Malawi Postpones Ivory-burning Ceremony

    Republic of Malawi

                                  PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate ReleaseApril 1, 2015Ministry of Information, Tourism and CultureLilongweMalawi

The Government of  Malawi planned to burn  the 4 tonnes of seized ivory as part of this year’s commemoration of the World Wildlife Day as indicated in an earlier  press release that went in the media informing the general public about this event.

Government regrets to advise that there is a slight change in the programme of the event as a consequence of new information that has emerged. The commemorations will proceed as planned.

But the burning of the ivory has been postponed because Government has been advised that another 2.6 tonnes of ivory is still in the system as exhibits awaiting conclusion of cases which are pending in the courts.

Once   these cases are concluded, all 6.6 tonnes of the ivory will be destroyed all together at a time and date to be announced in future.

While Government remains committed to fight wildlife crime, including protection of iconic species of elephants and rhinos, which are key for tourism promotion in Malawi, it is important that the entire stockpile of ivory is destroyed once and for all.

KONDWANI NANKHUMWA MP

MINISTER OF INFORMATION, TOURISM AND CULTURE

GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

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