Source: Minister of Environment & Tourism Namibia FB page
Today I delivered Namibia’s Intervention at the CITES COP 18 taking place In Geneva, Switzerland, on the proposition to close domestic ivory market by Kenya, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and others
Namibia opposed the proposition by stating that there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that all domestic ivory markets are linked to illegal killing and trade of elephants.
I pointed out further that, domestic markets are outside the mandate of the CITES and the issue has a potential to erode sovereignty of member states.
I reiterated the fact that closing the legal domestic market doesn't mean that there will be no more demand for the product. In fact those who used to get it legally will try by all means to get it using illegal means and this will have serious negative impact on elephant populations as this will only incentives the criminals in the illegal market to satisfy the demands.
Namibia deeply disagrees with such a proposal.
Today I delivered Namibia’s Intervention at the CITES COP 18 taking place In Geneva, Switzerland, on the proposition to close domestic ivory market by Kenya, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and others
Namibia opposed the proposition by stating that there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that all domestic ivory markets are linked to illegal killing and trade of elephants.
I pointed out further that, domestic markets are outside the mandate of the CITES and the issue has a potential to erode sovereignty of member states.
I reiterated the fact that closing the legal domestic market doesn't mean that there will be no more demand for the product. In fact those who used to get it legally will try by all means to get it using illegal means and this will have serious negative impact on elephant populations as this will only incentives the criminals in the illegal market to satisfy the demands.
Namibia deeply disagrees with such a proposal.
