The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on Thursday rubbished media reports suggesting that South Africa intends to break ranks with the international consensus on the ivory and rhino horn trade ahead of the upcoming Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) COP20.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George said South Africa would not support any move to reopen the ivory or rhino horn trade.

The department reaffirmed that South Africa remained fully committed to the international ban on commercial trade of ivory and rhino horn.

“…our duty is to protect our wildlife, not to profit from their destruction.

“Any suggestion that the department seeks to weaken international agreements or undermine collective conservation efforts is without basis. The DFFE’s priority is clear: to secure a future where elephants, rhinos and people can thrive together,” he stated.

George pointed out that South Africa’s approach to elephant and rhino conservation was grounded in sustainability, protection of biodiversity and support for communities that lived alongside wildlife.

The department worked with regional and international partners to combat poaching, dismantle trafficking networks and strengthen wildlife law enforcement, George pointed out.

“Our policy is guided by science, ethics, and global cooperation, not by commercial interest,” he added.

He noted South Africa’s record of responsible conservation management under the CITES.

“Our engagement in CITES processes aims to protect species, maintain ecological integrity, and ensure that conservation delivers long-term social and economic benefits,” he said.