The Role of Ivory in Elephant Conservation

In 2004, journalist and conservationist John Frederick Walker launched The Ivory Project to examine one of the most controversial issues in elephant conservation: the role of ivory. Among its initiatives are the publication of Walker's forthcoming history of ivory by Atlantic Monthly Press, the development of a traveling museum exhibition based on the book, and a related educational outreach lecture tour.

Ivory -- the remarkable treasure that comes from the teeth of elephants -- has been universally coveted for its beauty, ability to be finely carved, and scarcity throughout human history. Each age, each culture, from ancient Egypt to nineteenth-century America to modern Japan, has found its own uses for this precious organic substance: artistic, devotional, utilitarian, decorative, extravagant, frivolous.

The seductiveness of ivory has not only been recognized throughout history; it has helped to shape it. The desire to find new sources of ivory spurred the exploration -- and exploitation -- of Africa. The ivory trade became linked with the slave trade as manufacturers of combs, buttons, scientific instruments, billiard balls and piano keys demanded an endless supply of elephant tusks.

With the abolition of slavery, attention fell on ivory's other dark cost. By the final decades of the twentieth century, the routine slaughter of elephants the trade depended on came to threaten the very existence of these extraordinary creatures. Illegal poaching reached record levels in East Africa, provoking a global outcry that led to listing the African elephant as endangered, and to a worldwide ivory ban.

Yet there is recognition that the yearly stockpiling of legitimate ivory recovered from elephants that die of natural causes in Africa's parks and reserves can be sold to fund the protection of the last remaining herds -- but does this only encourage poaching? Finding answers will require a deeper examination of the issues involved -- an examination that The Ivory Project will undertake.

Walker has already conducted research at museums and zoos and in libraries and archives in US and Europe. He will be traveling to Africa and the Far East to meet with conservationists, government officials, and biologists, conduct research, and see first-hand how ivory issues are impacting elephant conservation.

AWF believes that Walker's effort to research and communicate to the public the complex role ivory has played in history and continues to play in elephant conservation today is of great importance. AWF supports the Ivory Project and its goal of increasing public awareness of what is required to ensure the long-term survival of the elephant.

To learn more about The Ivory Project and how you can get involved, click here.