Kenya has lauded China’s decision to reverse its earlier decision to lift a 25-year ban on trade in tiger and rhino parts.
China eased the ban on 29 October, saying it would allow powdered forms of rhino horn and bones from dead tigers for medicinal purposes.
Officials have now said the move was “postponed after study.”
“It is the Chinese government’s consistent position to strengthen the protection of endangered species including rhinos and tigers in accordance with the law.
“We welcome all parties concerned in the issue to keep in touch with the Chinese to jointly promote better protection over rhinos and tigers worldwide.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a press briefing on 13 November.
Following that decision, Kenya’s tourism minister Najib Balala, through his official Twitter handle said his country had welcomed the announcement.
Kenya welcomes the announcement by the Government of the People’s Republic of China through its State Council, that it has rescinded its earlier decision to lift its 25-year ban on trade in Tiger and Rhino parts. @kwskenya @MagicalKenya
— Najib Balala (@tunajibu) November 14, 2018
Tiger and Rhino parts are believed to have healing aspects, and are highly valued in different regions across the world.
Conservationists have however condemned the use of animal parts and powders in treatment, saying they contributed to the dwindling numbers of wildlife in the world.
