Mekong - U.S. Partnership
A partner of the USAID-supported Asia’s Regional Response to Endangered Species Trafficking program, Fin Free Thailand, has made progress towards their goal of reducing demand and ending the consumption of shark fin and shark products in Thailand.
On February 7, Fin Free Thailand conducted a shark conservation awareness event on the resort island of Koh Chang. The event provided tourists and local residents with information on the negative health impacts of eating shark and the important role that key species, such as sharks, play in marine ecosystems.
Additionally, three leading supermarket chains in Thailand, UFM Fuji, Villa Market and Tops Supermarket, have officially removed shark products from their shelves thanks to student appeals from Fin Free Thailand’s Youth Ambassadors.
The announcement came just ahead of Chinese New Year, a time common for shark product consumption, such as shark fin soup. To date, more than 150 hotels, restaurants and other businesses have joined the Fin Free Thailand campaign pledging to never serve shark products.
Source: USAID/RDMA Regional Environment Office Weekly Update
