New Canaan Library Hosts Talk: From Villain to Hero: China’s Role in the Illegal Ivory Trade

Join Yale University PhD student Gao Yufang for an important discussion on China's role in the global problem of, and solution to, the illegal ivory trade. Yufang will speak at New Canaan Library on Thursday, September 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Adrian Lamb Room. Please register for this program online at newcanaanlibrary.org.

What is left of Africa’s dwindling elephant population is threatened by poachers who sell the animals’ tusks in the illegal ivory trade. In 2012, China was recognized as the world’s greatest villain in relation to smuggled ivory. Four years later, China announced it would completely shut down its domestic ivory trade by the end of 2017. This decision was hailed by conservation groups as “historic” and a “game-changer” for the future of elephants. Yufang will discuss and explore what prompted the movement, what we can learn from it, and whether the the ban will have a significant impact on saving the elephants.

Gao Yufang is a PhD student at Yale University, and has actively participated in the global efforts to fight illegal ivory trade. In this talk, Yufang will share his studies and reflect on his engagement as an observer and participant in the intricate social and decision-making processes of combating the illegal ivory trade.