Context:
India has successfully prevented the inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The CITES also notified a new export quota of highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood and oil of agarwood from India starting April 2024.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- CITES Eases Export of Agarwood from India
- About Aquilaria malaccensis (Agarwood)
- What is the CITES?
- Review of Significant Trade (RST) of CITES
CITES Eases Export of Agarwood from India
Prevention of Inclusion in RST:
- Significance: India has successfully prevented the inclusion of agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) process of CITES, which could have imposed stricter trade regulations.
- Impact: This decision benefits millions of farmers in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura, who rely on agarwood cultivation for their livelihood.
Study by Botanical Survey of India (BSI):
- Non-Detriment Finding (NDF): The removal of agarwood from the RST was achieved through an NDF study by BSI under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Findings and Recommendations:
- Restrictions: Harvesting, collection of seeds, and other propagules are restricted from wild populations, protected areas, and reserve forests.
- Permitted Harvesting: Harvesting is allowed from home gardens, community gardens, plantations on leased or patta lands, and private or community plantations.
- Export Quotas: For 2024–2027, the NDF recommends an export quota of 151,080 kg per year for agarwood chips and powder/sawdust, and 7,050 kg per year for agarwood oil.
Trade and Market Implications:
- Previous Restrictions: Long periods without an export quota and other trade restrictions led to increased informal trade and higher global prices for agarwood products.
- Current Situation: Despite an export quota since November 2021, stringent legal restrictions hindered legal trade, pushing many growers towards informal markets.
About Aquilaria malaccensis (Agarwood):
- Botanical and Economic Significance:
- Description: Aquilaria malaccensis, known as agarwood, belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family and is valued for its aromatic resinous wood.
- Aromatic Resin: The resin is produced in response to mold infection and is highly prized for its distinctive fragrance, used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine.
- Uses:
- Perfumes and Incense: Widely used in the fragrance industry for its unique and enduring scent.
- Traditional Medicine: Employed in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for its potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.
- Spiritual Practices: Utilized in various cultures for spiritual and meditative purposes due to its calming properties.
- Conservation Status:
- CITES Listing: Listed in Appendix II of CITES since 1995, which means while it is not immediately threatened with extinction, trade must be regulated to prevent overexploitation.
What is the CITES?
- CITES is an international agreement between governments.
- Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
- Its website states it was agreed upon with the recognition that “The trade in wild animals and plants crosses borders between countries, the effort to regulate it requires international cooperation to safeguard certain species from over-exploitation.”
- It accords varying degrees of protection to more than 37,000 species of animals and plants, ranging from live animals and plants to wildlife products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather goods, medicines, etc.
- Currently, there are 184 parties to the convention, including India. The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP (The United Nations Environment Programme) and is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The Conference of the Parties to CITES is the supreme consensus-based decision-making body of the Convention and comprises all its parties.
- In India, apart from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory body under the Ministry that is especially meant to combat organised wildlife crime in the country.
- It assists and advises the customs authorities in the inspection of the consignments of flora and fauna as per the provisions of the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972, CITES and the export and import policy governing items.
How does CITES work?
- The species covered under CITES are listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need.
- Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted rarely, only in “exceptional circumstances”, such as gorillas, and lions from India.
- Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled to ensure their survival. For example, certain kinds of foxes and Hippopotamuses.
- Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade, like the Bengal fox or the Golden Jackal from India. Different procedures are given category-wise to engage in the trade of species in each of the lists.
Review of Significant Trade (RST) of CITES:
Purpose and Process:
- Objective: The RST process under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is aimed at ensuring that international trade in certain species does not threaten their survival and is sustainable.
- Identification of Species: Species are selected for review based on trade data, reports from CITES member countries, or concerns raised by CITES scientific committees.
- Assessment: The status of these species is evaluated to determine whether trade levels are sustainable and compliant with CITES regulations.
Assessment and Recommendations:
- Review Findings: If the assessment reveals that trade poses a risk to the species’ survival, recommendations are made to the countries involved. These recommendations aim to address issues related to trade management and conservation.
- Recommended Actions: These can include:
- Export Quotas: Setting limits on the quantity of specimens that can be exported to ensure sustainability.
- Legislative Improvements: Enhancing national laws and regulations to better protect species.
- Enforcement Measures: Strengthening enforcement to combat illegal trade and ensure compliance with CITES regulations.
Impact and Goals:
- Conservation Focus: The RST process helps in implementing conservation measures that are tailored to the specific needs of species identified as at risk due to trade.
- Global Cooperation: It promotes international cooperation and commitment to sustainable trade practices and species protection.
-Source: The Hindu
