In 2013, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) took a significant step to protect the endangered rosewood species from Madagascar. The trade of all types of Madagascar rosewood was listed under Appendix II of CITES, which effectively prohibits their international trade unless certain conditions are met.
The ban on Madagascar rosewood includes all types and varieties of the species found in the country. This encompasses several species of rosewood, including Dalbergia spp., which are highly sought after for their beautiful timber and used in the production of furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items. The ban applies to both raw timber and finished products made from rosewood.
The purpose of this ban is to curb the illegal logging and unsustainable trade of rosewood from Madagascar. Over the years, the demand for rosewood has skyrocketed, leading to extensive deforestation in Madagascar’s unique and fragile ecosystems. This has had severe consequences for both the environment and the local communities who rely on these forests for their livelihoods.
Under the CITES regulations, the trade of Madagascar rosewood is only permitted in rare cases where a local CITES authority has issued sustainability permits. These permits are granted when it can be demonstrated that the trade is not detrimental to the survival of the species and is in line with sustainable practices.
It is important to note that the ban on Madagascar rosewood is not an outright prohibition but rather a measure to regulate and monitor its trade. The aim is to ensure that any trade of rosewood from Madagascar is conducted sustainably and does not further endanger the already vulnerable species.
Enforcing the ban has been a challenging task, as illegal logging and smuggling of rosewood from Madagascar continue to persist. The demand for rosewood remains high in certain markets, fueling the illegal trade and undermining conservation efforts.
The ban on Madagascar rosewood encompasses all types and varieties of the species found in the country. CITES has listed it under Appendix II, effectively prohibiting its international trade unless sustainability permits are obtained from the local CITES authority. This measure aims to protect the endangered rosewood species from further exploitation and promote sustainable practices in the trade of this valuable timber.