Hong Kong said it will destroy most of its stockpile of seized ivory . The government has been criticized for not doing enough to stop the illegal trade in ivory, which is often sold as a status symbol or used by criminal gangs and organized crime syndicates. ` ` security risk '' Decision follows similar moves by China and the United States . 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 . Conservationists say move would send strong message to ivory consumers .
Hong Kong said it will destroy most of its stockpile of seized ivory . The government has been criticized for not doing enough to stop the illegal trade in ivory, which is often sold as a status symbol or used by criminal gangs and organized crime syndicates. `` security risk '' Decision follows similar moves by China and the United States . Conservationists say move would send strong message to ivory consumers .