Open Season

AS nations prepare to meet to consider allowing one-off sales of stockpiled ivory, this report exposes a booming illegal trade in poaching and smuggling in the very countries seeking the lucrative relaxation.

Both Tanzania and Zambia have submitted proposals to a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting to downlist their elephant populations from Appendix I to the lesser Appendix II.

Both also want the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to allow one-off sales of their stockpiled ivory, totalling 112 tonnes.