Namibia fails to reverse rhino horn trade ban at CITES conference

Namibia’s proposals to lift the ban on the international trade of black and white rhino horns and African savanna elephant ivory were rejected at the CITES meeting in Uzbekistan. Despite being a pioneer in rhino dehorning to combat poaching, Namibia’s proposals received only about 30 votes out of 120 needed for approval. Black rhinos are critically endangered, with a population decline of over 90% since 1960, while southern white rhinos are near threatened. Experts warn that legalizing horn trade could increase poaching, as seen in past crises.

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