Gabon to burn millions of Ivory stockpile

Libreville, 29 Jun - (ANA) - Gabon is to burn its 4.8 tonne elephant ivory stockpile - a move which has been widely applauded by the international conservation community. The Born Free Foundation believes this landmark gesture by Gabon sends a clear and unambiguous message to the criminal networks involved in international wildlife crime: that illegal trading in elephant ivory will no longer be tolerated.   “This is a momentous day for Gabon and speaks volumes about the seriousness of the elephant poaching situation today” said Will Travers OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Born Free Foundation. “I hope that Gabon’s decisive action will alert consumers of ivory in China, decision-makers in Brussels and those who believe the ivory trade should be legalised, to the hard truth - that demand is wiping out Africa’s elephants”.  Wildlife trade analysts described 2011 as an annus horribilis for the African elephant and many experts now believe poaching stands at its highest level for 20 years. (ANA)

FA/ANA/29 June 2012---------