U.S. Votes on Elephant Ivory Trade ProposalsJohn F. Turner, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific AffairsStatement at the 12th Conference of the Parties Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Santiago, Chile November 12, 2002 I’m reflecting back on our recent deliberations regarding the always difficult subject of elephant conservation. The United States would like to express our appreciation and admiration to the many Parties with whom we have worked to help mold what we believe is a positive outcome.
The United States always supports the principle of sustainable use of resources and fully recognizes that, especially in Africa, local citizens and their communities are integral to elephant conservation and management. We also recognize that all wildlife and park management agencies in African states are continually faced with the challenge of adequate revenue sources. Like many gathered here, some of us have been involved in these deliberations for many, many years, and thus felt it unfair to have to, once again, respond to countries with good management and an abundance of elephants, "No, not now, wait and be patient, perhaps we will respond to your needs at a later date." At the same time, we did share concerns about the lack of an expanded and fully operational MIKE, evidence of continuing poaching and illegal trade of ivory, and the adequacy of monitoring and control measures in certain importing, carving and retail countries. Mr. Chairman, I believe we have struck a constructive balance where we will provide time to develop needed improvements and provide proactive roles for the Secretariat and Standing Committee to make positive determinations on the adequacies of information, controls, and protection of vulnerable populations. It is very important to note that the United States will welcome efforts by such Parties as Japan, China, and Taiwan to significantly improve management and control of ivory trade and utilization. Mr. Chairman, in partnership with our Congress, NGOs, and other donor nations, we are proud of the leadership role the United States has been able to play in elephant conservation, and we pledge our continuing assistance in the future, especially in Asian range states. In conclusion, we must briefly note our enthusiasm about our Congo Basin Forest Partnership, launched with 30 some partners at the Johannesburg Summit, and designed with a promise to benefit some 75 million acres of forest elephant habitat, including the development of 27 new national parks. This Partnership includes cooperation with Gabon, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, and South Africa. We are pleased to join such partners as the EU, France, Germany, and Japan, along with Conservation International, WWF and the Wildlife Conservation Society. In closing, the United States invites other interested Parties to join us in this landmark initiative to ensure a positive legacy for Central Africa’s forested elephants for current and future generations.
Released on November 14, 2002 |
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