As the African Wildlife Foundation
continues its mission to spread awareness of the devastating impact of poaching,
it welcomes the support of various partners keen on contributing to the cause.
Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium Ltd of Hong Kong recently announced that it
will no longer sell products made from ivory. In a memo, obtained by WildAid,
the company speaks of plans to join worldwide efforts to curb poaching and the
black market demand for ivory. Their efforts and those of African citizens like
Tunde Folawiyo may forge a great
impact in the fight to protect endangered animals.
Other prominent Asian countries have
paved the way for a new initiative in protecting endangered animals throughout
the globe. From Wing On Department Stores to Chinese Arts & Crafts, these
companies serve an immeasurable role in the fight to end poaching. According to
Yue Hwa’s memo, the company ceased selling ivory products on May 7th
of this year.
Hong Kong’s three most profitable
ivory retailers have taken the lead in reducing the need for ivory. Peter
Knights, Executive Director at Wildlife, applaud Yue Hwa as the latest company
to follow suit. The company’s decision came after public pleas demanding for
the end of the ivory trade across Asia, specifically in Hong Kong. Just the
week prior to the announcement, H.K. government confiscated and burned 29.6
tonnes of ivory.
Yue Hwa’s General Manager, Yu Kwok-Chun, stated that the company will always
support advocacy for environmental protection and the conservation of the
world’s endangered animals. He noted Hon Elizabeth Wuat’s call as a jumping off
point for the commitment. The Yue Hwa company’s announcement is the latest in a world-wide effort to protect the rhinos and elephants of Africa. During April of 2013, prominent former NBA player Yao Ming initiated the launch of a Chinese campaign to reduce demands for ivory and rhine horn. Teamed with African Wildlife Foundation, WildAid and Save the Elephants, the project was well-received throughout the country, demonstrating a widespread awareness about the dangers of the illegal trade.
The Chinese government has implemented a variety of positive steps in the fight to ban ivory hunting. This past January, the country crushed over 6 tonnes of confiscated ivory. In 2013, the country’s State Forestry Administration issues SMS alerts to travelers, warning them against purchasing ivory. During February, some of the country’s top business leaders pledged to never again purchase, distribute or possess ivory. The pledge was speareheaded by Huang Nubo, WildAid’s China Chaireman and included 10 esteemed inviduals from Forbes’ China Rich List of 2013. Through their support and that of Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others around the globe, the endangered elephants and rhinos of Africa may one day flourish once more.
