Africa/China

China given green light to import ivory

Article published on the 2008-07-16 Latest update 2008-07-17 06:59 TU

About 20,000 elephants fall prey to poachers every year
Nick Junnings © creative commons

China was given the go ahead on Tuesday to participate as a licensed buyer in an upcoming auction of 108 tonnes of ivory from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The decision has caused anger amongst conservationists, who have accused China of encouraging illegal trade in ivory.

The Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has granted China the right to import ivory from Africa under strict conditions.

The decision has sparked new fears for elephant conservation.

CITES said in a statement that all of the proceeds of the sale were to be used exclusively for elephant conservation and local communities living close to elephant habitats.

 

Although the decision caused consternation amongst many animal rights campaigners, others recognised that the country had made an effort to be responsible.

 

David Newton, National Representative in South Africa for TRAFFIC, a wildlife monitoring network, told RFI that the decision would have limited implications.

“China’s permission to trade in ivory is part of a one-off sale, not open trade. The sale is conducted under very stringent security conditions,” he said. 

   

China's booming economy and its traditional demand for ivory has pushed up prices to 470 euros per kilogramme.

 

CITES is an international agreement between governments that aims to ensure that trade in animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

  

China's participation in the auction was approved by nine of the CITES permanent committee members. Australia, Ghana and Kenya voted against the move and there were two abstentions.

 

Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities on Wednesday detained three Chinese nationals at the country's main airport on suspicion of smuggling ivory.

 

African elephants once numbered millions but are now thought to have a population of between 400,000 and 600,000. Experts say about 20,000 elephants fall prey to poachers every year.