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Angola to Implement Strict Measures Against Ivory Trade |
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Angolan government has announced plans to close the country's big Ivory market which is one of the largest Ivory markets in the world. The Angolan Minister for Environment Maria de Fatima Jardimannounced this at the African Ministerial Conference in Cairo. In her words, the minister who stated the country's commitment to fufill the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), said, "The Commission Against Environmental Crimes has presented a decree banning the sale of ivory and ivory artifacts in Angola and we are deploying a wildlife crime unit at Luanda's international airport. We are determined to end the trade in ivory and build a new Angola, in which both people and our unique species can thrive". Angola who recently joined a thirteen-nation signatory to the Elephant Protection Initiative, will be hosting the 2016 World Environment Day (WED) on June 5th with the theme "tackling the illegal trade in wildlife". This latest move is seen as the Southern African's nation way of mobilizing global action and focus towards the theme of 2016 WED. According to the UNEP, the number of elephants killed in Africa has exceeded 20,000 a year out of a projected population of 420,000 to 650,000. But with reports that 100,000 elephants were killed in just a three-year period between 2010 and 2012, the population figures may now in fact be lower. With reports that Angolan government is already in talks with traders at Benfica market in Angola's capital Luanda who trade big in carved Ivory, there's a big hope that this policy will be implemented. It will also be of immense benefit if other African countries endowed with wildlife strictly have such measures in place to ensure that we allow the generations unborn to witness these lovely species. Source: unep.org
Photo by: Benh LIEU SONG CC |
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7 Comments
In fact , it is very sad to learn that 100,000 elephants were killed in just a three-year period between 2010 and 2012. We are happy of such decisions taken by the governmeent.
Hoping that the leaders will pass their words and signatures into action so that we can protect our animals.
Posted 24-04-2016 18:45
Udeh, before anything, thanks for putting the reference haha. Several days ago, i read the Indonesian government found an illegal underground organization that smuggled tons of ivory which was the center of the trade in the country. The government showed the media all the processes of grinding the sequestrated ivories. This firm movement hopefully showed people of the severity in this matter. Thanks for posting!
Posted 23-04-2016 23:05
This is a much welcome decree. it is ironic that some nations claimed to support efforts to stop poaching while trade in ivory and ivory artifacts continued. A complete ban on the sale of ivory and ivory artifacts once implemented together with strict legislation will inhibit the dwindling numbers of elephants in Africa. Great article
Posted 22-04-2016 22:32
Ivory trade is a harmful practice which is causing their population to dwindle over the years. I am glad to know that actions are being taken in order to prevent such trades. In addition to the measures taken by the government, participation from the private sector can help accelerate the process of abolishing Ivory trade. It was nice read :)
Posted 21-04-2016 20:35
Udeh, I once saw on the news that environmentalists have painted elephant's tusks into pink to prevent them from being killed. As ivory can be sold at a higher price when they are pure white, they believed painting them could discourage people from hunting these poor animals. I am delighted to hear that the Angolan government has made a courageous effort to close the market. Thanks for reporting and have a great day!
Posted 21-04-2016 19:45
Wow! It's great how more and more action is being made to prevent ivory trade. Hope others countries learn to do the same especially where ivory trading is even more prevalent or even where other resources are being exploited. Governmental implementation should be the most critical action to take for most feasible change.
Posted 21-04-2016 11:39
It is a great news. Hope the measures are strict enough to handle and punish the people behind it if they don't abide by the decree/new law.Wild animals or for that matter any creature has as much right to free living as we humans have. Why kill them for our materialistic pleasures. Thanks for sharing.
Posted 21-04-2016 03:50