Why Namibia’s bid to legalise rhino horn trade was rejected
Namibia’s push to reopen the international trade in rhino horn has been rejected at a major global wildlife meeting, after most countries warned it would fuel poaching and put already threatened rhino populations at greater risk.
Delegates at the Cites summit in Uzbekistan voted overwhelmingly against Namibia’s proposals to allow controlled horn sales from both black and southern white rhinos, receiving only around 30 votes in favour out of roughly 120. A two-thirds majority was required.
Namibia and other southern African countries have built up large stockpiles of rhino horn due to decades of dehorning, a practice meant to deter poachers by safely removing horns, which later grow back. Namibia argued that selling these stockpiles could raise money for conservation and ease the financial pressure on both the government and private rhino owners, who spend heavily on security.
Why countries say no
Opponents warned that legal trade would encourage demand in Asian markets, making it easier for illegally obtained horn to enter the system. Conservation groups also pointed to declining rhino numbers; black rhinos, just 6,421 left in the wild; Southern white rhinos, 15,752, their lowest level in nearly 20 years. Namibia recorded a record 87 rhinos killed in 2022, and more than 8,000 have been poached across Africa in the last decade.
The international ban, in place since 1977, remains unchanged, and Namibia is expected to keep its horn stockpiles.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
