Download
China has destroyed 6.1 metric tons of elephant ivory seized over the years, hoping to send a zero-tolerance message to poachers.
The haul was crushed on Monday in Dongguan, Guangdong province - the first time the nation has destroyed confiscated elephant tusks.
"We want to send a clear message that China will not tolerate ivory trafficking," said Zhang Jianlong, deputy head of the State Forestry Administration, China's wildlife watchdog.
The forestry administration and the General Administration of Customs pulverized the illegal ivory items, worth about 200 million yuan ($33.04 million), at 3:30 pm. They ranged from elephant tusks to small products carved from ivory.
The tusks were cut into pieces before being placed in two pulverizers to be crushed into powder.
Wang Weisheng, an official at the forestry administration, said the remains will not be used for commercial purposes. Some will be sent to museums for exhibition and educational purposes, while the rest will be preserved by customs authorities.
Chunquan Zhu, country representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, said confiscated elephant tusks are usually preserved after cases are concluded.
"These tusks, if sold, would be worth a huge amount of money," Zhu said. “The government’s decision to destroy them shows its determination to combat ivory smuggling and wildlife crime.”
In December, an African Elephant Summit was held in Botswana, where African states with elephant populations, countries where ivory transits, and major ivory-consumer states agreed on a set of measures to protect elephants, strengthen enforcement measures and to raise public awareness.
"The destruction of this confiscated ivory so soon after the African Elephant Summit is a very positive step by the Chinese government," Zhu said.
The international community, governments and international organizations also applauded the move.
Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace, said the move is a landmark decision to end the illegal ivory trade.
Questions:
1. How many metric tons of elephant ivory were crushed Monday?
2. Where was the African Elephant Summit held in December?
3. Who is the UN Messenger of Peace?
Answers:
1. 6.1 metric tons.
2. Botswana.
3. Jane Goodall.
About the broadcaster:
Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.
英国年轻人的梦想职业
体坛英语资讯:Olympic gold medallist Weverton joins Palmeiras
国际英语资讯:President Trump says not considering firing special counsel Mueller
国际英语资讯:Macron eyes new ties with Africa to better tackle terrorism, migration
国际英语资讯:Pinera leads in Chile presidential election with 46 pct votes counted
国内英语资讯:Senior CPC official outlines plan to eradicate poverty
体坛英语资讯:Schalke secure late draw, Bayern win in German Bundesliga
国内英语资讯:China calls for unity of intl community over Jerusalem issue
2017年大受欢迎的8项创意发明
体坛英语资讯:CBA Roundup: Defending champions edge Beijing, Liaoning lose to Shenzhen
Virtual fashion advice 从网络上获取穿衣打扮的小窍门
该不该签订婚前协议
国内英语资讯:China Tibetan Culture Picture Exhibition kicks off in Myanmar
体坛英语资讯:Designer explains how Beijing 2022 emblems were made
体坛英语资讯:Pulisic wins US mens soccer player of year
一见钟情可能并不是真事儿
体坛英语资讯:Official emblems for Beijing 2022 Winter Games unveiled
国际英语资讯:U.S. vetoes UN Security Council draft resolution on Jerusalem status
New island may tell us about life on Mars 火山生成的新岛可能提供火星生命的证据
国际英语资讯:Fueled by winds, Californias third largest wildfire triggers new evacuations
国内英语资讯:Interview: Golden opportunities for UK-China partnership in post-Brexit era: British officia
吸烟让你酷酷的?错!调查发现吸烟会让人变丑
国际英语资讯:Greece marks Intl Migrants Day with welcome of unaccompanied minors at parliament
牛津词典2017年度词汇:青年冲击
牛津词典2017年度词汇:青年冲击
国内英语资讯:Yearender: Railway cooperation helps boost China-Malaysia ties
体坛英语资讯:Real Madrid wins FIFA Club World Cup final
国际英语资讯:Feature: Abandoned factory transformed into unique library in Turkey
国际英语资讯:Kagame says Rwanda grows stronger despite many challenges
国际英语资讯:5.5-magnitude quake hits 50km NW of Fais, Micronesia -- USGS
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |