Effective rhino protection is a critical component of global biodiversity conservation, demanding concerted action from all sectors of society. As corporations increasingly recognize their role in sustainable development, initiatives that support wildlife preservation demonstrate a profound commitment to environmental stewardship. Vu Phong Energy Group has embraced this responsibility by collaborating with Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA) on an educational seminar for its employees. This event, part of the Wild Rhino | Vietnam, Be My Hero campaign, aims to raise awareness about the rhino poaching crisis in Africa. By fostering a deeper understanding of the issue, the initiative seeks to change perceptions and contribute to the complete cessation of the global market for rhino horns, aligning corporate action with urgent conservation needs.
To address the critical issue of rhino poaching, Vu Phong Energy Group recently partnered with Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA) to host an insightful seminar for its employees. This collaborative effort was a key part of the Wild Rhino campaign | Vietnam, Be My Hero, an initiative designed to educate the public about the severe rhino poaching crisis in African nations. The campaign’s mission is to reshape public perception and help eliminate the demand for rhino horns, a primary driver of poaching.
The situation is dire. According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a staggering 2,707 rhinos were poached in Africa between 2018 and 2021, with South Africa alone accounting for 90% of these illegal killings. The consequences are devastating, as three of the world’s five rhino species are now critically endangered, and two of these species have populations of fewer than 80 individuals remaining. Relentless poaching, compounded by the effects of climate change, has pushed these magnificent animals to the verge of extinction.
During the seminar, attendees were given a firsthand account of this pressing environmental issue. Speakers from WFA shared powerful stories of rhino poaching incidents in African countries and detailed the complexities of rhino horn trafficking and consumption in Vietnam. The presentation deeply moved the Vu Phong team, inspiring every attendee to commit to never using rhino products and to actively participate in efforts to protect endangered species.
This initiative to protect biodiversity is a direct reflection of Vu Phong Energy Group’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15), which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. This goal is a cornerstone of the company’s broader corporate social responsibility framework and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. Vu Phong is also actively working towards other critical SDGs, including Goal 7 (Affordable and clean energy), Goal 8 (Decent work and economic growth), Goal 13 (Climate action), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Some pictures from the seminar are shared below:
The scene of the seminar to protect rhinos
Ms. Christine Roets, Senior Manager of Conservation Operations at Wilderness Foundation Africa
The Vu Phong Energy Group team focused on listening and sharing at the seminar
…and reading campaign materials
Committing not to consume rhino products, joining hands to repel evil and protect all species
Vu Phong Energy Group
