EC Opposes Resumption of Commercial Ivory Trade

The Post (Lusaka)

August 10, 2004

Mwila Nkonge
Lusaka

The European Commission (EC) has objected to a proposal to resume commercial ivory trade without ensuring that such trade does not lead to increased poaching in Southern Africa.

According to the latest EU Weekly Digest, this is part of the commission's position on tightening international rules for trading in rare species such as the African elephant and timber trees in rain forests.

The publication states that while there is a ban on international ivory trade, poaching and illegal ivory trade were still widespread in several African countries.

"Therefore, the EC cannot agree to a resumption of commercial ivory trade unless it is clear that this will not lead to increased poaching. Some Southern African countries have been very successful in protecting their elephant populations," it states.

"The need to prevent any ivory from entering the market generates stockpiles that impose a big security burden on these countries."

Similarly, the Weekly Digest adds, the EC is worried about the lack of common international rules protecting the ramin, a rain forest timber tree mainly grown in Borneo and Sumatra and which is used primarily for picture frames.

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