What should be done to better protect aquatic species and wild animals?

Laos is rich in wildlife, but animals are being overhunted and fish stocks are dwindling. To mark the Day for National Fish Release and Aquatic and Wildlife Conservation on July 13, authorities will place thousands of fish fingerlings in rivers. Vientiane Times asked members of the public what they thought about the current status of efforts to protect aquatic species and wildlife in Laos.
 
Ms Amphone, an employee in Oudomxay province: It is essential that efforts to protect wildlife and aquatic species begin with us as individuals. It’s not just the authorities who are responsible for this; it requires all of us to keep a look out for animals and wildlife products being sold in local markets. There are many problems caused by human activity that cause serious challenges. Because of climate change and an increase in pollution, hot weather is affecting more and more countries. Everyone should work together to ensure that development takes into consideration the climate, the environment, and ecosystems. We ought to do everything we can to make sure development doesn’t affect our natural resources. 
Mr Sonephet, an employee in Vientiane: The best way to protect wildlife and aquatic species is for the authorities to remind people about the impacts of illegal hunting and logging. I have seen many problems caused by cutting down trees in forests and the use of electricity for fishing. Humans are doing a lot of damage to the environment and we need to do more to protect our planet, especially for our children. Wildlife is threatened because the area covered by forests is shrinking, so we must plant more trees. You can start at home by planting a tree, which will help reduce global warming and provide better air in your neighbourhood.
 
Mr Sisouvan Duangphichit, a government official in Luang Prabang province: Both aquatic species and wild animals have decreased in numbers across Laos. This is partly because Lao people love to eat meat of all kinds. We know it’s illegal to hunt and sell animals but many markets, both in rural areas and in cities, still sell protected wildlife species. The authorities should do more to curb the trade in wildlife by penalising both hunters and sellers. I also urge people not to catch fish or any animals that are pregnant or breeding, because this is one the main reasons for the decline in their populations.
 
Ms Lee Saengvongkham, a resident of Borikhamxay province: These days it’s rare to see wild animals such as wild boar, deer and civet cats in Laos, but we can see them in some markets, even though it’s illegal to trade in wild animals. We should get serious about this problem and think about what we can do to stop the hunting and sale of wild animals, and make people fear the law. More seems to be done to protect aquatic species, especially fish, because there are many protected rivers and ponds. Recently, the southern regions banned the use of bamboo fish traps. However, authorities should do more to stop the illegal use of electrical devices to shock and kill fish in large numbers, as this is common in both urban and rural areas.
Mr Houmphan, a government official in Xaysettha district, Vientiane: Wildlife and aquatic species conservation is vital for socio-economic development. Without animals, people won’t have enough to eat, because everything on this planet depends on species supporting each other. Therefore, people should be made aware of the laws on the conservation of wildlife and aquatic species. I think rare and endangered animals should be cared for by specialists so they are able to breed. On weekends, many people like to travel into the countryside, and lots of them like to catch fish. Humans and animals must co-exist and natural resources must be conserved for the sustainable development of all countries.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update July 12, 2022)