The African elephant is the largest living land mammal, one of the most impressive animals on earth. Despite their massive size, elephants are adept swimmers.

CITES Considers Proposal Allowing China to Import Ivory
Jul 15, 2008

Last year CITES allowed African countries with well-managed elephant populations to sell stockpiled ivory to Japan. Many conservationists say such sales fuel the illegal trade of the prized substance. © Craig R. Sholley

GENEVA—The standing committee of the UN's Convention on Endangered Species (CITES), meeting for five days in Geneva, will discuss a proposal to allow China to import elephant ivory.

The committee follows a CITES decision last year allowing African countries with well-managed elephant populations to sell stockpiled ivory to Japan. The proceeds of the sale are being put back into elephant conservation.

Opponents of such one-off sales say they fuel the illegal ivory trade. Opponents of the most recent proposal to CITES also argue that China does not adequately control its ivory trade.

For more information about the CITES meeting, click here.





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