Let it live!Good News
Congo Airlines
in order to prevent any exportation of protected species, forbids all transportation of
wildlife in its planes.
An agreement between France and Monaco has been signed whereby a
"marine shrine" is created in the Mediterranean sea for the protection of
cetaceans.
An agreement between 25 European countries, the USA and Canada has been
signed in Sweden, inorder to fight 3 pollution consequences: acidification eutrophication
and ozone pollution.
Source: Courrier de la
Nature
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The CITES(Convention on international trade of endangered species), as it is
known, has allowed, after a vote, an experimental resumption of the ivory trade from
Botswana, Namibie and Zimbabwe, Japan being the only buyer. No wonder then, that there has
been a huge increase of ivory seizures at Roissy airport near Paris alone, not to mention
other such seizures in several airports round the world, where custom officers are known
to be less vigilant as to the protection of endangered species. We would further point out
that the UK gives her support to the continuation of ivory trade..
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Many African countries are still blessed with the privilege of
having a priceless wildlife, but the future is gloomy!
African people themselves are committed to struggle hard, in order to maintain this
heritage that represents a common good to mankind. Protection of endangered species leads
to further activities inducing material, cultural and intellectual wealth. There are
fortunately here and there, some local associations that are working towards that end.
It's a good reason to be hopeful.phot. away.com |
As for France, it keeps on forbidding
any ivory importation and strengthening controls, contrary to some of European countries,
where imported goods by tourists are often regarded as non commercial, which is rather
funny! No wonder then, that the ivory trade is on the high again, whilst it is altogether
forbidden since 1989. This suggests a previous slaughtering and poaching of wild animals,
not to mention assassination of rangers in national parks.
It is clearly appears that any
slightest change in its status is disastrous for the elephant and we can see how
inefficient is any control, should news about animal protection is allowed to spread.
Keny, most African countries and India alike, are asking that all elephant be reintegrated
in annex #1 agains.
The African
continent is still suffering heavy losses in wildlife destruction. The figures that we
have now are obviously under estimated and very alarming in view of the species survivals.
Africans ought to understand their own interests in safeguarding this source of wealth.
given the living space left to them, African can create a lot of activities, with a
management and organisation, in line with the safeguard of the natural environment As for
those Africans who take advantage of the wildlife traffics, they are once again prone to
enjoy only tattered remnants of it. As a result there is a further need to encourage,
help, subsidises all that is required to make African peoples aware of the true interests
of their countries. Here in Europe they are used to crying and being annoyed because of a
strayed dolphin on the beach. No problem but we think elephants deserve at least the same
emotion as well as the same concern, together with a strong international action.
It's not without a certain concern that we are expecting the next CITES conference, due in
April 2000. What is the bad news going to be?
This article has been inspired by
the reading of the ''Courrier de la Nature (SNPN) n° 184
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