One-year Ban on Ivory Imports

China has imposed a one-year ban on the importation of carved ivory items acquired after July 1, 1975, when the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) entered into force. The ban, which took effect on February 26, was announced by the State Forestry Administration, China’s wildlife watchdog.

Over the past years, increased poaching, destruction of natural habitats, clashes with human settler, wars, poor law enforcement, and pervasive poverty have all threatened the subsistence of wild elephants in Africa, arousing concern around the world. As a signatory country of CITES, China is obliged to fulfill its international duties, according to a senior official of the State Forestry Administration. “During the year of the ban China will observe and evaluate results of the measures to protect African elephants, so that we may take more effective measures at the next stage of our concerted effort together with African countries and the international community,” the official said.