Britain steps in to stop Tanzania destroying its ivory stocks

Just as Tanzania seemed to be heading towards destroying its 112 tonnes of seized tusks and ivory it appears that the British government has stepped in to stop it from happening. As countries around the world are stepping up to show their disapproval for the elephant poaching epidemic the UK seems intent on supporting it.

It is reported that during his 2 day visit to Tanzania the UK Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds on Wednesday evening assured the Tanzanian government that the UK would help it to maintain and store the vast ivory stockpile. This is despite a growing and popular campaign within Tanzania to see the stocks destroyed. It is a campaign supported by many in the tourism industry who would like the Tanzanian government to make that stance to show the country cares for the elephants and is committed to tackling the ivory trade.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Lazaro Nyalandu  has said that with the help from the UK the ivory stockpile will be kept for at least 10 years while the trends in elephant poaching in the country is monitored.

more http://wildlifenews.co.uk/2014/britain-steps-in-to-stop-tanzania-destroying-its-ivory-stocks/