The Government of Malawi has postponed plans to burn 4 tonnes of seized ivory as part of this year’s commemoration of the World Wildlife Day.
The day being commemorated under the theme ‘Time to Get Out with Wildlife Crime’ was to be marked by torching of 4 tons of seized ivory in demonstrating to the world that Malawi is determined to eradicate wildlife crime and prevent seized ivory from getting back into hands of illicit wildlife traders.
President Mutharika has been expected to set to light the stock pile of ivory equated to roughly 500 elephants at Parliament buildings after solidarity walk from Capital Hotel roundabout.
However, a statement signed by, Hon Kondwani Nankhumwa, Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture, says this postponement is due to a slight change in the programme of the event as a consequence of new information that has emerged.
"The commemorations will proceed as planned. But the burning of the ivory has been postponed because Government has been advised that another 2.6 tonnes of ivory is still in the system as exhibits awaiting conclusion of cases which are pending in the courts." Says Nankhumwa
"Once these cases are concluded, all 6.6 tonnes of the ivory will be destroyed all together at a time and date to be announced in future." He continued
"While Government remains committed to fight wildlife crime, including protection of iconic species of elephants and rhinos, which are key for tourism promotion in Malawi, it is important that the entire stockpile of ivory is destroyed once and for all." Further reads the statement
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