Illegal logging of some of the world's rarest trees is booming in Madagascar. Bois de rose– a type of rosewood -comes from two related tree species, both endemic to Madagascar and both endangered. Because of its rarity, the wood commands hefty prices, and criminal enterprises have been taking full advantage.
The illegal logging of these trees rocketed after the 2009 coup, then appeared to settle down for a while, but is now back in full swing, putting the species at risk of obliteration.
Letting the exploitation continue has economic as well as environmental implications – these trees and their habitats could be a valuable resource for Madagascar if managed with the utmost care, but that’s only possible if any survive.
Ask the new Madagascan government to crack down on illegal logging and smuggling of bois de rose.
We the undersigned ask that you take action to stop, or at least greatly reduce, the illegal exploitation of the rosewood trees Dalbergia maritime and Dalbergia louvelii, which is threatening to push these rare trees to extinction. As producers of one of the most valuable as well as the rarest woods in the world, rosewood trees are worth preserving for their economic value as well as their own intrinsic importance.
We hope that increased stability in the country will also lead to increased protection for Madagascar’s unique and fragile animals and plants. Aside from their own worth, these natural resources will help to provide a sustainable future for the economy in various ways, from carefully managed exploitation, as in the case of the rosewood trees, to the development of eco-tourism.
Thank you for your attention.
