Certainly A.G. it is a complex subject with many variables. I am sure it would be an interesting debate!
The last time a huge tonnage of African ivory was released a few years ago with cities permission, elephant poaching roared astronomically, after all a receipt saying ivory was legal, could be used again & again , as after all there is no DNA taken to match the legal document to the ivory.
I am sure De Beers, do many naughty things, many powerful international company's do.
Sadly that wont change.
I guess the fact ivory & particularly rhino horn are a long way from an infinite supply, will have its effect as well.
As you say without harsh punishment of consumers {& I would add poachers, particularly the wealthy organised ones with helicopters etc.. & the armed militia types. & not just some hungry bloke with an old .303 who makes an easy scapegoat.} the demand will remain.
Interestingly, the countries that burn there ivory publicly in huge public piles, don't say where that ivory disappears to afterwards, when they show a photo of a pile of ashes.
After all ivory may crack a bit but it doesn't burn on an open fire, that's just the logs in the pile & a splash of accelerant....
I would like the Elephant & rhino populations to recover from where they are today.... But I don't believe in destroying antiques. That wont help anyone or anything. Its vandalism.
As for Trade bans in the west... I guess at least one can keep what ones already got.
Will any of it really work? probably not...
spiral