KENYA has re-asserted its commitment to block the lifting of a ban on the ivory trade. “We shall, jointly with India, continue to seek maximum protection for elephants to return the African population currently on Appendix II in order to prevent further increase in poaching of the African and Asiatic elephants,” said Kenyan Wildlife Service director Deputy Director Ben Kavu. Southern African states unsuccessfully pushed for a relaxation of the ban at a Cites conference in Nairobi in March. Renewed poaching in game reserves has already begun in anticipation of increased legalised trade on ivory, a proposal pushed forward by South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia which was, however, defeated during the March conference. “There should be a global total ban (on) ivory trade until all conditions are met.” said Kavu.