Target: President of China, Xi Jinping
Goal: Thank Chinese government for banning all ivory trading.
The Chinese government announced that it will be banning all ivory commerce in the country by the end of 2017. The government plans to shut down the ivory market in phases throughout the year. This will begin with all legal ivory processing factories, which will have to close their doors by March 31. By the end of 2017, ivory trading in China will be completely prohibited. The Chinese government’s decision comes after years of tireless work from animal advocates, including members of the ForceChange community who signed and shared petitions like this one.
Due to conflict in Central Africa, elephant poaching has been increasing. Now, scientists say that for the first time in years, more elephants are killed than are born, resulting in the elephant population steadily decreasing. Demand for ivory in China is one of the reasons why poachers continue thriving. China currently has the world’s largest ivory market, and wildlife researchers estimate that between 50 to 70 percent of all ivory ends up in China. Ending legal ivory commerce in China could help save elephants from disappearing altogether.
The Chinese government has made the right choice by banning ivory in their country. Sign this petition to thank President Xi Jinping for standing up for elephants, and for not allowing poachers to make a profit in his country any longer.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Xi Jinping,
I’m writing to thank you for putting a ban on ivory trading in your country. I also applaud your decision to have all ivory commerce shut down within the next year. China has the world’s largest ivory market, with an estimated 50 to 70 percent of all ivory in the world going to China. By banning ivory, you’ll help stop poaching, which has decimated the elephant population in Central Africa.
Banning ivory in China is the right choice, and it will save the lives of countless elephants. Thank you for putting an end to the cruel ivory industry in China. Now, I urge you to continue carefully enforcing the ban to ensure that no illegal ivory makes its way into your country.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Benh Lieu Song
