THE dispute between African nations over trading in elephant ivory will be
resolved by scientists. At last week’s meeting in Nairobi, the 150-nation
Convention on Trade in Endangered Species unanimously backed two monitoring
systems designed to spot any upsurge in elephant poaching or illegal ivory
sales. The monitoring bodies will rule on future disputes over ivory trade.
The breakthrough came when Kenya dropped its calls for a permanent ban on the
sale of elephant products, including meat and hides, while Zimbabwe, Botswana,
Namibia and South Africa temporarily accepted a continued ban on regular ivory
sales.
The two sides disagree on…
