consisting of two parts:
Part 1: a short self introduction
Part 2: An English essay of 350 – 500 words that describes your initiatives that aims to solve problems in the environment.
The candidates can submit the application forms as individuals or a team.
Contest Time: 15 November to 5 December 2010
Candidates can send the application form by post or email to following address:
UNESCO-CEP Office
Address: 68 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 1 TP.HCM
Email: contest@greentalk.vn
Results of Round 1: the 20 best initiatives will be collected and announced on the website: www.greentalk.vn
Round 2: Deliver an eloquent speech in English to defend your ideas
Time: December 10th, 2010
Twenty students/groups with the best initiatives will present their ideas in English to a board of judges.
Results of round 2: the five best initiatives will be chosen to advance to the third round.
Round 3: The final round and the award ceremony
Time: December 18th, 2010
The five final candidates will present and defend their ideas in English to the judge board and potential sponsors. The most feasible ideas will be awarded and have the potential for sponsorship and implementation.
Prizes
Total value of prizes: 50,000,000 VND
The twenty candidates from round 2 will be awarded with a study tour to the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station.
The most feasible initiatives have the potential to be sponsored and will be introduced widely among the Green Talk community in the country.
See more about the contest at: www.greentalk.vn
Phu Quoc Programme
DISCOVERING THE BOUNTIES OF A JEWELLED ISLE
Introduction
The Island of Phu Quoc is the largest island of Vietnam and it still contains a valuable and relatively undisturbed wildlife habitat. . It is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is a part of the Kien Giang Province. It has a rainy season from May to late November and is rapidly becoming a target for foreign tourists, which means that conserving its wildlife is becoming an increasing challenge. WAR staff, led by the Phu Quoc Project Manager and WAR CEO, Nguyen Vu Khoi, has been working on the Island since 2006.
The aim of the WAR programme on Phu Quoc is to help to conserve the nature of the Island by providing information about its biodiversity and then to propose sustainable solutions for the development and conservation of any endangered species. As its project partner, WAR has the Phu Quoc National Park (PQNP).
The PQNP was established as early as 2001 by an upgrading of the Natural Conservation Area. It is located in the northern part of the Island and has a total area of 31,422ha. In general, the Park’s topography is characterized by a reduction in elevation from the north to the south and from the east to the west.
The fauna and flora of the PQNP and of the Island as a whole, is gradually being documented by the WAR experts in conjunction with the Park’s staff and supporting scientists from cooperating institutions. New items are constantly being released by WAR via its website and via the local media channels. Annual updates are conducted on checklists of fauna such as the Damselfly, Dragonfly and Butterflies.
WAR’s MAIN PROJECT ACTIVITES ON PHU QUOC ISLAND
WAR’s main project activities have been focused on the topic shown below.
The Conduct of Biological Surveys on the Fauna and Flora of Phu Quoc.
This is part of an embryonic conservation programme. WAR is supporting strategic surveys by wildlife specialists. Surveys include a wild orchid survey a herpetorological survey, and a bat survey, a primate assessment and fresh water fish, bird and butterfly surveys. In addition, WAR staff worked on the production of field guides that will help to train forest rangers, enabling them to incorporate basic ecotourism services into their normal patrol duties. The books will also serve as basic photographic guides for tourists with an interest in natural history.
The most recent butterfly survey conducted recorded well over 150 species. It reveals even greater species diversity on the Island than originally thought. Over 55 dragonfly and damselfly species have already been observed.
WAR is also working with the Island authorities in an effort to minimize the environmental impact of mass tourism on Phu Quoc National Park. It has supported the drafting of a list of recommendations in the form of an ecotourism strategy document. A pilot butterfly breeding program for common species has been launched at Mango Bay Resort as part of a programme to conserve marine stocks by developing alternative income streams for local fisherman. Other plans include production of an endangered plant ID guide and establishment of a seed bank. Preliminary surveys of Phu Quoc’s plant life have already produced some spectacular discoveries, including several endangered orchid species.
Introduction and Support of Several Participatory Sustainable Development Models
These involve mud and swimming crab cultivation models, a butterfly demonstration site, and a wild orchid garden.
Direct Training and Support to PQNP Staff
This includes ecotourism training to Park staff and relevant agencies, ‘on-the-job’ training on how to conduct wildlife surveys, and how to publish survey results.
Rehabilitation of the Locally Endangered Plant Species: Dipterocarpus intricatus
This has consisted of the implementation of a trial regrowth programme that involves collecting seeds, establishing a nursery, instituting trials on seedlings and then actually planting suitable seedlings in the field.
Public Awareness Campaign
This has involved training on how to conserve nature within a sustainable ecotourism environment.
‘Quick Click’ Easy Find
- Contact details of the Manager, Phu Quoc Project, click Contact Us.
- Pictures of the Phu Quoc Project, click Gallery PQ Project
- Books and publications from the Phu Quoc Project, click Library PQ
- Phu Quoc technical reports, click PQ Technical Reports
- How to assist with labour on the Phu Quoc Project, click Volunteers.
- How to sponsor or donate to the Phu Quoc Project, click How to Help
About the Rhino death
In early May, a Rhino carcass was found in Cat Tien National Park. A bullet was found in the left fore leg, and signs of horn removed were found on the skull. The Rhino must be dead for several months. No body knows why the Rhino died and a big investigation is being conducted to find out the reason. The scientists are analyzing the DNA samples to know more about the dead Rhino. Answer from the DNA analysis might also reveal if that is the last Rhino in Vietnam.
According to the scientists, the possibility that the Rhino was hunted is very high. Many people also doubt that the dead Rhino is the last Rhino in Vietnam. We are looking forward for the DNA analysis result from the scientists.
The subspecies of Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus) is only found in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam. The other sub species with about 40 to 60 individuals are found in Indonesia. If the dead Rhino in Vietnam is the last one, the world will experience the extinction of one sub-species Javan Rhino.
Thousands of people speak up to save the forest and to break Vietnam record
WHAT: Thousands of local people, leaders and university students join together in a public event entitled “Speak up to save the forest”. In this event, they will sing a song comprised of only one word “KHONG”, in English it means “NO”, in order to call for people to “Say NO to illegal forest products”. This chorus will challenge the Vietnam Record for the “Biggest chorus in Vietnam”. Famous artists including singer Y-Moan, singer Siu-Black, singer Luu Thien Huong, rapper Kim JoJo, and MC Quyen Linh will take part in this event. Especially, the chorus will be led by British conduct Graham Sutcliffe MBE – who is a former conductor of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet.
HCMC leaders and students take part in protecting Vietnam’s unique wildlife
HCMC, dated 02 April 2010 – Wildlife at Risk (WAR) and Ho Chi Minh City’s Forest Protection Department (FPD-HCMC) organised a contest ceremony entitled “Discovering the Vietnam’s Unique Wildlife” at Ben Thanh Theatre. This ceremony aims to raise awareness and call for commitment from the leaders and students of nature conservation, especially wildlife protection, Fig 4.
You can take a look at photos of the event here.
Drawing to protect the nature of Phu Quoc National Park
From November to December 2009, students aged from 12 to 15 from Duong Dong 1, Cua Can, Ghenh Dau and Bai Bon Secondary Schools of Phu Quoc Island have created more than 1000 paintings in a drawing contest called “Protecting the natural resources of Phu Quoc National Park”. The students were asked to express the beauty of Phu Quoc’s nature, threats to natural resources and actions that students can take to protect Phu Quoc’s habitats and ecosystems.
Sixteen of the best paintings were awarded. “I am very glad that my painting was awarded. Through the painting, I hope that the audience will see the bad behaviours of human beings and try their best to protect the nature”, said Lam Thi Cam Nhung, 1st prize, Duong Dong 1 Secondary School.
A ceremony was held to award the contest winners. In this ceremony, an exhibition of nature photos were also organized in order to draw attention of local leaders, people and students about nature conservation.
This activity is in cooperation between WAR, Phu Quoc National Park and Phu Quoc Department of Education and Training.
Fundraiser In Melbourne
The big news in this edition of our Quarterly Newsletter is about the huge success of the recent fundraising function in Melbourne on 8 Oct 09. Some $15,320 gross takings were raised. All funds netted from the night will go direct to developing the Cat Tien Wildlife Rescue Station. No money will be spent on travel or administration costs as this was covered by individual sponsors. Every dollar raised will go direct towards ‘the cause’ of preserving Vietnam’s endangered wildlife.
The Event was organized by the WAR Ambassador for Australia, the lovely Ms Jules Cronin-Guss. Jules was ably assisted by a team of willing, ready and able volunteers, including Michelle Christoffersen, Emma Connell, Rosalba Renzella, Jodie Holkner, Kate Hayes, Kristen and Bryana Christoffersen, Peter Raff, Anne Tindall and Tendy from Electric Ladyland.
MacCormack Associates Consultants was the major sponsor for the night. Celebrity Suzie Wilks hosted the Event with lots of charm.
Chris Jones from the WAR Board in Vietnam represented the Trustee, Dominic Scriven, OBE. On behalf of himself, Chris would like to extend his personal thanks to Margaret and Michael Miller for their very kind hospitality while he was in Melbourne for the Event. On behalf of Dominic Scriven, OBE, the WAR Trustee, and the WAR staff (some of whom come from Melbourne), Chris would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Jules and her team of volunteers, the various prize givers and the individuals who contributed so generously towards the cause of preserving the wildlife of our world. This Event shows that people do care and every person and every contribution, no matter how big or how small, counts.
Jules arranged for an excellent venue at the Electric Ladyland, Capel Street, Prahran. This was a very suitable choice. The night consisted of drinks and a silent action and then a live auction. WAR would like to extend its grateful thanks to Mr. Simon Derham from Marshall White Real Estate for his really excellent services as the Event auctioneer.
A highlight of the live auction included the ‘auctioning off’ of ‘a lucky lad’ to some poor unsuspecting young lady (it’s said his mother was glad to see the back of him). They are off to Vietnam together on a trip soon: good luck!
However, the biggest fundraiser of the night was the $3,000 paid for the privilege of naming a bear recently rescued from the perils of a crocodile farm by WAR’s Technical Advisor, Wildlife, Matt Wills and his field team, including Simon Faithfull, Manager for WAR’s Cu Cu Wildlife Rescue Station (CCWRS).
Well done to all concerned! Same again next year, but this time even bigger and even better!
WAR work changes younger attitude!
Oanh is an active 17 year-old-girl from Binh Duong province. She has heard about wildlife protection and nature conservation from different channels but does not really understand it or knows how she feels about it, thus she does not really care.
However, after spending one day at the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station (CCWRS) and participating in the release of four pangolins and one big monitor lizard back to the wild of Lo Go Xa Mat National Park, Tay Ninh Province, she changes her mind.
Her day interacting with WAR staff and forest rangers makes her realize the huge suffering and pain some humans’ cause to wildlife. She also admires the great work WAR staff and rangers are doing daily to look after sick, injured animals. Above all, she is happy knowing that the animals can be rehabilitated and then release back into the forest where they belong. The day has opened her eyes and touched her senses. Now her attitude has changed and she thinks seriously about how she can help to protect Vietnam’s unique wildlife.
This is the content of a program called “Global Citizen” of the national television station: VTV3 that is aired every Sunday at 2 PM. The program tells true stories of different individuals in all aspects of lives. Oanh’s story is also a true story. And we hope that the program will help the large audience to appreciate wildlife in its natural surroundings and how to protect it.
The program about Oanh’s journey will be aired at the end of May 2010.
For more information, please contact Huyen Do Thi Thanh, Wildlife
Education Coordinator at: info@wildlifeatrisk.org
Support FPD Ranger on street patrolling illegal trade of wildlife
The Forest Protection Department of HCMC (FPD-HCMC) and WAR have cooperated to implement a project to support activities of a Mobile Team consisting of members of the FPD-HCMC. The Mobile Team started its activities from August 2008.
Programme Objective
The programme seeks to eliminate the illegal trade of wildlife on the streets of HCMC and make regular visits restaurants to check if wildlife is being illegally served to customers.
Programme Activities
- Conduct daily patrols of the streets of HCMC by motorbike.
- Respond to calls from tourists on illegal wildlife trade made to WAR HQ via the Abuse Hotline.
- Make regular checks of restaurants where it is reported that wildlife is served to customers.
- Cooperate with other FPD offices such as those at the Cu Chi and Can Giao Districts in order to confiscate wildlife from illegal traders, or rescue endangered species that are being kept as pets at private house or restaurants, often in very poor conditions.
Cooperation with the Cu Cu Wildlife Station (CCWRS)
Where appropriate, wildlife confiscated by the Mobile Team is taken to the CCWRS for husbandry care and possible release back into the wild.
‘Quick Click’ Easy Find
Contact details of the Manager, Mobile Team, click Contact Us
Pictures of the Mobile Team at work, click Gallery MT
How to report abuse of wildlife click, Abuse Hotline
How to sponsor or donate to the Mobile Team click, How to Help
A brief note on freshwater fishes around Da Lat, Lam Dong province
During a short two-day trip to Da Lat, Lam Dong province on last week of August 2010, WAR staffs have recorded a short list of fresh water fishes in the area. The preliminary list is as follow:
– Macropodus opercularis
– Channa orientalis
– Puntius binotatus
– Rasbora paviana
– Clarias batrachus
– Carassius auratus
– Xiphophorus helleri (introduced species)
– Xiphohorus sp. (introduced species)
– Gambusia affinis) (introduced species)
The Paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) has been bred successfully by WAR staffs. According to Nguyen Van Hao (2005), the most southern range of this species is Quang Nam province. If the population of this species recorded in Lam Dong province are not from aquarium then this is a record of new range for this species in Viet Nam.
Introduction to Vietnam
WAR’s CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES IN CONTEXT
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is situated on the south-eastern margin of the Indo-China peninsula. It stretches over 1,600km from north to south, and is less than 50km wide at its narrowest point. The population exceeds 86 million, comprising mainly Viet (Kinh) people (87%), and 53 other ethnic minority groups, most of whom inhabit Vietnam’s mountainous areas.
Three-quarters of Vietnam is hilly or mountainous. The Truong Son or Annamite Range, for example, extends for nearly 1,200km from the north to the south along the border with Laos and Cambodia. Other distinct regions include the vast Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong River Delta in the south, and a number of small coastal plains in central Vietnam.
Vietnam lies in the monsoon tropics. The North has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and a cold, damp winter. The South has distinct wet and dry seasons, with small very humid change over times in between (around April for the build up to the monsoons, and October towards the end).
Although Vietnam is a rapidly developing country, a significant number of households, especially in the rural areas, still live below the poverty line. Three-quarters of the population lives in rural areas. Average income per capita is below USD5,000 per annum.
Vietnam is culturally rich and has a proud history dating back several thousand years. During the past century, however, war has had a profoundly negative economic and environmental impact on the country.
In the 21st Century, new population and development pressures are also taking their toll on Vietnam’s astoundingly rich variety of animal and plant species (Biodiversity).
Three-quarters of Vietnam is hilly or mountainous. The Truong Son or Annamite Range, for example, extends for nearly 1,200km from the north to the south along the border with Laos and Cambodia. Other distinct regions include the vast Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong River Delta in the south, and a number of small coastal plains in central Vietnam.
Vietnam lies in the monsoon tropics. The North has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and a cold, damp winter. The South has distinct wet and dry seasons, with small very humid change over times in between (around April for the build up to the monsoons, and October towards the end).
Although Vietnam is a rapidly developing country, a significant number of households, especially in the rural areas, still live below the poverty line. Three-quarters of the population lives in rural areas. Average income per capita is below USD5,000 per annum.
Vietnam is culturally rich and has a proud history dating back several thousand years. During the past century, however, war has had a profoundly negative economic and environmental impact on the country.
In the 21st Century, new population and development pressures are also taking their toll on Vietnam’s astoundingly rich variety of animal and plant species (Biodiversity).