21 Jul 2015

The Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism has rebutted allegations that Botswana will seek permission to sell its stock of elephant tusks as per the Sunday Standard article.

A press release from the ministry states that the article is a misrepresentation of the country’s policy direction and the officer quoted therein.

Moreover, the media statement says the officer in question was on leave during the time of the said interview and writing of the article.

Therefore the statement stated important points to consider in light of what the article has stated:

It says Botswana’s position is not to lobby for the sale of ivory despite what the article says, adding that Botswana has taken the position that it will not sell any ivory.

It further says that as much as Botswana’s public campaigns have not included the burning of ivory confiscated from poachers and illicit traders, they have committed to ensuring that such specimen remain beyond any economic use.

“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Botswana will unveil an ivory sculpture that shall remind us of the importance of protecting the elephant in its entirety, not just the tusks.” In this regard, the release says Botswana has taken a leading role and will do so until the war on illegal wildlife trade has abated. Ends