China and United States pledge to end ivory trade
It was the first time that presidents from the two countries made a specific pledge about saving wildlife.
MBOMBELA – The president of the United States of America, Mr Barack Obama and the visiting president of China, Mr Xi Jinping announced plans to stop commercial trade in ivory at the White House on Monday September 28.
It was the first time that presidents from the two countries made a specific pledge about saving wildlife and thus elevating the trafficking crisis into the diplomatic discourse.
The joint statement commits the two countries to enact nearly complete bans on ivory import and export, including significant and timely restrictions on hunting trophies and to halt the domestic trade of ivory.
The two countries will build on cooperation of law enforcement, public education and other steps to combat wildlife trafficking.
A member of the Humane Society of the US, Wayne Pacelle, said, “For those of us who have been long troubled by China’s animal welfare record, this is no small moment. It is also a testament to the Chinese leaders’ growing recognition of their tarnished record and reputation regarding wildlife.”
The US itself in busy revising regulations to curtail domestic ivory trade and the its role in the global ivory trade.
Jinping’s visit might yield more consequential outcomes as the extraordinary visit by the Pope. It could be the beginning of the end of the cruel ivory trade.
Conservationist Ms Linda Chambers said this breaking news was huge. “I have had personal experience working with traumatised elephants in Africa and in Thailand and I know first-hand the sadness they feel.”
Many other wildlife organisations agree with World Wildlife Fund’s president and CEO, Mr Carter Roberts: “This is a great day for human kindness as well as for humankind.”
