One of the pressing environmental issues we are facing is poaching of wildlife and other endangered species. The illicit trade is fueled by strong worldwide demand for materials coming from animals, such as internal organs, which in some cultures are believed to bring about certain medical benefits, or byproducts such as hide and ivory.

Animal rights defenders worldwide have taken to various media channels to spread awareness of the problem and prompt governments to do something to protect vulnerable and endangered wildlife. For example, critically acclaimed documentaries like The Cove and The Ivory Game have put a spotlight on the issue of illegal practices in animal hunting.

The Ivory Game talks about why China is the world’s biggest market in the global ivory trade. Chinese journalist Huang Hongxiang, who played a key role in the documentary, has been sharing his experience with many people in different forums since the release of the documentary in 2016. Last June, he joined a panel discussion where he explained more about his undercover experience in the film. His next stop is Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) as the main guest in the Distinguished Speaker Series on March 26 (Monday) at 6pm.

“Huang Hongxiang, who is part of a global battle against the illegal ivory trade, is passionate about educating China on how to help [in the battle] and works to foster exchange between China and Africa,” WAB said.

This edition of Distinguished Speaker Series will be broadcast live around the world through WAB’s live stream page at livestream.wab.edu.

WAB’s Distinguished Speaker Series: Huang Hongxiang, Mar 26
All ages.  Free to attend. 6-7.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing, 10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区来广营东路10号. To register, scan the QR code on the right or visit www.wab.edu/connect/dss/rgst32618 to register. For more info, contact wabinfo@wab.edu.

Photos: Terra Mater Factual Studios Anita Ladkani via FM4ORF.at; courtesy of WAB

The illegal ivory industry in Africa has seen more than 150,000 elephants slaughtered over the past five years, creating an illicit trade between Africa and China worth USD 1 billion. Now The Ivory Game, an acclaimed American documentary exposing elephant poaching and the smuggling of ivory to China, makes a welcome return to Beijing after premiering at the 2017 Beijing International Film Festival in April.

Columbia Global Centers | Beijing presents the documentary film, together with a panel discussion, in Zhongguancun in Haidian District on June 30. “[The event will look into the] impact of Chinese business and investments in Africa, the politics and economics of wildlife exploitation and conservation, and the important roles played by journalists, filmmakers, and other media-makers in shaping and understanding this new power dynamics,” Columbia said.

Leading the event is Chinese journalist and Columbia alumnus Huang Hongxiang, who is featured in the documentary as an undercover ivory buyer. Huang has conducted investigations into the environmental and social impact of Chinese investment and business in Latin America and Africa since 2011.

The discussion will feature two more speakers: Mary Peng, treasurer and member of the board of directors at the Jane Goodall Institute China, and Ying Qian, assistant professor at the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, Columbia University. Moderating the discussion will be Professor Lydia H. Liu, director at the Institute for Comparative Literature and Society at Columbia University. Professor Safwan Masri, who’s also executive vice president of Columbia University (Global Centers and Global Development), will deliver opening remarks before the screening.

The Ivory Game: Film Screening and Panel Discussion, Jun 30
Ages 10+. Chinese journalist and Columbia alumnus Huang Hongxiang presents The Ivory Game, an American  documentary that looks at the dynamics of the ivory trade and the impact of Chinese business and investments in Africa. A panel discussion will take place after the screening. The event is conducted in English while the film will have Chinese subtitles. Free. Click/tap here to register. 6.30-9.20pm. Columbia Global Centers | Beijing. 26, 1F Core Plaza, 1 Shanyuan Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, 北京市海淀区中关村西区善缘街1号立方庭（西门）底商26号

How to get there?
By subway: Take Subway Line 10 and get off at Suzhoujie 苏州街 Exit B (Northeast exit). Walk straight ahead upon exiting and take the first left road (Caihefang Lu 彩和坊路). Walk for 500 meters until you reach Shanyuan Street (善缘街).

By bus:
(Option 1) Take Bus 671 and get off at Haidian Nanlu bus stop (海淀南路). Take the first right road (Caihefang Lu 彩和坊路). Walk for 500 meters until you reach Shanyuan Street (善缘街).
(Option 2) Take Bus 374 and get off at Beijing Dizhenju bus stop (北京地震局). Walk 300 meters and take the second road right (Caihefang West Alley 彩和坊西区) and turn right at Caihefang Lu 彩和坊路. Walk for 80 meters until you reach Shanyuan Street (善缘街).

Photos: courtesy of Columbia Global Centers | Beijing

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