WHY SO LATE IN ENTERING RESERVATION?
Consultation process within Whitehall and with
Hong Kong a lengthy one. Had to be sure before
entering reservation that no other alternative
existed.
SPLIT BETWEEN FCO AND DOE
No. FCO, DOE and Hong Kong all share the same
commitment to preservation of African elephant.
Believe that this interim arrangement will best
ensure that Hong Kong can comply with a ban on
trade in six months' time.
CONTINUED TRADE WILL PROVIDE LOOPHOLE FOR ENTRY
OF ILLEGAL IVORY ON TO MARKET AND THEREBY
ENCOURAGE POACHING
If we believed that, we would not have entered
reservation. Entry on to market of Hong Kong
stock pile is not a threat to living elephants.
Makes no sense for anyone to import illegally more ivory into Hong Kong where there are stocks of 600 tonnes of legal ivory and no domestic
market.
WHAT MEASURES HAVE HONG KONG TAKEN TO COMBAT
ILLEGAL TRADE
- In 1989, Hong Kong introduced a number of further measures to combat illegal trade:
-
- creation of a special customs task force;
five-fold increase in fine for illegal trading;
- extension of system of marking and registration to
detect illegal movement of ivory:
- introduction of possession licences;
- introduction of export licences.