Tunde Folawiyo | AFW and WildAid Praise Yue Hwa For Ivory Ban

June 23, 2014 admin Africa Wildlife Foundation, african elephant conservation, Protecting Rhinos, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo executive

As the African Wildlife Foundation continues its mission to spread awareness of the devastating impact of poaching, it welcomes the support of various partners keen on joining the cause. Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium Ltd of Hong Kong recently announced it will no longer sell products made from ivory. In a memo, the company spoke of plans to join worldwide efforts to curb poaching and the black market demand for ivory. Their efforts, along with those of African citizens like Tunde Folawiyo, may forge a great impact in the fight to protect endangered animals.

Other prominent Asian countries have paved the way for a new initiative in protecting endangered animals throughout the world. From Wing On Department Stores to Chinese Arts & Crafts, these companies play an immeasurable role in the fight to end poaching. According to Yue Hwa’s memo, the company ceased selling ivory products on 7 May of this year.

Hong Kong’s three most profitable ivory retailers have taken the lead in reducing the need for ivory. Peter Knights, Executive Director at WildAid, applauded Yue Hwa as the latest company to follow suit. The company’s decision came after public pleas demanding an end to the ivory trade across Asia, specifically in Hong Kong. In the week before the announcement, the Hong Kong government confiscated and burned 29.6 tonnes of ivory.

Yue Hwa’s General Manager, Yu Kwok-Chun, stated that the company will support advocacy for environmental conservation and the protection of the world’s endangered animals. He noted Hon Elizabeth Wuat’s call as a jumping-off point for the commitment.

The Yue Hwa company’s announcement is the latest development in a worldwide effort to protect the rhinos and elephants of Africa. In April 2013, prominent former NBA player Yao Ming initiated the launch of a Chinese campaign to reduce demands for materials like ivory and rhino horn. Teamed with AWF, WildAid and Save the Elephants, the project was well received throughout the country, demonstrating a widespread awareness about the dangers of the illegal trade.

The Chinese government has implemented a variety of positive steps in the fight to ban ivory hunting. In January, the country crushed over six tonnes of confiscated ivory. In 2013, the country’s State Forestry Administration issued SMS alerts to travellers, warning them against purchasing ivory.

In February, some of the country’s top company leaders pledged to stop the purchase, distribution or possession of ivory. The pledge was spearheaded by Huang Nubo, WildAid’s China Chairman, and included 10 esteemed individuals from Forbes’ China’s Rich List of 2013. Through their support, and that of Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others around the world, the endangered elephants and rhinos of Africa may one day flourish once more.

AFW, Asia, black market, Hong Kong, illegal poaching, ivory, ivory hunting, ivory retailers, ivory trade, protect rhinos, rhino horn, Save the Elephants, saving elephants, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, WildAid, Yue Hwa ivory ban