Critically Endangered Species to be Run Over by Eight Lane Ho Chi Minh Highway

The State Appraisal Committee of Vietnam has approved a proposed north-south Ho Chi Minh Highway that has been submitted for approval to Prime Minister Phan Van Khai. If approved, the eight (8)-lane highway will cut through ecologically sensitive nature reserves and parks that are protected habitats for many rare and endangered animal and plant species.

We the undersigned, are deeply concerned about this pending proposal and wish to remind the Prime Minister, and all concerned Ministries, sectors and local agencies of your government that:

Pursuant to the Biodiversity Action Plan for Vietnam, approved by the Prime Minister, Decision No.845/TTg of December 22, 1995

The SR of Vietnam has been endowed by nature with an abundance and diversity of ecosystems, species and genetic resources that are generally regarded as biological diversity. Research has shown that Vietnam is the home of 12,000 plant species of which 7000 have been identified, 275 species of mammals, 800 species of birds, 180 species of reptiles, 80 species of amphibians, 2470 species of fish, and 5500 species of insects. Vietnam’s biodiversity is relatively unique as 10% of the world’s mammal, bird and fish species can be found in Vietnam while over 40% of the local plant species are endemic and believed to be found nowhere else but in Vietnam.

However, national rapid population growth, the decreased forest areas, the over-exploitation of the bio-marine resources, have led to the reduction or loss of many ecosystems, resulting in the fact that 28% of mammals, 10% of birds, 21% of reptiles and amphibians are currently listed as endangered species. Once a species is lost, it will never be recovered. The speed of biodiversity degradation is more rapid in Vietnam than that in other countries in the region.

Recognizing the great economic, scientific, cultural and social value that biodiversity can contribute to the present and future development of mankind and being aware of the full responsibility for biodiversity conservation, Vietnam joined many countries in the world to sign the Convention on Biological Diversity which was implemented in the middle of 1993.

Whereas, Section 3.2 Establishment and management of protected areas; 3.2.1 states: Immediately establish and well manage the protected areas with high biodiversity values. Primary priority should be given to those protected areas of high biodiversity values such as: Vu Quang (Ha Tinh Province), Cuc Phuong (Ninh Binh Province), etc.

Furthermore, that No.551 LN/KL of March 21, 1994 Re: Promoting Wildlife Protection states: that wildlife is the valuable resource of your country. To protect wildlife is one important task in conserving nature, biodiversity and the environment, which is a concern of the entire world. With the aim of strictly implementing the law on forest protection and development dated 19 August 1991; the Resolution 18-HDBT dated 17 January 1992 of the Government regarding the list of rare and precious species of wild fauna and flora and the regulation to manage and protect; the Instruction 130-TTg dated 27 March 1993 of Prime Minister for managing and protecting rare and precious species; the official joining of CITES of the Government of Vietnam; and in order to protect wildlife resources…

It is incumbent upon your government to understand the irreversible repercussions of constructing the Ho Chi Minh Highway, and to demonstrate to the world community your responsibility and commitment towards the conservation of the common heritage of mankind for future generations.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned