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Drive on ills of ivory trafficking in Abu Dhabi

Dubai - The illegal trade of products sourced from wild animals - including rhinoceros, sharks, tigers and elephants - is an industry estimated to be worth more than $19 billion annually.

If you're flying in or out of Abu Dhabi between August 2 to 13, you might be handed a leaflet on trafficking ivory.
There is a campaign being run by the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) to educate travellers about the ills of ivory trade, and how it affects livelihoods. The campaign is being run in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Customs and the International Fund For Animal Welfare (IFAW).
The illegal trade of products sourced from wild animals - including rhinoceros, sharks, tigers and elephants - is an industry estimated to be worth more than $19 billion annually.
Recently, the number of cases of ivory products being confiscated has gone up. Between 2012 and 2013, the UAE impounded more than 474 ivory tusks. In April 2015, the MoEW destroyed more than 10 tonnes of ivory, which were confiscated over the years in the country.
In addition to ivory, there are other products being illegally flown in and out: Animals, plants, leather and sandalwood, among other items.
Aisha Al Abdouli, Director of Awareness and Education Department at the MoEW, said, "Samples of ivory that were confiscated previously will be displayed to educate travellers about the importance of wildlife and the risks the elephants are facing."
In February 2014, the UAE, along with 45 other countries, signed the 'London Declaration' to end illegal trafficking of wildlife and products derived from wild animals.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com