Zimbabwe seeks SADC backing to trade in ivory

HARARE: Zimbabwe is seeking support from its neighbours to be allowed to engage in international trade in ivory and will not burn its 70 tons of ivory stocks as Kenya did last month, the environment minister said yesterday.

Zimbabwe and Namibia are bidding to open up international trade in elephant ivory, against initiatives led by Kenya for a complete global ban on the coveted commodity.

Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri told Southern African Development Community (SADC) diplomats that Zimbabwe was counting on their support at the next UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) in September.

Muchinguri said banning trade in ivory would not solve the problem of poaching, arguing that the rhino population remained under threat 40 years after trading in rhino horn was outlawed by Cites. “There is no tangible evidence that trade bans have saved a species from extinction. It is imperative for our regional economy that SADC countries unite in defending our right to sustainably use our natural resources.”

Muchinguri said EU plans to ban hunting trophies from Africa as the US did following the killing of Cecil the lion last year would see hunting revenues fall and communities living next to wildlife resorting to poaching.

Cash-strapped Zimbabwe says trade is the only way to pay for protecting its 83000 elephants. Zimbabwe says it has 70 tons of raw ivory in government storage estimated to be worth $35 million (R548 m).

“To us, burning is not an option, we need the resources for sustainable wildlife conservation.”