Yesterday, the Endangered Species Advisory Committee in Hong Kong voted to destroy 28 metric tons of stockpiled ivory. This represents 95% of Hong Kongs stockpile, which is one of the largest stockpiles of seized ivory in the world. As a transit point for the illegal ivory trade, the move to incinerate the vast majority of its seized ivory is an encouraging step and shows in part, a recognition that stockpiles are an asset to no one; it can’t be put back into the market nor does it do justice to the lives of elephants slain. Chairman of the Advisory Panel Paul Shin said yesterday that, the panel had agreed in principle with the incineration, while urging other nations to take rigorous steps to protect elephants. Shin added that, the remaining 1 metric ton of stockpiled ivory would be kept for legitimate uses, such as enforcement and education. Hong Kong’s authorities have stated the destruction will begin in 2014 and take a period of up to two years, with any newly seized ivory destroyed on a regular basis. “Hong Kong’s decision is extremely encouraging. It shows what can be achieved when a policy gains legitimacy and momentum. Hong Kong now joins Mainland China, the US, and the Philippines in destroying all, or part, of their stockpiles and France has already announced that it will destroy 3 tonnes of ivory. We need to retain this positive momentum and must keep up the pressure on other Nations to follow in destroying their seized ivory stockpiles. This is especially pertinent right now for EU Nations, given the recent European Parliament Plenary resolution that called on EU member states to ‘destroy their stockpiles of illegal ivory and introduce moratoria’ on sales of ivory.” Says DSWT Executive Director, Angela Sheldrick. Stay informed and take action for elephants through our iworry campaign iworry.org
Posted on: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:53:59 +0000
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