This weekend, Tanzania and Uganda will be lobbying the UN for special exemptions from the ban on elephant ivory. If you'd like to add your name to a petition requesting that the ban be extended for another 20 years:

https://secure.avaaz.org:443/en/no_m...9690034&v=5558

More information:
Partners at Bloody Ivory and Born Free:
http://www.bloodyivory.org/
http://www.bornfree.org.uk/

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species: http://www.cites.org

Thanks Calo,
You cannot stress this issue enough; Only ellies should wear ivory:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-...elephant-ivory

Done it again

have signed different petitions..........THX for posting!
I keep my fingers crossed but I am rather hopeless in view to CITES ad its honesty

SV

Thank you to all those who signed the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's petition above, calling on CITES to say NO to further ivory sales when they meet in March 2010.

11,615 people signed this petition, which is being presented to the relevant contacts for each of the Parties to CITES. 11,615 individual voices stating their opposition to any further sales and the need to protect elephants and their ivory, speaking as one big voice for the elephants.

The petition is now closed and to news of the decision by CITES will be posted on our website as soon as it is know: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

This petition is still open, but hurry; sign it now. The meeting is this Saturday March 13. Save the Elephants: STOP BLOODY IVORY
www.avaaz.org
In days, the worldwide ban on the ivory trade could be lifted, placing Africa's remaining elephants in great danger. Several African nations are resisting the move -- let's send a stampede of support to save the elephants and strengthen the ban. Sign the petition now!

I've signed both petitions under many "names" (bad girl, moi) and sent the links to everyone I know whether Africaphiles or not!

http://www.bloodyivory.org/

This link proved easiest. With the email confirmation, it took me 3 minutes.

Your email is NOT used for further solicitation and is not sold per the stated policy. Signing is free.

Very EASY!!!! Time is running out. Sign now!

Have signed and sent links on to friends. I can't believe anyone in this day and age wants to buy ivory...strange world.

Unfortunately, ivory is very beautiful. I saw some incredible work of art at the museum in Swakopmund of ivory jewelry, known as "ekipas" or good luck charms for sale as antiques, maybe they are as they come with a certificate to that effect. I resisted though, not wanting to encourage the trade in ivory. But it was gorgeous, so I understand the temptation if you're not aware of the implications. Thus, we who are, need to educate those who are not. Same as with "walking with lions" which is a totally different chapter.

thanks for posting this. another really good cause. Hope the petitions have some effect, but I'm not holding my breath.

Sorry if i'm stirring the pot, but there are some different views on this topic here http://www.mysafari.com/forum/last-c...africa-53-view

They point out the differences in elephant population size in say, Southern Africa vs. West Africa. No one (who loves africa and her animals) supports poaching, but maybe this issue is more complicated than it first appears?