African nations commit to donkey skin trade ban
Brooke reports that, unless the trade stops, Africa could lose half of its donkey population.
The International Coalition of Working Equids (ICWE) is celebrating a ‘huge step forward’ for donkey welfare, as African leaders committed to implementing a ban on the donkey skin trade.
Delegates met at The Pan African Donkey Conference (PADCo), in Côte d’Ivoire from 26-27 June, where the coalition discussed the impact of the skin trade on the donkey population.
World Horse Welfare states that millions of donkeys are slaughtered for their skins, which then enter the donkey skin trade. The skins are sold to make ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine.
Brooke reports that, unless the trade stops, Africa could lose half of its donkey population.
The event saw delegates, including African Member State Leaders and policy decision makers, reaffirm their commitment to Africa’s moratorium on the donkey skin trade.
Attendees pledge to improve checks at their ports and borders. This would include implementing task forces of veterinary professionals, police and customs officers to tackle the trade.
They will also aim to rebuild herds lost to the donkey trade by investing in breeding donkeys at a community level, as well as supporting alternative livelihoods.
The conference ended with an endorsement of the Abidjan Declaration, which seeks to preserve Africa’s donkeys and uphold the moratorium.
Jessica Starke, chair of the ICWE, said: “We wholeheartedly welcome the declaration of African Member States and stand with them in their unified and practical commitment to ensure the moratorium is fully implemented within their borders.
“At PADCo 2 we have heard heartbreaking evidence from across the continent how the unsustainable trade in donkey skins is having a devastating effect on whole communities, including women and children.
“We support the inclusion of clear national-level implementation measures, regular reporting, and the recognition of donkeys as vital to livelihoods and rural economies. These decisions mark an important step toward ending the unsustainable trade and improving donkey welfare across the continent.”
Brooke is calling for a global ban on the donkey skin trade, aiming to reduce consumer demand for donkey skin products and boycotting platforms selling ejiao.
Speaking at the conference, Brooke CEO Chris Wainwright said: “If we all work together, we can end the trade in donkey skins and protect these loyal and magnificent creatures that are central to the socio-economic futures of so many communities in Africa.”
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