When the US Department of Fish and Wildlife announced it would be destroying 6 tons of ivory, all seized after the global ban took effect in the late 1980s, their plan was met with mixed results.


When the US Department of Fish and Wildlife announced it would be destroying 6 tons of ivory, all seized after the global ban took effect in the late 1980s, their plan was met with mixed results.

They are doing so to further assert their position against elephant poaching and illegal trade.

Critics of the symbolic act say that the action will do more to fuel the black market activity than it will to stop it.

They feel that it will cause demand to increase and the slaughter of the animals will only get worse.

The US agency defended its decision by pointing out the flaws in the opposition’s argument.

They stated that they’re not affecting the global market, as the ivory being eliminated isn’t available for sale or trade. As obliterating it won’t affect current supplies, demand shouldn’t be impacted either.

In the past many African countries including Kenya and Gabon have publicly demolished their ivory stockpiles as a means of making their positions on the trade known.

This year the Philippines became the first non-African nation to crush its seized holdings.

Meanwhile, China is seeking ways to increase its ivory market and import activities.