Hong Kong is considered the largest retail ivory market in the world, and lawmakers there just overwhelmingly voted to ban it.
Advocates called the decision a "lifeline to elephants." News outlets report the ban will be in three phases, completely eliminating local sales and trade in 2021.
Hong Kong's massive ivory market has a strong link to the poaching of African elephants. The region's landmark decision comes after mainland China shut down its ivory trade at the end of last year.
Activists praised the ban but also were concerned about gradually phasing it out. They fear elephants will still be hunted in large numbers until the full ban takes effect.
