Tunde Folawiyo | Vietnam Confirms No Health Benefits of Ivory

June 30, 2014 admin Africa Wildlife Foundation, african elephant conservation, Protecting Rhinos, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo bio, tunde folawiyo executive, tunde folawiyo profile

Vietnam’s Health Ministry has confirmed that rhinoceros horns hold no medicinal benefit in treating cancer, an announcement commended by the AWF during a highly critical period in Africa’s battle against rhino poaching. As of early June, 442 rhinoceros have been reported victims of poaching throughout South Africa—amounting to an average of nearly 3 killed daily. This will amount to an approximate 1,027 rhinoceros by the end of the year. Citizens of Africa like Tunde Folawiyo may aid the cause by spreading awareness of the devastating effects of poaching on the continent’s wildlife.

As the nation with the biggest African rhino population, South Africa remains at the very centre of Africa’s poaching crisis. Cases of rhinoceros poaching has increased exponentially in the country in recent years, taking a severe toll on the species. Where 13 rhinos were reported victims of poaching in 2007 that number alarmingly climbed to 1,000 by the conclusion of 2013.

Patrick Bergin, AWF’s CEO, credits Vietnam’s Health Ministry’s announcement for its “implicit denunciation” regarding illegal rhinoceros horn trafficking in Africa. He notes the action as a positive step in educating the public about the dire consequences of a continued demand for ivory.

Vietnam is considered to hold one of earth’s largest demands for rhinoceros horn. The country and others throughout Asia remain significant threats to Africa’s rhino populations. A thriving middle class as well as misguided beliefs over nonexistent medical benefits of rhino horn to cure everything from hangovers to cancer have contributed to the heightened amount of poaching in Africa.

As an organisation, AWF has already begun initiatives to reduce the demand for rhinoceros horn in countries like Vietnam and other places throughout the world. Last March, the group partnered with WildAid and NGO CHANGE to introduce the effective “Stop Using Rhino Horn” campaign. Using television, online, radio and print to urge consumers to cease the consumption of rhino horn, the campaign employed a variety of influential Vietnamese celebrities to lend their popularity for the cause.

The campaign has garnered the valued support of Vietnamese officials as well. In a keynote speech during the campaign’s March launch, Dr. Truong Minh Tuan clearly reaffirmed a commitment to protecting the endangered animals of Africa. In continuing its collective efforts to cut down on the demand for ivory, AWF has partnered with Aspen Institute in order to initiate a series of talks regarding wildlife trafficking. Through the continued advocacy of wildlife conservationists and others throughout Africa, including Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others, the world may one day see a thriving rhino population once more.

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