Xinhua, Abu Dhabi :
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched recently a campaign to fight illegal ivory trade at Abu Dhabi international airport, state news agency WAM reported Thursday.
Aisha Al-Abdouli, a senior official with the ministry of the environment and water, which launched the ten-day campaign, said the move aims “to educate travelers about the legal requirements on ivory trade, adding that the action comes within the framework of the national strategy to raise awareness and environmental education.”
Border police at the UAE airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, considered key hubs connecting the developed countries in the west with the emerging markets in the east, regularly spot ivory smugglers who use the country as their travel routes.
The campaign coincides with the increasing number of seizures and confiscation of live animals, plants, ivory, leather products, sandalwood and others, said the WAM report. It also aims to ensure the state’s bio-security and protection from diseases and pests, as well as commitment and fulfillment of international agreements. Earlier this year, the UAE smashed over 10 tons of raw and crafted ivory.
The UAE signed the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) in 1989 based on a federal decree on Nov. 19, 1989. CITES was established in 1973 and launched on July 1, 1975.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched recently a campaign to fight illegal ivory trade at Abu Dhabi international airport, state news agency WAM reported Thursday.
Aisha Al-Abdouli, a senior official with the ministry of the environment and water, which launched the ten-day campaign, said the move aims “to educate travelers about the legal requirements on ivory trade, adding that the action comes within the framework of the national strategy to raise awareness and environmental education.”
Border police at the UAE airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, considered key hubs connecting the developed countries in the west with the emerging markets in the east, regularly spot ivory smugglers who use the country as their travel routes.
The campaign coincides with the increasing number of seizures and confiscation of live animals, plants, ivory, leather products, sandalwood and others, said the WAM report. It also aims to ensure the state’s bio-security and protection from diseases and pests, as well as commitment and fulfillment of international agreements. Earlier this year, the UAE smashed over 10 tons of raw and crafted ivory.
The UAE signed the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) in 1989 based on a federal decree on Nov. 19, 1989. CITES was established in 1973 and launched on July 1, 1975.
