One of Hong Kong's leading green groups will today call for an end to the sale of ivory in the city.
Marking a policy shift that will put pressure on the government to act, WWF-Hong Kong is also expected to urge the phasing out of commercial ivory processing, aiming for the closure of carving factories producing items for the local market.
The call comes amid fresh evidence suggesting that Hong Kong is playing a leading role in the slaughter of African elephants through the continued existence of an ivory trade in the city.
A report by respected Nairobi-based conservation group Save the Elephants will today document Hong Kong's role in supporting the ivory trade. The report will show the city is a major retail market for ivory products and a transit hub for the trade.
"We think the current system has a lot of loopholes that people can exploit," said a source familiar with WWF's thinking.
"That's why we think the government should phase out processing here and be far stronger in enforcement and support. We think there should be stronger monitoring at the container port and the airport."