Kenya to champion ban on ivory trade President Uhuru

President Uhuru Kenyatta says the country will push for a total ban on global ivory trade at the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP17) in South Africa from 24th September to 5th October.

President Kenyatta said Kenya will maintain her strong position against ivory trade and poaching after torching 105 tonnes of ivory and 1.3 tonnes of rhino horn earlier this month.

“We adopted a green economic strategy and economic plan. Our critical part is our stand against poaching. We torched 105 tonnes of ivory and 1.3 tonnes of rhino horn. The aim was to demonstrate that ivory was worthless unless it was on our elephants,” stated President Kenyatta.

Speaking at the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) in Gigiri, the Head of State thanked a host of Presidents, countries and other stakeholders who have thrown their weight behind the initiative.

“Over the last two decades, we have seen a movement saying the environment can no longer be a tertiary concern. We have to be willing and ready to make sacrifices today for a better tomorrow for our children,” said the President.

“I am grateful to UNEA for the efforts of safeguarding our world. Africa has the most to lose through climate change but also the most to gain through migration of these challenges. We hope more countries see the importance of mitigating this challenge.”

President Kenyatta noted that the country continues to invest in green technology.

“I hope we can continue to embrace co-operation between a variety of interests so that we can accelerate progress on environmental issues. This world belongs to all of us and we either make it or lose it together.”

UNEAPresident Edgar Guitterez expressed hope Kenya will achieve her development goals as outlined by the year 2030 especially to eliminate extreme poverty in rural areas.

“This is a global landmark. Those living in extreme poverty are located in rural areas and zones. We should ensure co-operation among all UN arms for sustainable development,” said Guitterez.