Li Bingbing calls for an end to illegal ivory trade

（CRI Online）  10:21, May 07, 2013  

Li Bingbing, one of China's most popular actresses and a rising Hollywood star, has urged greater efforts by governments and consumers to combat illegal wildlife trade.

"The current poaching crisis raises major concerns about the survival of elephants and rhinos here in Kenya," said Li on Monday during a press conference at the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Earlier in the day, Li had visited the renowned David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, where young elephants, many of whom have been orphaned due to poaching, are cared for and often returned to the wild.

"But there are also other, far-reaching impacts. Illegal killings of elephants are being linked to organized crime and the funding of armed militia groups. As global citizens, we need to take responsibility by learning more about the potential impacts of our lifestyle choices," she added.

According to Li, many consumers in Asia do not realize that by buying ivory, they are playing a role in the illegal wildlife trade and its serious consequences.

"They can play a crucial role in preventing the illegal killing of elephants in Africa by saying no to ivory products," Li said.

A regular on red carpets from Hollywood to Cannes, Li Bingbing is among the most recognized faces in China and counts over 20 million followers on Chinese social media networks among her many fans.

The visit marks the first overseas engagement for Li Bingbing, recently named 'Asian Star of the Year' by Variety magazine, in her role as Goodwill Ambassador for the UNEP.