One million fish released for Wildlife Conservation Day

One million fish were released into Houayson Reservoir in Naxaithong district, Vientiane to mark Wildlife Conservation Day yesterday.

Vientiane Agriculture and Forestry Department Head Mr Latsanivong Amarathithada said the event was held to educate people about conservation.

“In Vientiane we have a lot of rivers and reservoirs, which are home to a range of aquatic life and wildlife,” he said.

“People need to be aware of the importance of preserving this wildlife and also preserving our natural biodiversity.”

Mr Latsanivong said it was necessary for individuals and private and state organisations to make conservation a priority, because it was linked to development, economic growth and the sustainable management of natural resources.

This year's slogan for the day is “Don't catch, kill, or sell wildlife”.

“It is essential to talk to people in Vientiane , such as people at the markets, and give them information about regulations and the law as it's related to the protection of wildlife,” he said.

Mr Latsanivong said he hoped releasing fish would become an annual custom to encourage people to think about the survival of threatened species.

Mr Latsanivong's department has released more than 12 million fish between 1994 and 2007.

July 13 is Wildlife Conservation Day and aims to provide a wake-up call about the devastating loss of wildlife and aquatic life, as many animal species become extinct.

The event was attended by National Assembly President, Mr Thongsing Thammavong and Vientiane Major Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune.

Another aim of the day is to preserve Vientiane's rich biodiversity because it will be the focus of celebrations in 2010 to mark the 450 th anniversary of the capital's transfer from Luang Prabang.

(Source:  Vientiane Times)