ENV Deputy Director Bui Thi Ha speaks at the press conference on ending bear farming, Hanoi, October 22, 2024. (Photo: VNA)

The event reviewed the campaign to end bear farming for bile in the country launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and World Animal Protection (WAP) in 2005. 

WAP consultant Le Duy Phuong said the process of implanting chips in bears was carried out from 2016 to 2020. "All undocumented bears are confiscated, while owners of documented bears are encouraged to transfer them to rescue centers.”

The campaign involves the ENV, the Animals Asia Foundation, Four Paws, and Free the Bears, which have worked closely with relevant agencies to save bears, promote law enforcement, and raise public awareness.       

“The number of bears in captivity in Vietnam has fallen from nearly 4,000 in 2005 to 192 by August this year. 46 provinces and cities have been free from bear farming. An ENV survey in major urban areas also showed that the demand for bear bile has decreased 61%,” said ENV Deputy Director Bui Thi Ha.

Parties involved are urging owners to voluntarily transfer their bears to rescue centers to phase out the practice of bear farming for bile, which is believed to be of some medical use.