Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Obama
In a statement from the White House, the United States and China made a commitment to enact nearly complete bans on ivory import and export, including the import of ivory as hunting trophies and to take significant steps to halt the domestic commercial trade of ivory and to take significant and timely steps to halt the domestic commercial trade of ivory.
This historic commitment to protect elephants from the ivory trade comes after both presidents have felt the global challenge to recognize the importance and urgency of combating wildlife trafficking. They agreed to cooperate with other nations in a comprehensive effort to combat wildlife trafficking, to end the ivory trade and enhance international law enforcement cooperation in this field.
The two sides decided to further cooperate in joint training, technical exchanges, information sharing, and public education on combating wildlife trafficking.
People in China who view ivory as a status symbol are the driving force behind the ivory trade business. China’s government encouraged the ivory trade which has led to the slaughter of 30,000 African elephants every year.
“There is already a near-total ban in the United States on commercial ivory, and new restrictions put in place last year tightened things further. Commercial imports of African elephant ivory, even antiques, were banned, and the restrictions limited the number and types of hunting trophies that could be brought into the country. Individual states, most recently California, have enacted or proposed bills to further restrict ivory sales.”
This is the first time presidents of the United States and China have made a commitment to protect wildlife together.
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Let’s wait and see if they follow through with their commitment. They need to be held accountable to someone for this promise. Bravo if it turns out to be true.
Yay!
great news!
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks, I’ll try and check back more often.
Do you really think China is going to keep their end of the deal? They’re so sneaky. I want to believe it but I’m not sure if I can believe President Xi Jinping
Woot-woot!
It’s about time! Not sure if I I’d trust China. Better keep tabs on them!
Obama didn’t care enough. He lied about getting a shelter dog. Why would he care about other animals? He fooled the people so well.
bout tme