New research uncovers an opportunity to engage orchid hobbyists in Vietnam to help curb the illegal trade and protect endangered species. By understanding the motivations and knowledge gaps of collectors, targeted awareness campaigns can transform them into key allies in the fight to save these captivating flowers.
Uncovering the Orchid Crisis
The beautiful orchids are an industry of several billion dollars across countries. Nevertheless, it is not all nice news: numerous orchid species are ending on the verge of extinction (Vietnam) because of irresponsible wild harvesting and limited enforcement of existing restrictive laws.
Following this rather surprising observation from a Vietnamese orchid hobbyist and trader Facebook group [1], researchers from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Vinh University in Vietnam decided to explore the matter. They discovered that orchids were being sold in bulk, some were very rare and probably Critically Endangered. The alarming findings spurred a further investigation into what drives this underground trade.
Changing Collectors to Partners
Deemed rarest of all, the researchers hope their finding might shake loose some compassion for Vietnams beleaguered orchids. What they found was widespread ignorance of how rare the plants were and of the rules intended to safeguard them on the part of many Vietnamese orchid collectors, who occasionally gather up wild-growing species that are pushing up towards extinction. It is this myth that appeals to collectors who truly do love orchids, the belief that there are flowers aplenty in Vietnam when in fact removal threatens their very existence.
The collectors and hobbyists had an unexpected response to the crisis — one of protective instinct for orchids, as it turned out. “These were people who love orchids working hard to protect them,” said Elizabeth Davis, lead author of the study Orchid lovers are everywhere, interested in teaching and learning sustainable practices.
This finding provides a novel opportunity for working with these ‘collectors’ on conservation. The researchers think that transforming such enthusiasts – away from part of the problem and towards essential conservation allies – requires tackling the knowledge gaps and awareness.
Conclusion
The findings give hope for a way to begin rescuing some of the world’s favorite flowers while there is still time. Ultimately, the researchers believe that if they understand and address the sociological dimensions driving orchid collectors in Vietnam, and collaborate with them to raise awareness on the issue and encourage sustainable practices among them, their initiative can significantly contribute to reducing illegal trade impacting endangered orchids. The future of these captivating plants rests on this crucial change in behavior and mindset among orchid collectors in Vietnam.
