AWF Supports Tougher Ivory Sale Regulations in U.S.

On Saturday, U.S. President Barack Obama announced a move to tighten regulations around ivory trade in the United States by instating a near complete ban on all ivory commerce.

The new regulations, proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, would prohibit the sale of African ivory across state lines and restrict commercial exports, with limited exemptions. Read more about the proposed revisions to the Endangered Species Act 4(d) Rule. 

African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) CEO, Dr. Patrick Bergin, issued the following statement from Nairobi in support of the announcement:

"We congratulate President Obama and the United States for continuing to show leadership in combating wildlife trafficking, and for continuing to make elephants and their survival a priority. Ensuring U.S. territory is not used to smuggle or launder illegal ivory, and ensuring no wildlife traffickers are safe within the country's borders are critical if the Unites States intends to challenge other countries to do the same. The U.S. knows it must have its own house in order with regard to ivory trade and these new, tougher regulations show the government's intentions to clean house.

"Though the United States remains one of the largest wildlife markets in the world, we are starting to see a shift in perceptions about our relationship with the natural world. This is happening not just at the federal level, but also at the state level. Following the leads of New York and New Jersey, a number of other U.S. states—from Washington to California and beyond—are working hard to ban intrastate sale of ivory, which complements the work of the federal government in banning interstate ivory trade. And both federal and state authorities are extending these bans to protect other species, such as rhinos. 

"We, therefore, commend the U.S. government and those at the state level who are working hard to ensure the U.S. is a no-go for wildlife traffickers and elephants in Africa have a future."