Namibia’s request to restart rhino-horn trade rejected
By TUW
Namibia has failed in its attempt to convince the international community to lift the global ban on trading rhino horns. The decision was made at a major wildlife meeting held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The country had made two separate proposals, one for black rhino horns and another for southern white rhino horns but both were rejected. Only a small number of countries supported the idea, far below the two-thirds majority needed for approval.
Namibia also asked for permission to sell ivory from its elephant stockpile, but that request was also declined.
For many years, Namibia and other southern African nations have been removing rhino horns as a way to protect the animals from poachers. Supporters of legal trade say selling horns from dehorned rhinos could help raise money for conservation.
However, many countries argued that allowing legal trade could increase demand, hide illegal activities, and lead to more poaching. They believe that lifting the ban would put rhinos and elephants at greater risk.
Source: BBC
