TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, has released a new report highlighting the need for Cameroon to take action to prevent elephant ivory from entering the black market.
The report found that government-held stockpiles, ineffective tracking methods, and corruption are all contributing to the illegal ivory trade in the country.
Cameroon is home to an estimated 10,000 elephants, and the African Savannah Elephant and African Forest Elephant are both classified as protected species. However, despite government efforts to combat the illegal ivory trade, the TRAFFIC report reveals weaknesses in implementing regulations and procedures for seized ivory.
Sone Nkoke, Senior Programme Officer for Central Africa, stated that without proper procedures and a centralized system, there is a lack of communication and coordination between government agencies responsible for storing confiscated ivory.
In addition to poaching, the report also found that leakage from government-held stockpiles is a significant source of illegal ivory products. The poorly implemented management processes and lack of security measures in these storage locations make it easier for ivory to enter the black market.
Denis Mahonghol, TRAFFIC Director for Central Africa, expressed concern that corrupt officials may be selling confiscated ivory for personal profit. This not only highlights weaknesses in monitoring processes but also fuels the demand for ivory in consumer countries.
Cameroon’s role in the global illegal ivory trade has been a concern, as reported by the Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS). The country was requested by the CITES Standing Committee to develop a National Ivory Action Plan to combat the illegal trade, but the TRAFFIC report found that many officials were unaware of this requirement.
To address these issues, MINFOF must take the lead in developing a robust National Ivory Stock Management System (NISMS). This will involve updates and reviews of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), better coordination between government agencies, and upgrading storage facilities.
The report also recommends that all potential sources of ivory have standardized codes, and that ETIS reporting be built into SOPs. It also suggests conducting periodic reviews and increasing awareness and training for law enforcement officers to comply with regulations and prevent corruption.
Denis Mahonghol emphasized that TRAFFIC has successfully implemented similar solutions in Gabon and is ready to work with MINFOF to strengthen ivory stockpile management in Cameroon.
The TRAFFIC report serves as a call to action for Cameroon to address the weaknesses in its ivory stockpile management system and combat the illegal trade. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the report, the country can better protect its elephant population and prevent ivory from entering the black market.
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
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