DEBATE ON THE MOTION FOR THE SUMMER ADJOURNMENT
HONG KONG IVORY
Line to Take
- The Hong Kong Government have already enacted legislation to implement the CITES ban on international commercial trade in ivory. The legislation came into effect when our Reservation was withdrawn on 18 July 1990.
- A potential loophole in the legislation which might have enabled tourists to export ivory as souvenirs up to a weight of 5 kg has been closed.
Hong Kong legislation now fully reflects the CITES
Convention.
Poaching (if raised)
- Have seen no evidence that Reservation led to increased poaching in East Africa. Indeed, as Dr Leakey, Head of the Kenya Wildlife Service, pointed out in March, the lack of world markets has forced price of raw ivory down to a level where poaching is not worthwhile. Hong Kong of course had banned imports of ivory as far back as June 1989.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.