The Convection on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) CITES CoP19 meeting of the conference of parties meeting at Panama City in Panama has rejected a proposal by Zimbawe, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia to reopen trade in elephant ivory. We welcome the decision at a time like this when illegal trade in elephant ivory is increasing in Africa. Allowing to reopen trade in ivory would be to increase illegal wildlife trade and may increase slaughters of elephants.