Vietnam Strives To Save Elephants From Ivory Trade

August 12th was chosen as a day to honor the iconic Asian elephant and provide a platform for organizations, governments, and individuals to protect elephants and their habitats. The world's wild elephant population has declined by 68% over the past 40 years.

Violations related to the trade in ivory products are the main factors that have accelerated the natural extinction rate of this species. Vietnam has discovered and seized up to 70 tons of elephant ivory from 2009 to 2019, according to Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Large shipments often pass through multiple countries via sea routes, making detection difficult.

Deputy Director from the CITES Management Authority of Vietnam said that this requires collaboration from Vietnam, as well as other related countries. Raising people’s awareness to reduce the demand for ivory used in jewelry is crucial for protecting elephants in the wild.