NEWS – The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) issued guidelines for the sustainable harvest and trade of rosewood specimens.

HIGHLIGHTS

Overview of Rosewood Species

• CITES oversees the international trade of rosewood species in the genera Dalbergia, Afzelia, Khaya, and Pterocarpus.
• Listed in Appendix II: Not immediately threatened with extinction but at risk if not regulated.

27th Plants Committee Meeting

• Held in July 2024.
• Secretariat instructed to focus on capacity-building for CITES-listed rosewood species.
• High-priority and medium-priority species identified in the Report on the conservation and trade of CITES-listed rosewood tree species.

Key Points from the Meeting

• Pterocarpus erinaceus (African rosewood):
  • Native to West Africa.
  • Among the most threatened due to over-exploitation and illegal trade.
  • Range States undergoing trade suspension recommendations.
• Non-Detriment Findings (NDF):
  • Importance emphasized for ensuring sustainable global trade.
  • Supports livelihoods in origin countries and industries in production and destination countries.
  • Evidence-based NDFs crucial to protect species from future extinction.

Report on CITES-listed Rosewood Species

• Published using data from TRAFFIC experts.
• Includes locations of existing rosewood NDFs.
• Identifies country of origin, species vulnerability, ecological roles, regeneration rates, and trade levels.
• Vital for CITES Scientific Authorities to create NDFs and assess export volumes.

CITES

General Information

• Purpose: Ensure international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• Adoption and Enforcement:
  • Adopted in 1973.
  • Entered into force in 1975.
• Member Countries:
  • 184 member parties.
  • Trade regulated in over 38,000 species.
• Secretariat:
  • Administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  • Located in Geneva, Switzerland.