\"The Cites vote is a step in the right direction. Kenyans are currently barred from using their natural resource,\" said James Shikwati of the Sustainable Development Network in Nairobi, which represents 30 groups in India, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. \"African people should be allowed to escape their poverty by making use of their resources - even elephants - without the interference of elitist eco-imperialism by NGOs who are only interested in protecting animals, and not human beings,\" he said, predicting that trade would increase elephant conservation.
