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CITES Rejects Namibia's Rhino Horn Trade Proposals

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

CITES rejected Namibia's proposals to lift the rhino horn trade ban at a conservation meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The proposals also sought to overturn the ban on African savanna elephant ivory.
Namibia received about 30 votes in favor, not reaching the two-thirds majority.
Namibia pioneered rhino dehorning in 1989 to combat poaching.
Rhino horns are valued in traditional Asian medicine and as status symbols in Southeast Asia.

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Story summary

CITES rejected Namibia's proposals to lift the rhino horn trade ban at a conservation meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The proposals also sought to overturn the ban on African savanna elephant ivory.
Namibia received about 30 votes in favor, not reaching the two-thirds majority.
Namibia pioneered rhino dehorning in 1989 to combat poaching.
Rhino horns are valued in traditional Asian medicine and as status symbols in Southeast Asia.