Two recent illegal logging cases of CITES protected species, Siamese Rosewood, have been reported in Thailand. The first case happened in June where Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary patrol team recaptured 35 logs in the middle of the forest. In the second incident police confiscated 40 logs that were destined to neighboring Laos across the Mekong river.
Authorities hope to generate awareness about forest biodiversity conservation among community leaders and residents. However, as authorities enforce illegal logging laws against poachers, the price of highly-demanded wood raises and this pushes different ways of smuggling.
In August, Thailand and the European Union (EU) held their second round of negotiations on a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), amid the country’s roll-out of substantial reforms affecting the forestry sector. VPAs improve forest governance, address illegal logging and promote trade in verified legal timber products to the EU and other markets. Thailand is a major exporter of wooden furniture, sawn timber, and paper, among other timber-based products.
GTTN’s innovative tools for identification of wood species and their geographical origin can help Thailand’s timber supply chain controls, law enforcement agencies and ensure that wood has been legally harvested. The Service Provider Directory will help to find information on available scientific methods and tools, and to locate a capable laboratory.
