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UAE destroys 10 tons of confiscated ivory

Xinhua, April 29, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Environment and Water on Wednesday destroyed over 10 tons of raw and crafted ivory during a media-watched ceremony in Al Qusais district.

The stockpile was confiscated over the years at UAE airports, maritime ports and border checkpoints, as part of the country's efforts to control illegal trafficking of wildlife species.

The ceremony was attended by the UAE Minister of Environment and Water Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad and representatives from various government agencies involved in the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES).

Delegates from regional non-governmental organizations and embassy deputies who participated in the London and Botswana conferences on illegal trade of wildlife species were also present.

"Destruction of the confiscated ivory stockpiles in the state is in compliance with UAE values and multilateral international conventions, particularly CITES, and a commitment to actively contribute to international efforts to conserve biodiversity and protect endangered species," the minister said.

The CITES is a multilateral international agreement established in 1973 and launched on July 1, 1975.

The UAE signed the convention in 1989 based on a federal decree on Nov. 19, 1989. Endit