Madagascar’s proposed domestic rosewood trade undermines species protection and exposes fatal flaws in the CITES regime
Keywords:
Illegal trade, wildlife trafficking, wood trafficking, rosewood, ebony, precious woodAbstract
Madagascar’s proposal to expand its domestic trade in rosewood by allowing the use of logs from its “official” stockpiles, which have been embargoed, undermines international conservation efforts and exposes critical weaknesses in the CITES regime. Despite the listing of all Malagasy rosewood species on CITES Appendix II and the implementation of a trade moratorium, illegal exports of rosewood persist, driven by criminal syndicates exploiting gaps in enforcement and forest governance. The proposal to remove 30,000 logs from CITES jurisdiction, purportedly for domestic use, lacks adequate safeguards to prevent their diversion into international markets. This move threatens to set a dangerous precedent for other countries, potentially facilitating illegal trade in other rare or endangered species. Immediate, stringent oversight and effective enforcement mechanisms are essential to mitigate these risks and uphold global conservation objectives.
Résumé
La proposition de Madagascar d'élargir son commerce intérieur de bois de rose en autorisant l'utilisation des grumes provenant de ses stocks « officiels », qui avaient placés sous embargo, compromet les efforts internationaux de conservation et révèle des faiblesses critiques dans le régime de la CITES. Malgré l'inscription de toutes les espèces de bois de rose malgache à l'Annexe II de la CITES et la mise en place d'un moratoire sur leur commerce, les exportations illégales de bois de rose persistent, alimentées par des réseaux criminels exploitant les failles de l'application des lois et de la gouvernance forestière. La proposition de retirer 30 000 grumes de la juridiction de la CITES, soi-disant pour un usage domestique, ne présente pas les garanties suffisantes pour empêcher leur détournement vers les marchés internationaux illégaux. Cette mesure risque de créer un précédent pour d'autres pays, en facilitant potentiellement le commerce illégal d'autres espèces rares ou en danger. Une surveillance immédiate et rigoureuse, accompagnée de mécanismes d'application efficaces sont essentiels pour atténuer ces risques et maintenir les objectifs mondiaux de conservation.
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