Just minutes before they entered the debating chamber, delegates from the African Elephant Coalition, representing the majority of African elephant range States, were inspired by the huge vote of support from 500,000 people around the world, organized by Born Free and Avaaz
Three hours later, the CITES votes had been cast and delegates had rejected proposals which would have permitted sales of thousands of kilos of stockpiled ivory. The voice of the people and the voice of Africa had been heard loud and clear![teaserbreak]
After the debate, Patrick Omondi from the Kenya Wildlife Service, who spoke passionately and effectively during the debate over whether to allow Tanzania and Zambia to trade in elephant ivory, offered some thoughts:
[video:youtube:vhAdVNR77yI]To help Born Free support some of the poorest nations in Africa protect their elephants, please go to www.bloodyivory.org.
Blogging off,
Will