THE Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on Thursday moved to put 300 species of rosewood under trade restrictions.Rosewood was listed as the most trafficked wild product, according to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report which also showed that it accounted for a third of all seizures by value.Demand for rosewood was booming in China, the world’s largest consumer and processor of timber.CITES recommends the inclusion of genus Dalbergia – rosewood found across the world – in Appendix II, which would allow only regulated international trade.The rosewood species that were already listed on Appendix I, which prevents trade, remained on that list.Vanessa Dick, timber policy expert from the World Wildlife Fund, said the decision by CITES was a major boost to efforts to halt the unsustainable trade in rosewood."By listing the entire genus, all Dalbergia species – including those in high demand – will finally receive the protec...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.