Ivory: The Truth Behind the Trade
Ivory has long been regarded as a symbol of wealth and luxury, coveted for its creamy white color and smooth, polished texture. However, the trade in ivory has a dark side that is rarely talked about – one that involves poaching, smuggling, and the decimation of endangered elephant populations.
The illicit trade in ivory has a long and sordid history, dating back centuries to when ivory was used to make everything from piano keys to billiard balls. In the 1970s and 1980s, a ban on ivory trade was put in place by the international community in an effort to combat elephant poaching, which had become out of control in many African countries. However, the ban was lifted in 1997, under the guise of creating a system of “controlled trade” that would allow for the legal use of ivory from elephants that died of natural causes or were culled from overpopulated herds.
Unfortunately, this system has been rife with corruption and loopholes, allowing for the continued poaching of elephants and the smuggling of ivory across borders. The demand for ivory from countries such as China and Thailand, where it is used for religious and cultural purposes, has only fueled the illegal trade.
Meanwhile, elephant populations continue to decline at an alarming rate. In the last decade alone, Africa has lost over 100,000 elephants to poaching – a staggering number that puts the future of these magnificent creatures in jeopardy.
So, what can be done to stop the ivory trade and save the elephants? The first step is to raise awareness about the issue and to promote the use of alternative materials, such as synthetic resin or bone, in place of ivory. It is also important to address the demand for ivory in countries where it is still seen as a status symbol or religious object.
Governments and international organizations must also take a stronger stance against poaching and smuggling, investing in anti-poaching measures and cracking down on the illegal ivory trade. This includes increasing penalties for those caught buying or selling ivory, and working to improve enforcement at border crossings and other points of entry.
Ivory Tower - A Reflection on the Perils of Isolation
\"Ivory tower, standing tall
Amidst the noise, above it all
I see you there, way up high
A place of refuge in the sky\"
These lines from the song \"Ivory Tower\" by Hiroyuki Sawano capture the allure of isolation that can come with attaining a certain level of success, whether in academia, business, or any other field. The ivory tower symbolizes a place of safety and comfort, far away from the chaos and turmoil of the outside world. Yet, as the song suggests, this island of calm also comes at a cost, and can ultimately become a prison of its own.
The idea of the ivory tower is not new – it has been a topic of conversation for centuries. The term was originally used to describe the practice of scholars, who would retreat to their towers to work on their research, far removed from the distractions of the outside world. Over time, however, the term has taken on a broader meaning, referring to any situation where a person or group becomes cut off from reality, often due to their status or privilege.
One of the dangers of the ivory tower is that it can trap people in a bubble of their own making. When surrounded only by like-minded individuals, it becomes easy to forget that there are other perspectives out there. This can lead to a distorted view of the world, where those inside the tower believe that they are the only ones with the right answers. In extreme cases, this can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding, as those in the ivory tower become unable to relate to those outside it.
Another danger of the ivory tower is that it can breed complacency. When there are no external pressures or challenges, it becomes easy to become content with the status quo. This can lead to a lack of innovation and progress, as those inside the tower become too comfortable to seek out new ideas or push boundaries. In the long run, this can lead to the decline of the ivory tower, as those outside of it begin to surpass it in terms of knowledge and achievement.
Its important to note that not all ivory towers are the same. In some cases, they can be a force for good, providing a safe and supportive environment for people to pursue their passions. Many universities, for example, are referred to as ivory towers, as they provide a space for students and researchers to study and explore without fear of persecution or interference. However, its important to recognize the potential pitfalls of such environments, and to actively work to avoid them.
