Poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife products were front and center in the public space in October, with the arrest in Tanzania of businesswoman Yang Fenglan. Dubbed "the Ivory Queen," Yang is alleged to have been operating in the shady world of illegal ivory trade for 14 years, financing those who kill elephants in protected areas in the East African country.
If convicted, the 66-year-old Chinese national, who speaks fluent Swahili (Tanzania's official language) and operates as an interpreter, restaurant owner as well as secretary general of the China-Africa Business Council in Tanzania, could face up to 30 years in prison. After years of frustration, in which wildlife authorities have been able to capture only the minnows in the poaching trade, Yang's arrest is a major breakthrough in both Tanzania's and the global fight against this scourge. According to Tanzania's State Attorney Nassor Katuga, Yang was involved in the smuggling and trading of 706 elephant tusks worth $2.5 million.
The arrest becomes even more significant with the realization that Tanzania has lost 60 percent of its elephant population in the past five years, primarily due to ivory poaching.
In recent times, China has produced a swathe of anti-poaching adverts and campaigns with the support of business leaders and celebrities, most notably actor Jackie Chan, retired NBA star Yao Ming and actress Li Bingbing. In addition, this year China announced a one-year ban on the import of ivory as well as a reduction in factories licensed to carve ivory. These efforts along with the public destruction of more than 600 kg of confiscated ivory have heightened public awareness of the plight of elephants and other endangered species. This was apparent from the Chinese social media anger over Yang's involvement in ivory smuggling. Many felt she had not only contributed to the destruction of elephants but had also damaged China's international image and sullied the deep friendship that exists between China and Africa.
Two weeks before Yang's arrest, another piece in the anti-poaching puzzle was wedged into place. In what can only be described as a historic accord, U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed in Washington in late September to place almost a complete ban on ivory imports and exports as well as to cooperate in the combating of wildlife trafficking. This agreement is the first such public pledge by the Chinese president and sends a positive message from one of the world's largest ivory consuming markets.
Yang's arrest is the news that anti-poaching organizations across the world have long been waiting for. Now it is hoped the big fish in the pond can lead authorities to the other prime smugglers and corrupt government officials who are undoubtedly part of this evil "food chain." More actions are needed and the current efforts, while significant, are not enough. It is important to show that nobody involved in wildlife trafficking is untouchable - because the future of the planet's endangered species are at stake.
THE EDITOR
