Tanzania, Zambia seek one-time ivory distribution to Japan, China

TOKYO, Nov. 21 Kyodo -
Tanzania and Zambia have proposed they be allowed to sell ivory of African
elephants, whose international deals are prohibited under the Washington
Convention, just one time to Japan and China, sources close to the issue said
Saturday.
While the proposal will be discussed at the conference of the parties to the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
next March, the argument will be heated as six African countries, including
Kenya and Ghana, have sought the suspension of the ivory deals until 2028.
The Japanese government has reacted favorably to the proposal, saying, ''While
we cannot fully support it unless we examine their surveillance system on
poaching, we believe that the sustainable use of African elephants should be
approved.''
But the envisaged lifting of the ban on ivory dealing will definitely draw
criticism from conservation groups.
The governments of Tanzania and Zambia keep ivory of less than 90 tons and 22
tons, respectively, through confiscation from poachers and other means.
If their proposal for the one-time distribution to Japan and China is accepted,
they said they will use the profits to protect African elephants and improve
the livelihood of their people.
But opponents, such as Kenya, have sought the long-time suspension of ivory
deals on the grounds that poaching of ivory shows no sign of ending.
==Kyodo