Vietnam hands over dozens of rhino horn DNA samples to South Africa

PSNews - The Vietnam CITES Management Authority in collaboration with the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources handed over 56 rhino horn DNA samples to the South African Embassy in Vietnam on June 1.
Photo for illustration. Source: pexels.
Photo for illustration. Source: pexels.

This is the fifth time Vietnam has handed over such samples to South Africa, which were seized by local authorities in illegal wildlife trafficking cases.

Pham Van Dien, deputy head of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST), said the sample handover is part of Vietnam’s responsible implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including Resolution Conf.9.14 (Rev. CoP15) on the Conservation of and trade in African and Asian rhinoceroses.

It also shows the close cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa in fighting illegal wildlife trafficking, he said.

South African Ambassador to Vietnam MK Lekgoro said the handing over of the rhino horn samples to the CITES Management Authority of South Africa is a practical manifestation of the joint commitment of the two countries to fighting wildlife trafficking and also contributes to protecting the animal.

The rhino horn DNA samples, which are from illegal importing and trafficking cases, are expected to support authorised agencies in determining their origin and identifying those responsible.

Vietnam has uncovered many wildlife trafficking cases in recent years, including two in 2020. On December 22, authorities at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City seized 93 kg of rhino horn, while authorities at the Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh province confiscated 7.8 kg on December 12.

By Linh Bui

Other News

Hanoi ready to implement Capital Law 2026, unlocking new development momentum

Hanoi ready to implement Capital Law 2026, unlocking new development momentum

The effectiveness of the Capital Law 2026 will be measured not by the number of legal documents issued but by tangible improvements in governance and public administration, better services for people and businesses, faster administrative procedures, stronger investment attraction and higher economic growth.

Vietnamese students earn honours at ROBOG Asia Cup 2026

Vietnamese students earn honours at ROBOG Asia Cup 2026

Three teams from Chu Van An Secondary School in Vietnam’s Thai Nguyen province have earned First Prize honours and advanced to the quarterfinals at the ROBOG Asia Cup 2026, a regional robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) competition for students held in Hong Kong, China.

Hanoi sets out new investment blueprint with century-long development vision

Hanoi sets out new investment blueprint with century-long development vision

As of early June, Hanoi had attracted 74.6 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) through more than 9,250 valid projects. FDI inflows in the first six months were projected at 3.2 billion USD, surpassing the annual target by 116%, while nearly 16,000 new businesses were established in the first five months, up 34.4% year-on-year.

Vietnam promotes legal cooperation and rule of law at global forum

Vietnam promotes legal cooperation and rule of law at global forum

Vietnam’s development and international integration have gone hand in hand with the improvement of its legal system, the incorporation of international commitments into domestic legislation, and legal reforms aimed at fostering development, openness and global integration. The country regards international law as an essential instrument for building fair, mutually beneficial relations among nations.

Hanoi to hold investment promotion event on June 29

Hanoi to hold investment promotion event on June 29

At the event, Hanoi authorities plan to grant investment policy decisions and investment registration certificates to 20 exemplary projects in the fields of transportation infrastructure, industrial parks, urban development, social housing, environment, science and technology, and foreign investment attraction.

Hanoi's Red River urban area development draws widespread attention

Hanoi's Red River urban area development draws widespread attention

Located south of the Red River and extending from the historic inner city to newly developing areas in the south and the west, the central urban area along Red River’s right bank covers approximately 45,317 hectares and is projected to accommodate around 6.365 million residents by 2045 and 6.455 million by 2065.

Hanoi's Red River urban area development draws widespread attention

Hanoi's Red River urban area development draws widespread attention

Located south of the Red River and extending from the historic inner city to newly developing areas in the south and the west, the central urban area along Red River’s right bank covers approximately 45,317 hectares and is projected to accommodate around 6.365 million residents by 2045 and 6.455 million by 2065.

Regional cooperation strengthened to combat cross-border drug crime

Regional cooperation strengthened to combat cross-border drug crime

Vietnam, China, Laos and Myanmar face common challenges as drug syndicates increasingly exploit the Mekong River, cross-border transport networks, e-commerce platforms, international logistics services, cyberspace and cryptocurrencies to organise drug transactions and smuggling operations.