Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) protection of Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis) goes into effect today, but the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) reminds range states-countries where the tree grows-and importing countries that the CITES listing alone is not enough-enforcement is necessary.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) protection of Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis) goes into effect today, but the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) reminds range states-countries where the tree grows-and importing countries that the CITES listing alone is not enough-enforcement is necessary.
On March 12, the 177 member countries of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) voted unanimously to include the Siamese rosewood tree in the CITES Wild Fauna and Flora Appendix II. Under CITES Appendix II, species cannot be exported from range state producer countries-in this case, Thailand Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam-without CITES export permits issued by relevant management authorities, with those in turn being issued on the basis of scientific authority confirmation that such trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Range states are also obliged to pre-notify the CITES Secretariat regarding quotas for harvest and trade before any CITES export permits can be issued.
"It was a major step forward to secure the Appendix II listing, which comes into effect tomorrow, but on its own that's not going to be enough to save this species. Rigorous compliance with the listing is what is required, and EIA will be looking at the key players in this trade to ensure it that is happening," said Faith Doherty, head of EIA's forest campaign, in a statement.
One of the key players is China and its multi-million-dollar Hongmu furniture market. EIA has violence and killings in the range countries.