Assistant Secretary Claudia A. McMurray Visited Vietnam November 18 – 22, 2008

 

Assistant Secretary Claudia McMurray visited Cat Tien National Park

Assistant Secretary Claudia A. McMurray, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, visited Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho City, Lam Dong Province, and Dong Nai province November 18-22.  The goals of visit were to highlight the importance of cooperation on climate change research and mitigation, and to encourage efforts to preserve wildlife as well as combat illegal wildlife trafficking. Ms. McMurray met officials of  the Ho Chi Minh City Forest Protection Department and Customs Bureau on Nov 19, and participated in an inauguration ceremony of the U.S. Government-funded Delta Research And Global Observation Network, or “DRAGON” Institute, in Can Tho City on Nov 20.  She visited Cat Tien National Park in Dong Nai province on Friday, November 21 to observe first-hand local efforts underway to conserve forests and wildlife.  Speaking to journalists in all locations, A/S Claudia McMurray said that the United States could provide training for Vietnamese law enforcement officials to combat wildlife trafficking, and stressed the importance of providing such training to ‘front-line’ enforcement officers in the provinces.  She also described the Dragon Institute’s establishment in Can Tho as an opportunity for U.S.-Vietnam cooperative research on many aspects of mitigating and adapting to climate change.  Her trip received broad public and media attention and garnered extensive and positive coverage. All major newspapers, national and local television, online news outlets and national radio carried in-depth reports throughout her visit.