Hong Kong plan to ban ivory trade by 2021 receives Executive Council go-ahead
Three-step plan will involve initial ban on trade in elephant hunting trophies and ivory carvings and culminate in total ban on all sales of ivory obtained before 1990, when an international ban was enacted
Legislative amendments will involve banning the trade in elephant hunting trophies and ivory carvings, followed by a ban on ivory acquired before a 1975 convention regulating the trade in endangered species, and finally, a total ban on all sales of ivory obtained before 1990, when an international ban was enacted.
The proposals were drawn up in June following a surprise announcement by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in his policy address to explore enacting laws to ban the local ivory trade.
“The measures will send a very strong signal to the international community on Hong Kong’s determination to curb illicit trade in ivory,” environment minister Wong Kam-sing said on Thursday.
All possession licences to trade legal ivory stocks issued, extended, renewed or varied before the end of this year will expire by default by December 30, 2021.
Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Dr Leung Siu-fai, said maximum penalties and imprisonment terms would also be increased to set a stronger deterrent against wildlife crimes.
It is understood the government is considering raising the maximum penalty for the smuggling and illegal trading of endangered species from HK$5 million and two years’ imprisonment to HK$10 million and 10 years’ imprisonment.
WWF-Hong Kong conservation director Gavin Edwards welcomed the Exco endorsement of the ban and the incorporation of it in a new government biodiversity strategy and action plan.
“We urge legislators to follow through on the government promise to end this brutal trade as soon as possible and impose heavier penalties on wildlife crime offenders,” he said. “Maximum penalties of 10 years of imprisonment are both necessary and appropriate.”
But So Chi-keung, president of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ivory Manufacturers Association, said a ban within five years was unfair to licensed traders selling legal stocks.
“How did they calculate that we will be able to sell all our stock in five years?” he asked.
