MALAWI SAYS NO TO IVORY TRADE

Malawi was recently exposed as a transit route and distribution hub for ivory traffickers and has been implicated in the biggest ivory seizures of all time. But it’s not just organised criminal syndicates that are exploiting the nation.  Over 90 ivory cases have been recorded in the last 5 years, the majority being individuals found with small amounts of worked ivory like chop sticks, statues and jewellery, and many are foreign nationals. With an estimated 10% interception rate the true number is much higher. The illegal ivory trade is fuelling elephant poaching which, at current rates, will could lead to their extinction.

In this film, H.E. President Peter Mutharika leads Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Honorary Consuls to call on all citizens, residents and visitors to say no to ivory trade. Missions backing the initiative are Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mozambique, Korea, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, the United States of America and Zambia. Belgium, Mozambique, and Italy have also pledged their support. You too can support Malawi’s campaign to Stop Wildlife Crime – watch and share this video, know the law and report any suspicious activity. It is illegal to buy, sell or possess ivory in Malawi.  Ivory smuggling will lead to prosecution, including custodial sentences.

Watch the English version of the film below, or hear each individual speak in their mother tongue (with english subtitles) here.