Archived press release

Deadly mahogany trade set for control

13 January 1997

Mahogany entering the UK, the world's second largest importer, could soon be subject to trade regulation because of a proposal to list mahogany under the global convention to control the trade in endangered species (CITES) [1].

The proposal by the USA, the world's largest importer of mahogany and Bolivia, the USA's largest supplier, to list Big Leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) on Appendix II of CITES will help ensure that mahogany is traded legally and sustainably. Evidence submitted to the office of the world wildlife trade body (CITES) shows that the current rates of mahogany logging throughout its natural range in Central and South America are not sustainable as it is not naturally regenerating.

The proposal is welcomed by Friends of the Earth which has been campaigning for an end to the existing trade which not only devastates the rainforest but has led to the deaths of indigenous people. Since 1992, mahogany imports into the UK have dropped by 68%. FOE is calling on the UK Government to support the listing of mahogany under CITES.

The logging of mahogany is a destructive force within the Amazon rainforest. Friends of the Earth launched its 'Mahogany is Murder' campaign in 1992 exposing an illegal and sometimes bloody trade [2].

Sarah Tyack of Friends of the Earth said:

"We are pleased that two countries at the heart of this brutal trade realise that it must become legal and sustainable. The trade is currently out of control and so far voluntary measures to curb illegal activities such as the invasion of indigenous reserves and excess logging have failed. As the UK is the world's second largest importer of mahogany, the UK Government must support this listing at the CITES conference in June."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] The Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. The proposal will be voted upon by the 132 countries party to CITES at the next Convention of Parties in June 1997. A two thirds majority vote will be needed for the proposal to become a listing.

[2] As the mahogany concessions become depleted, loggers, driven by international demand for this wood, invade indigenous areas. This had lead to clashes between loggers and Indians trying to protect their land, some of which have ended in fatalities.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust