In Vietnam, an astonishing array of species, some never before encountered by humans, are being threatened by deforestation and an illegal trade in wildlife. However, the government is waking up to the need for preserving this heritage. But are the reforms producing results, or are stronger laws and a different approach needed to save the nation's rich legacy of traditional knowledge and biodiversity? Vietnam may have won the war with the US. Can it now hope to win the peace? Anil Agarwal and Sunita Narain examine these key issues