More waste !!!!!

[M Sharpe]

http://news.yahoo.com/ivory-seizures-swell-hidden-hong-kong-cache-064708792--finance.html

[Old Geezer]

"It's a financial burden on a country to keep such a stockpile," said Gabriel, adding that ivory has been stolen from stockpiles in other countries."

If it is such a financial burden then turn it into cash, to help the country who holds it.   I don't see why this concept is so difficult.   

Isn't this what we do with items confiscated during drug busts?

Ralph 

[Will]

I hear ya Mr Permar. The problem is the $ made probably wouldn't fall into the right pockets!

[strutnrut]

It's supply and demand.
High demands + Controlled Supply = Value....... 

If the powers to be would take advantage of the windfall (ivory stockpiles) it would curtail the demand therefore lowering the need for ivory and poaching would be somewhat less if not at all. The problem is, if poaching was eliminated no one would be padding the pockets of the people that are suppose to be protecting the Elephants. 

Take Diamonds, Drugs or Oil. These in themselves aren't in short supply they are in a controlled supply therefore maintaining value.
If there is more Ivory available them the need for Ivory wouldn't be near as great. Decreasing the value of Ivory is the key but the people in charge don't want this to happen. Remember people always want what is hard to obtain and what not everyone can afford.  Mostly simple math.  and it all = BULL

[M Sharpe]

Richard, if you had 32.5 TONS of ivory, you could make an all ivory hen box.....  
And think of all the ivory trumpets......man. I might would even get you to make me one. 

Just like a lot of the confiscated contraband and other illegal stuff here in the US........it walks off..right out of a holding facility.