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Rhino Horn Demand Reduction Program by Vietnamese Youth

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In July 2017, 11 young people from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were brought to South Africa for a life­?changing wilderness experience as part of the Wild Rhino Campaign presented by Port Elizabeth based Wilderness Foundation.

After the trail, the youth visited a rhino orphanage and also had the opportunity to learn more from leading wildlife crime, rhino veterinary and rhino protection experts during a full day workshop at the Wilderness Leadership School in Durban.

The young people were deeply touched by what they saw and learnt, and have returned to Vietnam as Rhino Ambassadors – committed to making a difference in changing the hearts and minds of their communities.

Wildlife crime is decimating populations of many of Africa’s iconic species of elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and pangolin threatening the very existence of Africa’s protected areas where ecotourism is a major GDP contributor. The alarming rise in rhino poaching stands at the forefront of this wildlife crime crisis. Currently approximately 4 800 black and 20 000 white rhino are fighting for their survival in the wild, with more than 80% of these rhinos found in South Africa.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.