Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
ZIMBABWE achieved a major milestone at the just-ended 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) after successfully lobbying for the removal of some restrictions on trade in ivory
and elephant hides.
The delegation, led by Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, returned home with renewed optimism after years of unsuccessful attempts to liberalise trade in elephants and unlock the value of ivory and rhino stockpiles.
Zimbabwe — home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, estimated at 91 000 to 100 000 — has consistently argued that restrictive trade policies deprive the nation of critical revenue for conservation.
The country currently holds over 190 tonnes of ivory and several tonnes of rhino horn, valued at approximately US$600 million.
Due to CITES restrictions, Zimbabwe cannot unlock this value.
Among the seven proposals submitted by Zimbabwe, Proposal 14 emerged as the most pivotal.
It sought to remove restrictions on Zimbabwe’s elephants, listed under CITES Appendix II alongside Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
“In a major diplomatic success, the proposal was adopted by consensus following extensive negotiations with African states,” said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Ambassador Tadeous Chifamba.
“This decision allows Zimbabwe to sell value-added products derived from natural mortality, problem animal control or herd management.
“The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife has announced that export regulations will be implemented immediately to capitalise on this positive outcome, paving the way for growth in the biodiversity economy.”
While the victory on elephant trade was celebrated, other proposals faced setbacks.
A bid to remove the giraffe from CITES Appendix II listing was rejected.
However, this will not affect trade, as Zimbabwe maintains a reservation on giraffes entered after their listing at CoP18 in Geneva (2019), allowing continued international trade.
Another proposal, to establish an Advisory Sub-Committee for People Living Alongside Wild Species of Fauna and Flora (PLFF), also failed.
It was aimed at giving communities bearing the costs of coexisting with wildlife a formal voice in CITES decision-making.
Although not adopted, Zimbabwe secured an agreement for further discussion on the matter.
