CITES defines guidelines on the trade of rosewood species

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

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

Details:

CITES oversees the trade of rosewood species in genera Dalbergia, Afzelia, Khaya, and Pterocarpus, currently listed in Appendix II, indicating they are not immediately threatened but could be at risk without regulation.
Focus on capacity-building for 13 high-priority and 14 medium-priority species.
Pterocarpus erinaceus (African rosewood) is highly threatened due to over-exploitation and illegal trade.
Trade suspension recommendations are in place for range states of Pterocarpus erinaceus.

Non-Detriment Findings (NDF) and Capacity Building:

Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) are a cornerstone sustainability requirement for continuing the global trade in CITES-listed species that supports livelihoods in countries where it grows and industries in production and destination countries.
NDFs are essential for supporting livelihoods and industries while protecting species from extinction.
Evidence-based NDFs are crucial for sustainable global trade in CITES-listed species.

Report and Data Utilization:

CITES published a report on CITES-listed species traded under rosewood, using data from TRAFFIC experts.
The report includes locations of existing rosewood NDFs, species vulnerability, and conservation priority.
Information is vital for creating NDFs and assessing exportable timber volume while ensuring species survival.

About Rosewood Tree:

Rosewood: A commercial term encompassing a wide range of tropical hardwoods in the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family.
Distribution: Native to Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Sabah, Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Indian Rosewood:

Dalbergia sissoo (North Indian rosewood): Fast-growing, hardy, deciduous tree native to the Himalayas’ foothills.
Distribution: From Afghanistan to Bihar, India.
Habitat: Primarily along riverbanks above 200 m elevation, up to 1,400 m.
Dalbergia latifolia (East Indian Rosewood): Known as East Indian Rosewood, Black Rosewood, Bombay Blackwood, Indonesian Rosewood, and Malabar Rosewood.
Habitat: Tropical dry and moist deciduous forests, also in plains.
Distribution: India, Nepal, Andaman Islands, Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, Himalayas, China, Malaysia.
Uses: Furniture, musical instruments, decorative items, and veneers.
Conservation status: Listed in Appendix II of the CITES list.

Source: DTE