14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier this week, 30 African and Asian countries taking part in the African Elephant Summit all agreed to pledge “zero tolerance” on the illegal ivory trade.
Thus, trafficking elephant tusks will from now on be considered a “serious crime” in these countries, and treated accordingly. Specifically, it will be subject to international law enforcement, Ecorazzi reports.
The goal of this initiative is to end poaching and safeguard the world's remaining elephant population.
As Botswana President Ian Khama put it, “Our window of opportunity to tackle the growing illegal ivory trade is closing, and if we do not stem the tide, future generations will condemn our unwillingness to act.”
Furthermore, “Now is the time for Africa and Asia to join forces to protect this universally valued and much needed species.”
As previously reported, 22,000 elephants were killed by poachers in Africa in 2012 alone. Conservationists warn that, unless such slaughters are put an end to without delay, the species will soon go extinct.