The World Wide Fund for Nature ( wwf ) launched a year-long campaign to put an end to the rampant ivory trade in Thailand. Citing a recent report, wwf -Thailand said ivory trade has contributed to a rapid decline in the elephant population in Thailand and in neighbouring Myanmar and Cambodia. A survey has found shops selling ivory worth more than us $1.5 million, the wwf said. It did not include ivory sold at tourist spots in Thai provinces. "If the trade goes on unchecked, the degree of wild elephant poaching in Thailand and in neighbouring countries will undoubtedly be aggravated," said Robert Mather, director of the wwf -Thailand programme office.
Thailand imports and exports ivory. It imports ivory mostly from African countries, but some also comes from Myanmar and Cambodia and it is transhipped to Hong Kong, Europe and the United States. "The wwf campaign is to create awareness and educate tourists and the public of Thailand on the plight of elephants, poaching and trade in ivory and ivory products," Mather said.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.