Agency approves one-time sale of ivory to Japan

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The agency that oversees international trade involving rare animals approved on Saturday the sale of 60 tons of ivory to Japan despite fears it could lead to increased poaching of endangered elephants.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES, said its officials would closely monitor the sale to see whether it affects the black market.

South Africa, Botswana and Namibia are selling the ivory from stocks gathered from elephants that have died naturally. All three countries pledged to deposit the revenue in trust funds for further conservation.

The decision preceded the formal opening today of a 12-day conference by the 171-nation CITES.