CO2 emissions are being 'outsourced' by rich countries to rising economies

Greenhouse gas output of China and elsewhere is increased by making goods that are then used in the US and Europe
Suzanne Goldenberg theguardian.com 19 Jan 14;

Jinhuarun chemical plant in Zekou Town, Qianjiang City of Hubei Province, China. A draft UN report says the west is increasingly outsourcing its carbon pollution to China and other rising economies Photograph: How Hwee Young/EPA
The world's richest countries are increasingly outsourcing their carbon pollution to China and other rising economies, according to a draft UN report.

Outsourcing of emissions comes in the form of electronic devices such as smartphones, cheap clothes and other goods manufactured in China and other rising economies but consumed in the US and Europe.

A draft of the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, obtained by the Guardian, says emissions of carbon dioxide and the other greenhouse gases warming the planet grew twice as fast in the first decade of the 21st century as they did during the previous three decades.

Much of that rise was due to the burning of coal, the report says. And much of that coal was used to power factories in China and other rising economies that produce goods for US and European consumers, the draft adds.

Since 2000, annual carbon dioxide emissions for China and the other rising economies have more than doubled to nearly 14 gigatonnes a year, according to the draft report. But about 2 GT a year of that was produced making goods for export.

The picture is similar for other rising economies producing goods for export, the report finds.

"A growing share of CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion in developing countries is released in the production of goods and services exported, notably from upper-middle-income countries to high-income countries," the report says.

Other middle income countries, with smaller exports, saw a more gradual rise in emissions. For the poorest countries in the world, however, emissions have flatlined since 1990.

Factories in China and other rising economies now produce more carbon pollution than industries in America and Europe.

"A growing share of global emissions is released in the manufacture of products that are traded across international borders," the draft says.

The newly wealthy elites of China, India and Brazil are flying more, buying more cars and otherwise fuelling the consumption that is driving climate change.

But their per capita greenhouse gas emissions are still below those in America and Europe – a gap that China and India regularly cite at climate talks to deflect pressure to cut emissions.

In addition, a large and growing share of the carbon pollution attributed to China and those rising economies was generated in the production of goods that ended up in America and Europe.

The outsourcing of those emissions has skewed efforts to account for all global emissions, which typically was conducted on a national basis. Those accounting efforts are no longer accurate, according to analysts.

"If we are just looking at our national inventory to understand the emissions trends, it is just not telling the full picture of our impacts," said Cynthia Cummis, an expert on greenhouse gas accounting at the World Resources Institute. "We need to understand the full life cycle of all the goods and services that we are purchasing and selling."

There is now growing debate about how to assign responsibility for emissions generated producing goods that were made in one country but ultimately destined for another.

"The consumers that are importing those goods have some responsibility for those goods that are happening outside of our boundaries," Cummis said.

The 29-page draft, a summary for policy makers, was dated 17 December. An edited version is due to be published in Germany in April.

The report is the third in a series by the IPCC, summing up the state of the climate crisis since 2007 and prospects for solutions. The first part was released in September. It is stark about the chances of avoiding dangerous climate change – especially if deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are pushed back beyond 2030.

Temperatures have already risen by 0.8C since the dawning of the industrial age, the report says.

Unless there are deep cuts in emissions – up to 70% of current levels by 2050 – or a near-quadrupling of renewable energy, governments may have to fall back increasingly on experimental technologies for sucking carbon dioxide from the air to avoid dangerous warming, the report says.

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Best of our wild blogs: 20 Jan 14

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South West District launches S$100,000 fund for environmental campaigns

Sara Grosse Channel NewsAsia 19 Jan 14

SINGAPORE: Youths in the South West District can now get funding for their efforts to tackle environmental issues affecting their community.

The S$100,000 "South West Youth ECo Challenge Fund" will see people between 17 and 35 years old develop environmental campaigns.

These include projects aimed at encouraging recycling and reducing littering.

Environment agencies such as NEA and NParks will identify the environmental issues for the youths to champion.

The fund was launched Sunday morning at South West District's annual environmental event "ECo Day Out", where residents can receive groceries such as rice and packet noodles for their recycling efforts.

This year, the district saw a 6 per cent increase in recyclables collected, as compared to the previous year.

Under the ECo Challenge Fund, youths will be mentored by environmental experts over a period of six months to one year and be given a grant of up to S$10,000 per project.

Dr Amy Khor, mayor of South West District, said: "I think the youth have lots of energy, they are very passionate about environmental issues, and we thought that this fund would be useful in providing them with the resources to initiate useful, impactful and creative projects in the community."

Corporate and community organisations that have contributed and promoted environmental sustainability in the district were also recognised for their efforts and dedication by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

This year, winners of the South West ECo Awards were Dairy Farm Singapore in the corporate category and ITE College West in the community category.

- CNA/xq

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Indonesians Left to Count the Cost of Widespread Flooding in Jakarta

Markus Junianto Sihaloho Jakarta Globe 20 Jan 14;

The climate agency has rejected statements by Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo saying that the flooding in Jakarta had been caused by natural factors such as high volumes of rainfall.

“Rainfall in the capital in 2014 has been lower compared to 2013 when a bigger flood happened,” said Achmad Zukri, head of extreme early warning division at the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

He added that this year’s rain had mostly inundated the areas of West Jakarta, East Jakarta and South Jakarta.

“Rains that have been falling since the beginning of this year are not as heavy as in 2013,” Achmad said. “Rainfall has been patchy since New Year’s Eve, unlike last year, when the heavy rain fell non-stop for several consecutive days.”

Among areas that have seen a drop in rain levels are Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta, Kemayoran in Central Jakarta, Halim Perdanakusuma in East Jakarta, Cengkareng and Kedoya in West Jakarta as well as areas in South Jakarta such as Pakubuwono, Pasar Minggu and Lebak Bulus.

During a visit to Kelapa Gading in North Jakarta, Joko said torrential rain had been a main cause of flooding in the area.

“There has been a lot of heavy rain around Pulogadung [East Jakarta], and the tide has been high. That is where the problem lies,” he said.

Members of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) also condemned the governor’s statements, saying that the flooding and landslides were mainly caused by the clearing of forests for industrial use.

“The water’s volume can’t be changed. What has changed is the land’s ability to absorb that water,” said Mukri Friatra, a disaster management specialist at the nongovernmental organization. “They’re saying the flood is from God, when in fact, rain should be a blessing.”

On Saturday, chief of BMKG’s meteorology center Mulyono Prabowo said in Jakarta that the agency has yet to pinpoint the highest level of rainfall this year, adding that the highest ever recorded was at 350 millimeters per day in 2007 at Pondok Betung, South Tangerang.

“The past few days have seen about 200 millimeters fall per day. In general, rain has been quite high in the Greater Jakarta area, with at least 70 to 80 millimeters recorded on a daily basis, although several areas have seen 150 millimeters,” he said.

Despite the criticism launched against Joko, a resident living near the Ciliwung River said he did not want to blame the governor and that his living near the river could be part of the problem.

“Joko has done his best, but who can resist nature? We have built our homes on the river, but what can we do? This is our home,” said 43-year-old Agus, who lives by the river in Kampung Pulo, as quoted by Liputan6.com.

Agus said he has lived just 10 meters from the Ciliwung since 1986 and that he did not have enough money to move to a safer location.

Chief of the National Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN) Fasli Jalal attributed the flooding to the capital’s population and urbanization.

“The growing population has resulted in the establishment of residential areas that subsequently limit the soil’s ability to absorb the water,” he said.

“If the population continues to increase, and land remains limited, then houses will be built closer to one another and will sometimes have to be built on the riverside,” said Wendy Hartanto, also from BKKBN. Too many buildings built on the land means that the water isn’t being absorbed, he said.

Wendy called on the government not to only continue promoting its family planning program but also to be stricter with urban planning regulations, especially regarding the establishment of residential areas near the rivers.

“In addition, there should be a proper solution to the flow of urbanization, which has seen many people flock to Jakarta, many of whom are lower income earners unable to afford their own properties so they move to cheaper areas like riversides and other areas that are not supposed to be residential areas,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Joko on Sunday said he will soon be holding a meeting with the Public Works Minister’s directorate general and West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan next week to discuss plans to establish a spillway from the Ciliwung to the Cisadane River, close to their source in the mountains near Bogor, West Java.

Joko explained that the 1.9-kilometer spillway connecting the two rivers would be of great help in minimizing flooding in the city though residents in Tangerang, to the west of Jakarta, are concerned the proposal will just move the flooding from the capital to their city.

Floods force thousands to evacuate in Indonesian capital
Kanupriya Kapoor PlanetArk 21 Jan 14;

Monsoon rains have inundated parts of the Indonesian capital, forcing more than 30,000 people to evacuate and posing a challenge for its wildly popular governor, Joko Widodo, a possible presidential candidate.

Soldiers were deployed to help nearly 50,000 residents in the sprawling city of 10 million people, as floodwaters reached three meters (9.8 ft) in some districts, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency said.

Last year's rainy season brought Jakarta to a standstill, causing a river in the city to breach its banks and swamp the central business district, leaving thousands stranded and causing $580 million in damage to property and companies.

Heavy rains are forecast this week, potentially worsening floods which have killed seven people, mostly from electrocution, and forced thousands to seek refuge at temporary shelters, including schools and mosques.

Jokowi, as the governor is known locally, came to office in late 2012 with promises to improve the city's creaky infrastructure, strained by chronic floods and traffic. The presidential favorite has since launched a number of initiatives to alleviate flooding, including clearing riverbanks of illegal housing and rubbish, and creating more green spaces and drainage to absorb rainwater.

But until those efforts show results, he could face criticism over flood management, especially if the waters rise and more districts are affected. The floods have already caused about $80 million in damage, said the Disaster Mitigation Agency.

"Last year we started clearing the riverbanks and dredging the canals to allow water to flow more smoothly, but it's a slow process and the results will only show in five or 10 years," said Eko Hariadi, spokesman for the city administration.

Immense popular support has put Jokowi far ahead of rivals such as former general Prabowo Subianto and tycoon Aburizal Bakrie in opinion polls. But Jokowi has not declared his candidacy, nor has the party he is affiliated with, the opposition PDI-P, said whether it will back him. That decision rests with former president and party leader Megawati Sukarnoputri, daughter of the country's founding ruler.

Heavy rains also hit other parts of the archipelago, including North Sulawesi province where flash floods left 18 dead and more than 80,000 homeless last week.

(Editing by Jason Szep)

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Malaysia: Support proposed Piasau Camp nature reserve, public urged

Borneo Post 20 Jan 14;

MIRI: The people of Miri can help the government to make a success of the proposed nature reserve at Piasau Camp.

National president of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Professor Dr Maketab Mohamed said two societies – MNS Miri Chapter and the Piasau Camp Miri Nature Park Society (PCMNPS) – were rallying for the public to support the nature reserve as a community based project.

“We have lot of advocacies to save urban forests. A good example is Kota Damasara near Petaling Jaya where we have the society taking care of the forest with Selangor Forestry.”
Chairman of MNS Miri and PCMNPS is Datuk Sebastian Ting.

“We have the society (PCMNPS) working with Sarawak Forestry to take care of the place and make this something all of us should be proud of,” Professor Maketab said before the start of the 8th Hornbill Walk held at Piasau Camp on Saturday.

He was among 100 strong advocates of the nature reserve who defied the weather to take
part in the walk. Others participants were the wife of PCMNPS’ president, and the society’s exco members including deputy chairman Musa who is also MNS Miri chairman and local community leaders Datuk Wan Morshidi Abdul Rahman and wife Datin Juriah Abdullah.

Professor Maketab said it was the tradition of MNS headquarters to support whatever the branches do and that they were proud MNS Miri had spearheaded the advocacy for the conservation of historical Piasau Camp.

“Basically, it is not for MNS or personal glory. Our target is to make sure something like this (Piasau Camp) can be preserved in perpetuity for the people of Miri.

“I think our great grand children will thank us for what we are doing today, so they don’t have to go far for a nature walk and for recreation,” he said.

Earlier, Ting assured the people that their cause was not in vain, although the government had delayed gazetting the nature reserve.

“We are going in the right direction and we urge Mirians in particular to continue supporting to make the nature reserve a reality,” he said.

Hornbill Jimmy, his soul mate Juliet and other offspring did not show up during the walk, but at the end of the walk the participants got to see the carcass of Jimmy’s ex-soulmate Faridah which had been preserved for public viewing once the nature reserve is ready.

Many were sad over her brutal killing on Sept 26, 2013, but were glad the taxidermy was done and the exhibit handed over by a representative of the company doing the taxidermy to Musa and others representing MNS and PCMNPS.

Besides having hornbills and other protected animals and plants, Piasau Camp is synonymous with Miri’s oil and gas industry, and the matured forests act as the green lungs for Miri City and a buffer zone against tidal waves.

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Extreme El Niños Could Hit Twice As Often

Becky Oskin LiveScience.com Yahoo News 20 Jan 14;

The most intense El Niño events may soon hit every 10 years, instead of every 20 years, thanks to warming water in the eastern Pacific Ocean, a new study predicts.

An El Niño is the warm phase of a long-standing natural climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean. When changing wind patterns start piling up warm water in the eastern part of the equatorial Pacific, the redistribution of hotter water triggers changes in atmospheric circulation that influences rainfall and storm patterns around the world — an El Niño.

During extreme El Niños, sea surface temperatures warmer than 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) develop in the normally cold and dry eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Because this part of the Pacific is typically colder than the western Pacific, even 0.8 degrees Celsius (about 1 degree Fahrenheit) of warming in these waters has an outsize effect, said lead study author Wenju Cai.

"Under global warming, the barrier to convection shifts," Cai told LiveScience. "Therefore, it is easier to generate this massive atmospheric circulation associated with an extreme El Niño event." (Convection is the process that fuels storms.)

During extreme El Niños, this warm-water zone stretches across the entire equatorial Pacific Ocean. Because the Pacific's sea surface temperatures are rising, climate researchers have tried to predict the impact of global warming on extreme El Niños, but their models have produced conflicting results, said Cai, a climate scientist at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, a government research organization in Aspendale, Australia. [Infographic: Earth's Atmosphere Top to Bottom]

"If we just look at sea surface temperatures, there has been no consensus," Cai said.

To better gauge the effect of future warming on the El Niño cycle, Cai and an international group of climate scientists redefined an extreme El Niño. Their study tested 20 climate models that simulated extreme El Niños, but instead of looking at sea surface temperatures, they defined each episode as an increase in rainfall by a factor of 10 over the eastern equatorial Pacific. The results show an increase from an extreme event every 20 years to an episode every 10 years from the present day through the next 100 years. The findings were published today (Jan. 19) in the journal Nature Climate Change.

While the increased frequency could be a boon for the drought-stricken western United States, which would receive extra rainfall, an extreme El Niño has devastating global effects.

During past extreme El Niño events, countries in the western Pacific, such as Australia and Indonesia, experienced devastating droughts and wildfires, while catastrophic floods occurred in the eastern equatorial region of Ecuador and northern Peru. The last extreme El Niño, in 1997-1998, caused $35 billion in damage in the United States and killed an estimated 23,000 people worldwide.

"Extreme El Niños cause a lot of loss of life and productivity," Cai said.

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Best of our wild blogs: 19 Jan 14

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Sinabung volcanic ash has low likelihood of affecting Singapore: NEA

Channel NewsAsia 18 Jan 14;

SINGAPORE: The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the likelihood of volcanic ash from Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra affecting Singapore is low.

NEA added the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) is expected to remain in the ‘Good’ band.

Mount Sinabung has been in a state of intermittent volcanic activity since 15 September 2013.

NEA said to date, Singapore has not been affected by the volcanic ash from this volcanic activity.

The Meteorological Services Singapore (MSS) has been closely monitoring the situation as volcanic activity has intensified in recent days.

Based on dispersion model simulations by MSS and the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, volcanic ash is expected to move south but will be confined within the northern half of Sumatra over the next one to two days.

NEA said under current conditions, there may be a slight deterioration in air quality should some volcanic ash reach Singapore.

It added the amount of ash that may reach Singapore is likely to be small and the duration relatively short, posing little to no health risk to the public.

MSS will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates on developments.

- CNA/ec

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Malaysia: Massive floods due to climate change -- Prime Minister

The Star 19 Jan 14;

PEKAN: The massive floods in the east coast early last month was due to climate change and should not be blamed on anyone, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the phenomenon was caused by centuries of unchecked development which had severely affected the environment.

“It afflicts every country in the world. In New York, the Arctic storm has caused the temperature to drop to -52°C.

”The cold left 21 people dead and the terrible condition has impacted the economy of the world’s superpower. We cannot blame anyone for this because this is the effects of our development,” Najib said at an aid presentation for flood victims and volunteer appreciation ceremony here yesterday.

He said the unusual rainfall of 777mm in Jabor, Terengganu on Dec 2 was more than double the amount of a month’s rain.

”The only thing we can do is to make careful preparations to reduce the impact of the floods,” said Najib, adding that the Cabinet had received proposals from the Flood Disaster Committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, to improve the flood management standard operating procedure to be more efficient.

He said among the upgrades suggested was for the Meteorological Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) to utilise the latest technology in improving its early warning systems.

”We have also asked JPS to prepare flood mitigation plans. However, the cost is very high and the Government has to consider the affordability first before making any decisions,” he said.

Najib said the flood mitigation measures put forward by Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said costs RM480mil while the plan to insulate the entire Sungai Isap in Kuantan would come up to RM700mil.

Besides that, the Government had to purchase boats, heavier trucks and other assets, he said.

On the flood assistance programme, Najib said up to 1,504 affected families in Pekan would receive RM750 in cash aid, a mattress, pillows, a kitchen stove, refrigerator, television set and rice cooker each.

Govt to boost anti-flood measures
New Straits Times 19 Jan 14;

PEKAN: Climate change and unpredictable weather patterns have prompted the government to further improve the country's flood warning system and mitigation plans to help reduce the impact of natural disasters in future.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the cabinet had accepted the recommendations made by the Natural Disaster Management Committee which, among others, proposed that the Meteorological Department and the Drainage and Irrigation Department use the latest technology for better weather forecasting and public announcements.

At the same time, he said the government would also consider the flood mitigation plans for areas affected by floods, which would involve huge allocations.

"Flood mitigation projects are costly and we need to look at our financial ability before we can approve them," he said at a function to distribute aid to flood victims in Pekan yesterday. He also presented certificates to volunteers.

Najib said the Terengganu state government had requested RM480 million for flood mitigation projects for the state, while Kuantan would require RM700 million to help resolve its flood problems.

He said the government would first procure more assets that could be used during natural disasters, including boats and larger trucks.

"We are also reviewing our standard operating procedures (SOP) to provide a more efficient machinery to assist victims when a natural disaster strikes."

Najib said climate change had also affected developed countries, including the United States, where the temperature in certain areas plummeted to negative 52 degrees Celcius recently due to an Arctic blast.

He said it was not right to blame anyone for the recent floods in the east coast and urged all parties to find ways to reduce the impact of the floods and to assist the victims.

Citing Pekan as an example, Najib, who is also its member of parliament, said the district was often flooded when high volume of water upstream of Sungai Pahang met the high tide.

"But now the floods are caused by heavy downpours, as seen on Dec 2," he said, adding the Kemaman district recorded an extraordinary amount of rainfall on the same day, which was higher than the whole month in previous years.

Najib said Barisan Nasional leaders would find ways to increase aid to flood victims, as the RM500 cash assistance for each family affected by floods was no longer sufficient.
"The BN government will always be with the people through thick and thin. I will ensure victims get more this time around."

A total of 1,504 families received RM750 cash assistance each with RM500 contributed by the Federal Government and RM250 from the state.

Each family also received various items, including a mattress and two pillows from Kelab Putera 1Malaysia, an LED television set from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, a refrigerator from the Pekan Umno division and a rice cooker, which was Najib's personal contribution.

Recipient Fatimah Ismail, 46, said the assistance given by the government proved that its leaders understood the difficulties faced by the people.

"We should be grateful, as our government provides us various types of assistance."

"If we look at other countries, their people were left struggling to rebuild their lives after natural disasters."

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Malaysia: Sun bear centre opens to public

Avila Geraldine New Straits Times 19 Jan 14;

RAISING AWARENESS: It's the world's only NGO-run facility

SANDAKAN: After six years of toying with the idea, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) is now accessible to the public who want to get close to the world's smallest bear.
The opening of the centre is expected to raise awareness and encourage research on the endangered species.

It is learnt that the conservation centre, housing 28 sun bears is the only facility of its kind in the world run by a non-governmental organisation.

It was set up in 2008 through the collaboration of the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department and Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP).

Located next to the world renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, its key facilities include an observation platform, boardwalk and a visitors' centre.

However, the two houses, which provide a natural habitat for the sun bears, are not accessible to visitors.

BSBCC founder Wong Siew Te said in its effort to raise awareness, the centre had moved forward to let the people get a better view and understanding of sun bears.

"Now, we can educate the public on the importance of sun bears and the forest.

"Research and rehabilitation will come next as this is a long-term project, and here to stay."
Sun bears are classified as a totally protected species under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, providing it the same status as the orang-utan and Sumatran rhinoceros.
Found throughout mainland Asia, Sumatra in Indonesia and Borneo, the exact number of sun bears in the wild is unknown.

This makes it even more pressing to reduce pressure on a species classified as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and at risk of becoming endangered.
Habitat loss and poaching for its parts for use in traditional medicine are among key threats that have led to a decline of by at least 30 per cent of its population in the last three decades.

Other threats include illegal capture for the pet trade and killed when wrongly perceived as pests.

Sabah Wildlife Department director Datuk Dr Laurentius Ambu said the department would endeavour to increase enforcement efforts in clamping down on those who keep the species as pets or trade its parts.

He stressed that no licence had been issued for anyone to own sun bears, except to the BSBCC and the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

"Our department will also work tirelessly to ensure that sun bears can be released back into the wild, subject to their adaptation to the habitat.

"It is also our hope that this centre will facilitate research on sun bears and conduct outreach programmes to raise awareness on the dangers of keeping this species in captivity."

The centre is open daily from 9am to 3.30pm. Fees are RM5 for Malaysians above 17 and RM2 for citizens between 12 and 17.

The fee for foreigners is RM30 (above 17) and RM15 (between 12 to 17 years). Admission is free for children under 12.

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Malaysia: Johor - an ecotourism paradise

Mohd Farhaan Shah The Star 19 Jan 14;

JOHOR BARU: Johor’s rich flora and fauna will be promoted to both local and foreign tourists during Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

Tourism Ministry state director Mohammad Isa Abdul Halim said many tourists are attracted to Johor due to its attractive ecotourism packages.

He added that Johor has six national parks that are easily accessible and located along the state’s east and west coasts.

“Besides that, we also have many beautiful islands in our waters, with white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters.

“Our attractive ecotourism packages have attracted tourists from European countries, Japan and Singapore,” he said, before joining more than 600 riders at the Tanjung Piai National Park yesterday.

Mohammad Isa said Johor aims to get more than four million visitors to the state during VMY 2014. This is compared to three million visitors last year.

He said the ministry was working closely with stakeholders and industry players to make Johor a top tourist destination.

“We have the ingredients to make the state attractive to all tourists, no matter what they prefer,” he said.

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Malaysia not deterring ivory smugglers

Isabelle Lai The Star 19 Jan 14;

PETALING JAYA: Despite nine high-profile ivory seizures worth millions of ringgit since 2011, Malaysian authorities have yet to make any significant arrests that will help stamp out our reputation as a transit country for the illegal ivory trade.

According to Dr Chris Shepherd, regional director of wildlife trade monitoring network Traffic South-East Asia, intelligence-led investigations to break down the wildlife crime networks here are still not seen as a priority nor carried out to their fullest extent.

He pointed out that smugglers would not invest so much money in moving tonnes of ivory through Malaysia if they thought it was too risky.

“It’s like electricity. Smugglers look for the path of least resistance. If they think they are going to get away with it here, then they will do it here,” he told The Star.

Merely seizing shipments and arresting carriers or mules of the trade, he said, were not enough to deter smugglers from using Malaysia as a transit point.

“It’s just going to make the dealers lose some money, but that’s about it. Elephants are still going to be killed unless trade chains are broken and kingpins put behind bars,” he said.

One of the biggest concerns, he said, was that large volumes of ivory had slipped through Malaysia undetected on numerous occasions.

According to statistics from the Elephant Trade Information System (Etis), a database used to analyse global ivory trade patterns and seizures, 31 seizures involved Malaysia since 2011, with nine seizures here and 22 seizures elsewhere.

At least four of the cases listed Malaysia as an “importer” country, while the rest, which included Malaysia as a transit point, were destined for other countries in South-East and East Asia.

Shepherd acknowledged the hugely challenging task facing the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, given that millions of containers transit through Port Klang a year.

“It’s impossible to check all cargo. That is why working with source and importing countries is so important.

“Such collaboration would assist Customs and other Malaysian enforcement agencies in becoming a much more efficient force against the trade, acquiring more useful information, increasing interceptions and arrests, and ultimately reducing the flow of illegal ivory,” he said, stressing that it all came down to improved multi-agency cooperation and intelligence-led investigations.

For example, he said that Etis has now shown the country of Togo to be a prominent link to Malaysia for ivory smuggling, and has shown that over the past five years, many shipments were disguised as wood or wood chips.

“So, let’s increase our surveillance of wood chips coming in from Togo en route to Hong Kong,” he suggested, adding that the Etis database shows which countries have been sending ivory through Malaysia.

However, Dr Shepherd commended Customs for their initiative in fighting against illegal ivory smuggling, including working with Traffic South-East Asia to train its officers.

“We hope to see wildlife crime continue to become a higher priority for Customs, the judiciary, police and Department of Wildlife and National Parks. The highest levels of Government must recognise this as a serious issue,” he said, adding that this must in turn lead to increased levels of successful enforcement at ports, airports and borders.

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