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8.13.1989 15:37
(DOE Draft)
HKCISI
DRAFT SUBMISSION TO PS/MR TRIPPER
CITES CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES: AFRICAN ELEPHANT
1. As you are aware, the seventh CITES Conference in Lausanne in October, will consider the proposal (made by seven different countries) to upgrade the African elephant from Appendix II to Appendix I of the Convention. This would result in a ban on commercial trade in ivory. The UK
Government, together with its European partners, has declared its support for the case for Appendix I listing, but has recognised the complexities of the issue. During recent weeks, those complexities have become increasingly evident and it now appears that a straightforward Appendix I listing for all populations of the African elephant may not be the best solution. We have not yet received all the documents for the Conference and there may ba proposals relating to this species of which we are not at present aware, We do, however, know of two particular issues which will arise at Conference. The purpose of this submission is to seek the Minister's preliminary views, subject to discussions within the Community and at Conference, on these issues.
SOUTHERN AFRICAN STATES AND JAPAN
2.
Certain southern African countries (Botswana, Zimbabwe
and South Africa) are opposed to a ban on trade in ivory from their elephants. This is because of the success of their wildlife management plans. For example, in Zimbabwe, the elephant population has risen from 30,000 in 1979 to about 45,000 today and in Botswana from 20,000 to about 60,000 over the same period. These increases have meant that culling has been, and still is, essential to relieve pressure on the elephants' habitat. The ivory obtained from the culling is sold and provides a useful source of foreign exchange, which helps fund the proper management of their wildlife and generates income for rural populations in game
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