The ivory carving industry of Zambia

Abstract

Commercial ivory carving in Zambia began in the early 1970's. This was favoured by a relatively strong economy and easy availability of ivory. Legal trading required one to have a trophy dealer's licence which was granted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Zambia's period of economic growth was shortlived and with its decline, foreigners bought goods especially ivory carvings which would have value outside the country. The illegal killing of elephants escalated due to a sharp increase in the market price for raw ivory and the ineffectiveness of the anit-poaching units. In an attempt to manage the ivory trade the NPWS established the Zambia Ivory and Trophy Centre. The article cites some changes which the NPWS should initiate in the ivory trade, at a time when the government of Zambia is actively encouraging foreign tourism inclusive of both hunting and viewing animals.