Convention opens amidst divisions over ivory trade

A major United Nations conference on global wildlife trade is underway in South Africa with issues such as the sale of elephant ivory and rhino horn high on the agenda. The Conference to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species comes against the backdrop of a surge in elephant and rhino poaching in Africa. Namibia and Zimbabwe have submitted proposals to lift a global ban on ivory sales so they can sell stockpiles to raise conservation funds. The proposal has met strong opposition from other countries like Kenya, who argue that such a move would lead to a hike in poaching of elephants. The conference is a global agreement among governments that regulates trade in wild flora and fauna or products derived from them with an aim to ensuring their survival. Over 180 countries are signatories.