ADVOCATING TO END BEAR BILE FARMING AT PHUC THO HOTSPOT (HANOI)

Over the years, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) has implemented numerous projects to conserve rare and precious wildlife species in Hanoi. Among these, communication activities aimed at raising public awareness about reducing wildlife product consumption and protecting biodiversity have been a regular focus.

In December, CCD collaborated with the Hanoi Forest Protection Department and the People's Committee of Phuc Thọ Commune to organize a communication event for bear protection and conservation in Phuc Tho – recognized as the country's largest hotspot for bear bile farming.

from left to right

Picture 1: A representative from the Hanoi Forest Protection Department speaking at the communication event.

Picture 2: Traditional Medicine Doctor Tran Thi Toi introducing herbal plant species as alternatives to bear bile to the local people.

©CCD/2025

Bears are wild, endangered, and rare animals prioritized for legal protection. However, the extraction, transportation, and trade of bear bile and related products remain complex and difficult to control, persisting for many years and leading to a serious decline in Vietnam's wild bear populations.

Currently, 71 Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) are still kept in captivity across 16 private facilities in Phuc Tho commune. Although this number has decreased significantly compared to the past, the situation continues to pose challenges for the goal of completely ending bear bile farming.

Picture 3-4: Local residents of Phuc Tho Commune (Hanoi) participating in the workshop

©CCD/2025

The communication activity was organized to disseminate legal regulations on wildlife management and emphasize the legal consequences of bear bile trafficking. Additionally, the program introduced herbal alternatives that are safe and effective substitutes for bear bile, calling on the community to reject wildlife products. The event also encouraged and motivated farm owners to voluntarily transfer their remaining bears to rescue centers.

CCD hopes that through awareness-raising activities and decisive action from authorities and stakeholders, no more bears will have to endure the lingering pain of bile extraction, allowing them to live safely and freely in their natural state.