Hong Kong says it will destroy most of its huge stockpile of contraband ivory in a move hailed by conservationists as a significant step in combating the illegal trade in elephant tusks . Some 28 tons of ivory will be incinerated in the next one to two years , with the first batch slated to be disposed of by the end of June , the city 's Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation Department said on Thursday . The department said the huge stockpile , held in undisclosed locations around the city , had become a `` management burden '' and a `` security risk . '' The city had previously opted not to destroy the stash -- most of which is seized en route to mainland China -- but had come under pressure following similar moves by its neighbor and the United States . Earlier this month , six tons of ivory were crushed in the southern city of Guangzhou , the first time China -- which accounts for 70 % of global demand for ivory -- had destroyed any of its confiscated ivory . In November , the U.S. destroyed its entire six-ton pile of ivory `` to send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate ivory trafficking and the toll it is taking on elephant populations , particularly in Africa . '' China is the world 's largest ivory market accounting for an estimated 70 % of global consumption , according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare . Alex Hofford , program director at the campaign group Hong Kong for Elephants and a consultant for WildAid , said the move would send a strong message that would deter would-be buyers of what is sometimes called `` white gold . '' He said that Hong Kong had previously been unwilling to destroy the seized tusks because of concerns it would create air pollution and fears that such a move would be wasteful . A Hong Kong department spokesman said the ivory would be burned in three ton batches and any ivory seized in the future would be disposed of in the same way . One ton of confiscated ivory would be retained for education purposes . In 2008 , a one-time sale of ivory seized in Africa to China was permitted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ( CITES ) but the decision was subsequently criticized by wildlife protection advocates , who say the deal jump-started the ivory trade in China .
Hong Kong said it will destroy most of its stocks of seized ivory . The ivory had become a ` ` economic burden '' and ` ` security risk '' Decision follows similar moves by China and the United States . China say move would send strong message to ivory consumers .