# US Ivory Crush: A Message to Traffickers Worldwide

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/11/us-ivory-crush-a-message-to-traffickers-worldwide/
- Published: 2013-11-24T17:26:49-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## WWF Applauds U.S. Ivory Crush, Urges Full Ban on Domestic Ivory Trade

In a landmark move to combat global wildlife trafficking, the United States publicly
destroyed six tons of confiscated elephant ivory in November 2013. The World Wildlife
Fund (WWF) also praised this bold action. For they are calling it a critical turning
point in the fight to protect elephants from extinction. However, WWF also urged
the U.S. to go one step further. They also want to implement a complete moratorium
on domestic ivory sales.

### Sending a Global Message

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service oversaw the ivory crush. One which also took 
place at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado. The event
was also the first of its kind in the U.S. It’s aimed at sending a strong international
message. That’s most importantly that ivory trafficking will not be tolerated.

![Front end loader dumping confiscated elephant tusks into a crusher at the u S 
Ivory crush event with a wwf sign reading wwf applauds u S Ivory crush  urges full
ban on domestic ivory trade and a rocky mountain arsenal national wildlife refuge
banner in the background](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2013/11/FD5E45A9-42E4-4D1E-A137-EADF0E0965EA.png?resize=780%2C520&quality=50&ssl
=1 "FD5E45A9-42E4-4D1E-A137-EADF0E0965EA - The Green Living Guy")

US Ivory Crush Sends a Clear Message WWF applauds the destruction of illegal ivory
stockpiles and calls for a complete ban on domestic trade

According to the WWF, this act underscored U.S. leadership in [cracking down](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/12/ethical-conservation-of-rhino-horns-for-future/)
on the black market trade that fuels elephant poaching. With tens of thousands of
African elephants killed each year for their tusks, symbolic and practical actions
like this are crucial.

### WWF: Moratorium Must Follow

While applauding the crush, the WWF stressed that domestic ivory markets remain 
a loophole in U.S. policy. Illegal ivory often enters legal markets through weak
oversight and poor enforcement. Without a full moratorium, traffickers can most 
definitely exploit these gaps. That’s most certainly continuing the profiteering
from endangered species.

WWF called on the Obama Administration and [Congress](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/wildlife-trafficking-a-growing-global-crisis/)
to enact laws prohibiting all ivory trade within the U.S.  They also want narrow
exemptions only for certified antiques and also musical instruments.

### Beyond Symbolism: A Call to Action

The ivory crush recently marked a turning point. However, WWF made it clear that
real change also requires legal follow-through. Eliminating demand is just as important
as halting supply. The organization emphasized that reducing domestic consumption
is essentially needed. Most importantly for the long-term success in the fight against
elephant poaching.

Carter Roberts, President and CEO of WWF-US at the time, stated:

“This crush should mark the beginning of the end of illegal ivory trade, not just
a symbolic gesture. The U.S. must match this bold action with a bold policy.”

### Conclusion

The U.S. ivory crush made headlines worldwide and demonstrated a commitment to wildlife
protection. But according to WWF, the next step is legislative. It’s a nationwide
moratorium on ivory sales to eliminate demand, strengthen enforcement, and also 
safeguard elephant populations for generations to come.

### Sources:

 * [World Wildlife Fund](https://www.worldwildlife.org/)
 * [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/)

[⌊Crush Logo⌉⌊Crush Logo⌉[

[WWF](https://www.worldwildlife.org/) conversations on Twitter @WWFNews.

[⌊20131124-122639.jpg⌉⌊20131124-122639.jpg⌉[

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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