Assessment of the International Ban on the Trade of Ivory in Light of Sustainable Development Principles

Authors : Ahmet Onur Çatakli

Pages : 41-51

View : 230 | Download : 89

Publication Date : 2023-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The African elephant (Loxodanta africana) is regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and as a rule, international trade of it and of its parts such as ivory is banned. Throughout this study, the international ban on the trade of ivory is critically assessed as to whether it is consistent with the principles of sustainable development. The definition, scope and principles of sustainable development are already controversial in environmental politics. In this paper, the principles of sustainable development are regarded as sustainable use, equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, participation, good governance, integrity and precautionary principles in line with New Delhi Declaration of Principles of International Law Relating to Sustainable Development. In this paper, it is argued that the international ban on the trade of ivory is not consistent with these principles since it disregards sustainable use of natural resources, equity, needs and participation of local people, necessity of good governance and integration of different policy areas. While resorting to a trade ban might seem feasible as an alternative to taking environmental risks within the framework of the precautionary principle, this principle alone does not constitute the sole basis for a trade ban.
Keywords : Fildişi, Uluslararası Ticaret, Sürdürülebilirlik