The Kenya Wildlife Service has refuted claims by some conservationists and economists that burning ivory will lead to an increase in the price.
According to KWS Chairman Richard Leaky, the claims are misleading.
“Ivory burning will not lead to a price increase but will decrease the public’s attraction to the trophies. In 1990, when we burned the ivory, we had exactly the same comments probably by the same people,” Leakey said.
“They said you are working contrary to economic theory. This will push the price up. And I said I don’t believe it will because what we are working on is a market that is sentimental. And I believe if we can shame people about ivory and if we can get the international legislation behind us, the price will come crashing down.”
He said the price of ivory collapsed within six months after that burn. “It went from $300 a kilo, which we knew was the price in Kenya, to less than $10 a kilo six months later. And it remains less than $10 for between 15 to 20 years.”
The price, however, went up in 2008 after CITES Standing Committee gave a go-ahead to a one-off sale of 108 tons of government-owned ivory from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Within a month, the price started to soar. Within five years, the price almost went back to what it had been when we burned it, i am quite sure if we succeed in discussion with CITES in September and get a complete majority to support Kenya’s resolution, ivory will be no longer be sold. I bet the price will go down again. “Leakey said.
He said, however, the only reason for killing elephants is domestic trade. “That’s a much harder one to persuade people to ban and kill the stock on the root. I think the domestic prices of domestically traded ivory in a country that is banned internationally may rise, but the international price will come down.” said Leakey
Leaky noted the need for China to come on board as part of the stakeholders seeking solutions to illegal wildlife trafficking.
“China plays a very big role in illegal wildlife trade and there is need for China to be included in the efforts to stop it. We need to look at Chinese people as colleagues to try and save wildlife.” Added Leakey
He also applauded South Africa on the decision not to submit a proposal ending the ban on the international rhino horn trade at the next (CITES) convention which will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa from 24 September to 5 October 2016
Leaky said that KWS will build a monument of remains of the ivory and rhino horns while some of the remains will also be distributed to other countries to show Kenya’s strong message against poaching and illegal trade in the products.
