Conservationists have heralded the landmark decision, which they hope will bring relief to elephants. Under the new law, Hong Kong plans to phase out ivory stocks by 2021.
Products made from ivory sell at a very high price in ChinaImage: picture-alliance/dpa/EPA/W. Hong
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Hong Kong delivers blow to ivory trade
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Lawmakers in Hong Kong voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday in favor of abolishing the trade of ivory by 2021 in its territory. The move follows China's complete ban on ivory sales, which went into effect at the end of 2017.
The trade of African ivory is highly lucrative, especially in China, where it is seen as a status symbol. As a result of this practice, around 20,000 elephants are killed illegally every year, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) organization.
Three stage phase-out
The amendment to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants, would first ban the trade in hunting trophies and ivory dating after 1975. It would then extend the ban to ivory acquired before 1975, and finally by 2021 it would see the ban of all ivory stock.
The bill increases penalties for offenders to a maximum fine of HK$10 million ($1.3 million), as well a 10-year jail sentence.
Angry ivory traders have demanded that the government compensate them for their lost stock caused by the forced closure of their businesses. However, the law does not allow for this.
While some conservationists worry that the law's implementation could still be exploited and that it may be too late for African elephants, the community still welcomed the landmark decision.
"Shutting down this massive ivory market has thrown a lifeline to elephants," said Bert Wander of global advocacy group Avaaz in a statement.
"Today is a great day for elephants. Hong Kong has always been the 'heart of darkness' of the ivory trade with a 670-ton stockpile when international trade was banned in 1989," said Alex Hofford of WildAid Hong Kong.
Poaching takes a toll on elephants
Elephant numbers have dropped by more than 60 percent over the last decade due to habitat loss and poaching. An estimated 100 African elephants are killed each day by poachers seeking ivory and meat.
Image: picture alliance/blickwinkel/M. Hicken
Dwindling numbers
A century ago, 10 million elephants were roaming across Africa - today, there are an estimated 450,000 to 700,000 African elephants and between 35,000 and 40,000 wild Asian elephants. Since elephant numbers have dropped by 62 percent over the last decade, conservationists fear they could be almost extinct in the next 10 years.
Image: picture-alliance/R. Harding
Killed for their ivory tusks
Every day, around 100 African elephants are killed for their tusks, which end up being sold mainly on the Asian market. In the past five years, Chinese demand for ivory has gone up, which fueled poaching even more. In July, customs officials at Zurich airport seized 262 kilograms (578 pounds) of ivory chopped up and hidden in eight suitcases during a random search on three Chinese passengers.
Image: Reuters/R. Sprich
Conflict fueled by ivory sales
Wildlife trafficking has been estimated to be the third biggest illegal business after drug and human trafficking. Illegal ivory boosts all kind of conflicts across the continent. For example, insurgent groups like Al-Shabab, the Lord's Resistance Army and Boko Haram buy weapons by handing in elephant tusks. A pound of ivory sells for about $1,000 (903 euros) on the Chinese black market.
Image: picture-alliance/AP Photo/African Parks
Coexisting with elephants
Despite a ban on international ivory trade, elephants are still being targeted in large numbers. Organizations like SOS Elephants say it's crucial to teach local communities about why elephants are important for Africa's ecosystem and how they can make a living through ecotourism and coexisting farming techniques instead.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa-Zentralbild
Habitat loss
In addition to poaching, elephants are also struggling with dwindling habitat. Human populations have vastly increased since the turn of the century, meaning there's less space for elephants: Forests have been cleared and turned into land for crops or livestock. And some of the animals have been captured, trained and used for activities such as illegal logging.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M. Gambarini
Silver lining?
At the end of July 2015, US President Barack Obama announced plans to effectively ban most ivory trade in the United States and to add new restrictions when it could be exported. The US is the second biggest market for ivory after China which has also pledged to clamp down on ivory trade on its domestic markets.
