Business can help save elephants
The plight of the African elephant and the illegal ivory trade have received much needed public attention in recent headlines. The leading ivory markets are ending their domestic trade and sending shockwaves through the black market.
The announcement from China’s government of a complete ban by the end of this year along with America’s new regulations have put pressure on other large markets including Hong Kong, which is now considering a lengthy phase out that will stop the trade in five years. Already, ivory prices in China and Hong Kong have plummeted by more than 50%.
It may surprise some to learn that Thailand also plays a role in the illegal trade of ivory from Africa’s elephants. Thankfully, the Thai government has instituted new regulations and strengthened their enforcement, but some shipments are still passing through. But, we can do more. We can all stop buying ivory and bring an end to this devastating crisis.
Having lived in Thailand for many years, Thai culture is very close to my heart, and elephants are one of the greatest enduring symbols of this beautiful country. This is why it is crucial that we, as a nation of business leaders and consumers, take a strong, impactful stand against the harm and destruction of wildlife for selfish entertainment and greed.
With up to 96 elephants killed per day, or about 33,000 per year, in Africa for their tusks, the ivory trade is an ecological and moral disaster. During 2002 to 2013, 65% of Africa’s forest elephants were poached.
By buying ivory products we drive the poaching of these magnificent animals. As leaders in our communities, business owners must evolve with the times. Of course, it is important to drive our businesses, but the way in which we do this has to support and express our values and beliefs. Otherwise, what is the point? If we’re not here to make a positive difference, then we shouldn’t be in business.
I know from experience that businesses in Thailand can dramatically reduce the demand for wildlife products such as ivory. By implementing best practices that incorporate our impact on the natural world, we can encourage our customers to join us and stand together in the fight to protect our wild animals.
On a practical level, businesses can easily ensure that they do not engage in the ivory trade, use it as decoration, or glorify it in any way. Businesses can adopt policies to never provide cover for those that do trade in ivory, for instance by refusing to lease retail space to traders. Educating staff to the damage caused by the ivory trade is also critical, especially if your colleagues are travelling to and from Africa — which is now a serious consideration for our Minor Hotels as we expand into this continent.
Consumer power is king. The products we choose to buy have a direct impact on market demand. The sooner businesses stop offering wildlife products, the sooner consumers will understand the importance of rethinking their spending. As soon as consumers stop buying these products, prices will fall and there will be no incentive for traders and poachers to continue killing elephants and smuggling ivory.
Every single voice counts. Only by working together can we beat this crisis, and every one of us has to be the disruptive factor that breaks the cycle. I have a deep respect for these gentle giants, and through Minor we’re working hard to play a vital role in their protection in Thailand, Cambodia and Africa, as well as helping to create a better environment for future generations.
As for the bottom line, on a corporate level, we’ve found that speaking out against the ivory trade hasn’t adversely affected business at all.
We all play a part in changing consumer behaviour and directly affecting trade. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to create a better world for our children and grandchildren. Fighting against the senseless slaughter of elephants is one of the many ways we can take a stand.
I urge everyone — from families to the corporate community — to rethink what they are choosing to purchase.
Our consumer lifestyle and business habits must reflect our values. Refusing to purchase elephant ivory is a simple, highly effective step in showing that informed choices can make a huge difference.
Thankfully the world is now waking up and this archaic trade is fading. Such a wasteful act of destruction has no place in our world today.
Each set of elephant tusks represents an individual tragedy, as well as an extension of an unsustainable trade. Together we can put the ivory trade out of business. Because when the buying stops, the killing can too.
If we’re not here to make a positive difference, then we shouldn’t be in business.