One year from today, the world’s main trading and processing hub for ivory will be completely shut down.
China’s State Council announced the details of the ban on the carving and sale of ivory by the end of 2017 – a move that was applauded by conservationists and animal lovers around the world.
The commercial processing and sale of ivory will end by 31 March, and all registered traders will then be phased out, bringing a complete stop to the market by Dec. 31, 2017, the government announced.
“To strengthen the protection of the object, to combat illegal trade in ivory, the State Council agreed to orderly stop the commercial processing and sales of ivory and products related matters,” the government said Friday.
Nations around the world have been cracking down on poachers, banning importation of ivory products and burning stocks of confiscated ivory.

The WWF called China’s announcement, “Huge news for elephant conservation! China announces it will close it’s domestic ivory trade by the end of 2017.”
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Asia Executive Director Aili Kang said ivory traffickers have just lost one of their biggest markets.
“I am very proud of my country for showing this leadership that will help ensure that elephants have a fighting chance to beat extinction,” Kang said. “This is a game changer for Africa’s elephants.”
Some good news at the end of 2016. https://t.co/kWimEmT3MB
— Elephant Trust (@ElephantTrust) December 31, 2016
African elephants are being poached by some measures at a rate of dozen each day to feed, in large measure, the Chinese market for trinkets, art and jewelry made from ivory.

Philanthropists and celebrities also weighed in as the ivory trade has been on pace to wipe out elephant species due to poaching for their tusks.
Congrats China for banning ivory trade in 2017, much respect. Hope others follow & end all illicit wildlife trading https://t.co/iADR6E9Ft7
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) December 31, 2016
China’s decisive action to close ivory markets in 2017 critical for #elephants. All nations MUST follow! https://t.co/wNLkPzq68G
— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) December 31, 2016
Now #China needs to put pressure on #HongKong to close its domestic #ivory market asap but NO LATER than mainland China @BFFoundation
— Will Travers (@willtravers) December 30, 2016
Chinese officials plan to help ivory carvers transfer their skills by working with museums and cultural institutions in art restoration work and use of materials other than ivory.
The government said it will manage the legitimate collection of ivory relics and prohibit trading in the marketplace with transfer of ownership under strict supervision.
It also pledged to “intensify the crackdown on illegal processing and sales, transportation, smuggling of ivory and products, focusing on the investigation and destruction of illegal processing dens.”

Main photo Born Free Foundation