CITES eases export of agarwood from India, move to benefit lakhs of farmers

Sub: Env

Sec: Int Conventions

Context:

India successfully blocked the inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in the CITES Review of Significant Trade (RST).
The decision was based on a non-detriment findings (NDFs) study by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).

Details:

CITES notified a new export quota for agarwood and its oil from India starting April 2024.
The quota includes 151,080 kg/year for agarwood chips and powder/sawdust and 7,050 kg/year for agarwood oil.
Agarwood cultivation, primarily in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura, is set to benefit lakhs of farmers.
The study estimates around 139.89 million plants in India, highlighting widespread cultivation.

Historical Context and Study Findings:

Aquilaria malaccensis was first listed in CITES Appendix II in 1995.
The NDF recommended against harvesting from wild populations, focusing on community gardens and plantations instead.
The illegal trade of agarwood continued despite previous export restrictions, with significant seizures reported.

Agarwood (Oud):

Agarwood, also known as oud, aloeswood, eaglewood, gharuwood, or the Wood of Gods, is a fragrant, dark, and resinous wood.
It forms in the heartwood of Aquilaria trees when infected with the Phaeoacremonium mold, P. parasitica.
The tree secretes a resin in response to the infection, which causes the heartwood to become dense, dark, and saturated with the fragrant resin.
This resinous wood is used in incense, perfume, and small hand carvings and is known by various names, including oud, oodh, aguru, aloes, agar, gaharu, and jinko.
Oud has a long history of use and is highly valued in Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures, particularly in Muslim, Christian, and Hindu communities, for its distinctive fragrance used in colognes, incense, and perfumes.
The essential oil from agarwood possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and antioxidant properties.

Source: TH