QualiPro calls for a stop to the removal of the bear rescue center.
October, 2012: As the main contractor for the construction of the Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre (VBRC) since 2007, funded by Animals Asia Foundation (AAF), we have witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work that AAF has invested in building Vietnam’s first bear rescue center. We are proud that QualiPro has been able to contribute to this project alongside such a dedicated partner as AAF, in such a worthwhile cause as the VBRC.
Unfortunately, since September 2011, construction of the bear enclosures has been halted due to an order from Tam Dao National Park. More seriously, in October 2012, a removal order was issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), citing “national defense” as the reason.
We believe that these orders violate the Prime Minister’s 2008 approval to allocate 12 hectares of land in Tam Dao National Park for the development of the bear rescue center. Therefore, in this statement, we strongly support AAF’s fight against the removal order and call for further public support for AAF in this matter.
Let us finish what we started! Let the bears continue to enjoy their new homes.
Update in January 2013: In January 2013, after considering the appeals from AAF and the community, the government allowed the construction of the Vietnam Bear Rescue Center (VBRC) to continue. This is great news for AAF and the endangered bears!