The National Parks Board (NParks) said that Singapore will ban the domestic trade of elephant ivory from September 1, 2021.
According to The Straits Times, Singapore will prohibit any form of selling elephant ivory and the displaying of ivory products for sale. The ban reflects the country's determination to fight the illegal trade of species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In order for the transition process to go smoothly, NParks will continue to work with traders.
"The public display of elephant ivory and ivory products will still be allowed for educational or religious purposes. Musical instruments or personal effects like birdcages that contain ivory are still permitted to be used in public," NParks said, the news source reports.
Traders can either keep or donate their existing ivory possessions to institutions for educational purposes once the ban is in effect.
The government feedback portal Reach conducted a pubic consultation on the ban in late 2018, in which 99% of the feedback received was supportive of the change.
"It is urgent that we announce the ban on World Elephant Day," Dr. Leong Chee Chiew, Director-General, Wildlife Trade Control said. "NParks is determined to stop trades of elephant ivory-related products and committed to the conservation and protection of world's elephants."
"The view is also shared by concerns over the impacts of ivory trades on the elephant's population," he added.
The Endangered Species (Import & Export) Act will cover punishments regarding violations of the ban. There will be a fine of up to US$10,000 per specimen, and/or jail time of up to 12 months.
[Photo via Conservation Action]
