For Immediate Release:
May 21, 1997
International Mahogany Protection Expected;
Measure NOT an Enemy of Furniture Industry
Greensboro, NC- International protection for Latin American (also called
Honduran or Bigleaf) Mahogany is expected in a few short weeks. The
Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) is
meeting in Zimbabwe the second week of June and is likely to halt all
unsustainable mahogany operations by listing the species under Appendix II.
The US and Bolivia co-proposed the ammendment to CITES in January after a
large EarthCulture demonstration outside Vice-President Al Gore's office.
The joining of the world's biggest importer (the US) and the biggest
exporter (Bolivia) is a great indicator of the importance of this measure.
Though furniture and veneer companies have fought against trade
regulations, the proposal actually protects their economic interests.
Latin American Mahogany grows sporadically from Mexico to Bolivia and is
treasured for it's rich color and durability, but through generations of
over-exploitation, mahogany populations have been severely depleted. Now,
illegal mahogany loggers often invade indigenous or wildlife reserves for
the rare wood, sometimes killing those who stand in their way. At least
eight Brazilian tribes have had members murdered at the hands of pirate
mahogany loggers. Scientists from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and
Natural Resources Defense Council have shown evidence that Latin American
Mahogany runs the risk of becoming extinct in the wild if current levels of
cutting continue without the CITES listing. Two other mahogany species have
already been listed under Appendix II.
Appendix II listing would stop current logging practices, but would not ban
the trade completely. CITES would promote sustainable operations which
minimize negative environmental and social impact. By cutting consumption
of mahogany, and practicing responsible logging, the species will thrive as
a resource for future generations.
"At the rate mahogany is being cut, furniture companies will put themselves
out of business, and cause the extinction of a species," says
EarthCulture's Rick Spencer. "Many furniture companies know the CITES
listing will soon be a reality, and we feel it's a major victory for the
rainforests!"
EarthCulture calls for a ban on all unsustainable rainforest timber,
including teak, rosewood, lauan, and ebony.
(
geocities.com/rainforest)