Global Conference Calls for a Halt in Ivory Trade

An international conference Monday voted overwhelmingly for a resolution to halt ivory trade in an effort to protect the dwindling population of African elephants.

A key committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species adopted the decision 76-11 with four abstentions. Conservationists and many delegates burst into loud applause after the vote.

However, five African countries, including Zimbabwe and Botswana, immediately declared that they will not respect the decision, saying they will seek exemptions. At least two others earlier warned they would do the same.

Delegates said it is almost certain that the full conference, which is meeting in Lausanne to discuss the convention, will approve the committee decision in the next few days.

The conference is composed of nations that signed a 1973 treaty designed to protect wild animals. Its ruling are non-binding and depend on international pressure for enforcement.

The committee decision allows for the possibility that a few nations may eventually resume trade after they prove their herds are not in danger and are managed well. Delegates said such permission is unlikely to be granted before the next conference, in two or three years.

Ecologists say that poaching, averaging about 1,500 elephants a week, has reduced Africa’s herds from 1.3 million 10 years ago to only about 600,000 now. They warn that the world’s largest land mammal could be wiped out.

Ivory is highly valued for jewelry, piano keys and carvings.