Report says Tanzania key source of elephant ivory

By ISAAC MESO

A significant portion of the 41.6 tonnes  of  illicit  elephant tusks seized in 2013  came from Tanzania.

A report released by Interpol’s  environmental Security Unit says the seizures represent an increase in the cases of elephant poaching throughout Africa.

The report further notes that East African ivory originates  primarily from  Tanzania and is transported  directly  to  Asian  maritime  transit hubs  through Uganda and Kenya.

David Higgins, head of Interpol’s Environmental Security Unit, said in 2013,  global large-scale ivory seizures reached record levels, with many of the seizures happening in East Africa. or in transit in Asia with an East African origin.

global concern

He further noted that while there was global concern over elephant poaching and ivory smuggling, a more integrated approach was needed for a more effective response.

The report titled “Elephant Poaching and Ivory Trafficking in East Africa – Assessment for an Effective Law Enforcement Response” was launched at the Canadian High Commissioner’s Residence in Nairobi, Kenya.

Higgins further noted that Interpol’s global databases and networks will provide  a platform to support  activities against poaching  and coordinate a multinational response  from law enforcement  worldwide.

Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya David Angell said  Canada  will continue to support the fight against  ivory trafficking in East Africa and beyond. “Canada continues to make a positive contribution to this fight, having recently announced an additional two million dollars in emergency funding to combat wildlife trafficking in Eastern Africa,” he  said.

The report recommends creation of National Environment Security Task Forces to encourage multi-agency cooperation and  deployment of Interpol investigative support teams to provide assistance in evidence collection and analysis for elephant poaching and ivory seizures among other measures.