Ivory Proposal highlights the Conversation Ethic

A primary responsibility of range states is to find mechanisms through which they may balance scientific management of their resources, and maintenance of their habitats, with the safety and day-to-day needs of their human inhabitants. The government of Namibia proposes to accomplish these goals through their upcoming Proposal 7, which would change the trade status of African elephant products from the Namibian elephant population.

Proposal 7 would amend Appendix II to allow annual export of 2,000 kg of raw ivory from natural mortality as well as management- related mortality - the necessary killing of rogue and other-problem elephants. The proceeds from these sales would be converted into revenues for purposes of elephant conservation, as well as funds dedicated to programs aimed at harmonizing the co-existence of people and the elephants with which they share the land. Life with wild elephants is often dangerous to people, and their movements often disrupt normal human activities such as travel and farming. There is a demonstrated need in Namibia to utilize proceeds from naturally dead and culled elephants for the benefit of those who live surrounded by them. This benefit shall encourage Namibians to regard their elephants as eventual resources that should be protected until such time as they cease to live. Without such benefit, elephants shall be perceived as menaces and nuisances, and that is not a harmonious situation.

In addition to the raw ivory, Proposal 7 also calls for export from these above-mentioned animals, of additional products including worked ivory artifacts, and leather and hair goods. These products should all be approved for annual export on a regular basis, so that the COP would not have to be consulted constantly for export approval. Clearly, the accumulation of valuable products from natural and management-related mortality of Namibia's elephants is an on-going fact of life, and it is only reasonable that the proceeds from these products should be returned to an on-going fund for elephant conservation and to mitigate and prevent human-elephant crises. This is the embodiment of the conservation ethic.

Objections to the Proposal from other Parties and certain NGOs include allegations that these regular sales impact the incidence of illegal trade, and possibly the incidence of illegal killing of elephants in other states.

Namibia notes that the incidence of illegal killing of elephants within its borders is low, and there is no evidence that controlled trade has caused any change. IWMC supports Namibian Proposal 7 to amend Appendix II regarding the Namibian population of African elephant. The amendment would enhance management for this Party, whose conservation efforts must be rewarded and encouraged to continue for the benefit of their natural habitat, as well as their human and wildlife resources.