Issue Number 2-10 October 2015

ITTO - PROGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTING CITES CITES LISTINGS OF TROPICAL TREE SPECIES

Newsletter

This Newsletter reports on activities under the second phase of the ITTO-CITES Program for Implementing CITES Listings of Tropical Tree Species. Following up on the successful first phase In this Issue of the Program (2007-2011), this second phase is continuing work during 2012-2016 on the most important CITES-listed tropical tree species in trade. The Program is majority-funded through a EDITORIAL...... 1 grant from the European Union (via the European Commission), which also provides for part of ITTO-CITES PROGRAM...... 2 the available funds to be devoted to activities relevant to both the ITTO-CITES Program and the PROGRAM FUNDING...... 2 ITTO Thematic Program on Trade and Market Transparency (TMT). The Newsletter is published ACTIVITY PROGRESS REPORTS.....2 on a quarterly basis, in English, French and Spanish, and is made available to all Program stakeholders and other individuals interested in the progress of the ITTO–CITES Program. This RELEVANT EVENTS/ issue covers a summary of the Program activities up to August 2015. INITIATIVES...... 13 Suggestions and contributions from Program stakeholders are essential to make future issues of ARTICLE FROM PROGRAM this Newsletter as informative and interesting as possible. Please send any correspondence to the ACTIVITIES...... 14 relevant contact(s) listed on the last page. UPCOMING EVENTS...... 14 PROGRAM MONITORING...... 14 Contacts...... 14 EDITORIAL: ITTO-CITES include: i) Development of national timber yield tables for standing volume Program in Latin America and export grade sawnwood in Guatemala In addition to the objectives of Phase I of and Peru; ii) establishment of a biological Donors the ITTO-CITES Program, including forest foundation for sustainable forest management inventory design, silviculture, management (SFM) systems for mahogany across southern plans/non-detriment findings (NDFs), cost Amazonia (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru) based effective regulatory systems, among others, on studies of growth, reproduction, and Phase II addresses issues to improve access to regeneration by natural populations in primary information on global timber markets and to and logged forests; iii) Peru strengthened its enhance the quality of forest products trade capacity to make NDFs for trade in mahogany, statistics. The Program helps to facilitate trade and provided relevant information to the th in products from CITES-listed tree species from Committee at its 17 meeting, to determine sustainably managed forests. that it was not necessary to include the country in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) for this In Latin America, the scope of Phase II has species; and, iv) Development of a computer- been expanded in terms of countries and based user-friendly mahogany population tree species coverage. Besides Bolivia, Brazil model (growth & yield) capable of simulating and Peru (Phase I), other countries such as response by local mahogany populations to a Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, wide range and intensity of harvest practices. Panama and Paraguay have been considered as target countries for Program activities and/ The NDF is essential for showing that sustainable or workshops under Phase II. In addition, a management and conservation of the species university in Spain is implementing a project is occurring in range states. One of the project together with Guatemalan partners. In terms activities currently underway in Latin America of tree species, besides “Non-detriment findings: Practical guidance (mahogany) and odorata (cedar) for CITES-listed tree species”, will provide that were covered in Phase I, additional guidance to CITES authorities on the necessary species included in Phase II are Dalbergia spp elements, methodology and information for the (), Bulnesia sarmientoi ( making of NDFs for almost 400 tree species or palo santo) and Aniba rosaedora (Brazilian included in CITES. rosewood). The Program is focusing on tree The Program activities in Latin American species listed in CITES Appendix II. countries are not only benefitting governmental China The Program is implemented through activities authorities but also private sector operators in the proposed by range states that are significant range states. Maintaining a sustainable trade in Private sector donors: Abbott- exporters of products from listed tree species. these species is considered essential to national Solvay, Indena, EuroMed and Some achievements in Latin America to date economies within each country and more Plavuma Cont’d on page 2 Program funding USD 70,000 at the end of 2013 and an contributions to the Program, leaving additional USD 130,000 during the 50th about $300,000 to be sought from non- Phase II of the Program has an ITTC Session. China became a donor to EC donors under the provisions of the approved budget of nearly $9 million the Program in 2015, with a pledge of ITTO-EC contract. (EUR 7.5 million) and has to date been $100,000. The government of Germany Due to the recent sharp drop in the US funded by the European Union (through also agreed that starting in 2015, half of the European Commission - EC), United dollar – euro exchange rate, the third the budget it was providing under ITTO’s installment of funds under the EC contract States of America, Germany, Norway, regular project cycle for PD 620/11 resulted in a decrease of around $400,000 the Netherlands, China and the private Rev.1 (M) (total budget $2,046,274) in the amount of dollars received compared sector. The third installment of EUR “Development and Implementation of a to previous installments. ITTO and CITES 1.2 million under the ITTO-EC contract Species Identification and Timber Tracking are working to offset this shortfall in the (that provides for two-thirds of the Phase II System in Africa with DNA Fingerprints final year of Phase II of the Program, budget) was received from the European and Stable Isotopes (Germany)” could including through renewed efforts to Commission in March 2015. The United be counted as a contribution to the encourage donors to continue providing States of America also continues to support ITTO-CITES Program due to the close funds to meet the co-financing provisions the Program, pledging USD 200,000 linkages between the Program and project of the ITTO-EC contract. Requests for th during the 50 ITTC Session in November objectives. A total of $1 million has support under the Program continue to 2014 while the Netherlands pledged therefore been added to the non-EC exceed available resources.

ITTO-CITES Program The main range States exporting significant Information about each country Activity volumes of these species are Cameroon, (country, Activity document summary, The “ITTO-CITES Program for Implementing Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar executing and implementing agency, final CITES Listings of Tropical Tree Species” aims to and Republic of Congo in Africa; Indonesia reports, other outputs, etc.) can be found on ensure that international trade in CITES-listed and Malaysia in Asia; and Bolivia, Brazil, the Program website (http://www.itto.int/ tropical tree species is consistent with their Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru in cites_programme). The following section sustainable management and conservation. Latin America. The direct beneficiaries of this provides brief descriptions and progress The specific objective of the Program is to Program are public authorities and private reports for Activities undertaken since the assist CITES national authorities and the private sector operators in the forest sector in the inception of Phase II of the Program until sector to meet the requirements for managing range States. The indirect beneficiaries are August 2015 (except for completed Activities and regulating trade in CITES-listed tree species; other Parties to CITES and members of ITTO which have already been reported on in to provide capacity-building support, and to that trade in these species, who will benefit conduct specific studies where information is previous issues of the Newsletter). Activities lacking so as to develop an enhanced global through capacity building and awareness pending funding will be reviewed as framework for the collection and analysis of raising programs. Program assistance is additional resources become available with information related to the biology and available to countries that are significant a view to making the most effective use of management of species and trade in tropical exporters of products from CITES-listed tree available Program resources. forest products. The main species covered to species, or that have the potential to become date are elata (afrormosia or significant exporters. Africa assamela), africana (pygeum) and Diospyros spp. () of Central Africa and Activity progress reports Cameroon Madagascar; Swietenia macrophylla (big-leaf Law enforcement and management mahogany), Cedrela odorata and other Cedrela Under Phase II of the Program, ITTO has, in of Pericopsis elata in production forests spp. (cedro) in Latin America; as well as consultation with the CITES Secretariat, funded in Cameroon Dalbergia spp. (rosewood) in both Africa and 10 new Activities in Africa, 12 in Asia, 10 in Latin America. Those covered in Southeast Asia Latin America and two global Activities; while Implementing agency: Agence Nationale d’Appui au Développement Forestier are spp. (ramin) and Aquilaria one Activity in both Africa and Latin America (ANAFOR) spp./Gyrinops spp. (agarwood). approved during Phase I of the ITTO-CITES Program was extended and continued to be Status: Operational Start date: November 2013 Editorial (cont’d from cover page) implemented under Phase II of the Program. All of the 36 Activities approved or extended Planned duration: 18 months widely to sustainable management of forests. under Phase II are now underway or have been Actual duration: 22 months Governments of target countries assisted by the completed. In addition to the 36 Activities This Activity is a continuation of assistance to Program have their capacity strengthened to approved or extended under Phase II of the manage and regulate trade in CITES-listed tree Cameroon to address recommendations from Program, eight Activities under the TMT species. Other countries Party to CITES that its first non-detriment findings (NDF) report component are currently under implementation. trade in these species and ITTO member on Pericopsis elata in production forests Five of these were approved in May 2015 and countries also benefit indirectly from the produced under Phase I of the ITTO-CITES are reported on for the first time in this issue of outcomes of this Program. The ITTO-CITES Program. The Activity aims to implement the the newsletter. Progress in the German-funded Program is therefore a unique example of a main recommendations outlined in the NDF project PD 620/11 Rev.1 is also reported on multi-stakeholder approach that involves public report and those related to law enforcement as noted above. An additional 14 Activity institutions, the private sector, academia, regarding P. elata. It is executed by the Agence proposals (eight in Africa, two in Asia and research institutions, NGOs and communities. Nationale d’Appui au Développement Forestier four in Latin America) submitted to ITTO by (ANAFOR) in collaboration with the national Ivan Tomaselli, countries are pending approval/availability association of timber companies. ANAFOR Regional Coordinator for Latin America of funds. requested to re-schedule the completion date

2 first important result obtained was the cleaning of the plantation of Bidou II in March 2015. The products obtained are currently being used by the expert in charge of studying the technological properties of P. elata , while the expert in charge of silviculture expressed some concerns regarding the low quality of the seeds used in the nurseries. The coordination team conducted a field monitoring mission in July 2015, followed by a meeting of the Scientific Committee in charge of validating the reports from the experts. All the experts are working well, except for the expert in charge of developing the simple management plan of the Ndeng Ndeng forest plantations as he has encountered major delays in data collection. This will result in an overall delay of up to 6 months in implementing the Measurement of diameter of a Pericopsis elata tree by a student from the University of Douala, Activity. Nevertheless, more than 3,000 Cameroon. Photo: Tientcheu seedlings of P. elata have been produced in the nurseries and are ready to be distributed from April to November 2015 so as to allow Implementing agency: ANAFOR to farmers for planting. experts to complete their specific activities in Status: Operational Pilot implementation of a DNA traceability the field, mostly on matters related to phenology Start date: November 2013 system for Pericopsis elata in forest and silviculture studies. A total of nine experts Planned duration: 18 months concessions and in Cameroon. have been recruited to implement nine specific Actual duration: 22 months activities in the field. They are from research Implementing agency: ANAFOR in The Activity started implementation in institutions, including universities, and the collaboration with Double HELIX November 2013 and is now expected to be National Institute for Development and Status: Operational completed by the end of 2015. The aim of Agricultural Research (IRAD). Start date: April 2014 the Activity is to implement the simple Planned duration: 12 months ANAFOR organized a meeting of the Scientific management plan of Bidou II plantation of Actual duration: 17 months Committee in July 2015 with the aim to Pericopsis elata, based in the south region of examine the different reports submitted by the Cameroon, which was prepared during Phase I The Activity commenced implementation in experts. Four out of the nine specific activities of the ITTO-CITES Program. The Activity is April 2014 and contributes to the ITTO-CITES were completed, namely, (i) training forest executed by ANAFOR in collaboration with Program output calling for development of farmers on the silviculture of P. elata; (ii) the National Institute for Development and cost-effective regulatory systems for the trade production of 8,200 seedlings of P. elata for Agricultural Research (IRAD). As with the in CITES-listed tree species. The first training plantations; (iii) studies on the soils and edaphic Activity “Law enforcement and management workshop on DNA sampling was organized properties of P. elata; and (iv) studies of pests of Pericopsis elata in production forests in in Cameroon from 2-3 June 2014, in the and diseases of P. elata. Four other specific Cameroon”, two progress reports have been “Residence Julie”, at Kribi, by ANAFOR in activities are still being implemented, including submitted to ITTO, the first one in January collaboration with Double HELIX. Samples of (i) testing different sampling designs to better 2014 and the second one in August 2014. cambium were collected in east Cameroon assess the stock of P. elata in production forests A total of three experts have been recruited by a student from the University of Douala in Cameroon; (ii) studying the physical and and are currently working in the field. The and a field technician from ANAFOR. More technological properties of P. elata wood; specifically, 540 samples of cambium in three (iii) establishing permanent plots of P. elata; forest concessions, namely, the GVI-Ouesso and (iv) enriching the production forests with Forest Management Unit; CFC-Ngola 35 FMU; P. elata. A phenological study could not be and SEFAC-Libongo FMU were collected, implemented due to irregular fructification of including samples of cambium from all P. elata. It was decided that all experts should exploitable trees of P. elata with diameter finalize their work by October 2015, one at breast high of at least 90 cm that were month before ANAFOR organizes a workshop enumerated in the 2015 annual plot of the in November 2015 to discuss the main outputs GVI-Ouesso FMU. of the Activity. The expert in charge of wood There was a delay in the delivery of the anatomy was requested to re-submit a more collected samples to the Double HELIX realistic budget proposal to complete his laboratory, due to delays in obtaining CITES analyses, while the expert in charge of permits for export. Another delay was caused phenological studies was requested to by the change in the annual logging allocation submit a second proposed work plan for the to the GVI timber company that will be used period August to December 2015. to test the tracking system. As a result, the Sustainable management of Pericopsis elata Collection of samples of wood of Pericopsis collection of samples from the forest to export towards the implementation of the simple elata in the Bidou forest plantation has not started. The National Technical management plan of the Bidou II plantation in Cameroon by researchers from the Committee in its meeting in May 2015 had in the Kienké South Forest Reserve, Cameroon University of Dschang. Photo: Mouliom noted these delays and recommended that (i)

3 ANAFOR should re-organize the collection include the training of forest officers in the The Activity commenced in April 2013 in of samples in annual plots in collaboration management of the database, and providing conjunction with similar work being carried out with timber companies; (ii) ANAFOR should assistance in field data collection, including in Cameroon. The Centre National d’Inventaire request the extension of the Activity for at least equipment and materials. ANAFOR is planning et d’Aménagement des Ressources Forestières six months to allow the coordination team to organize the first National Technical et Fauniques (CNIAF) is the implementing to yield some useful results; and (iii) Double Committee meeting in September 2015. agency. Collection of cambium samples of HELIX should expedite the analyses of samples P. elata has been conducted in two forest sent to its laboratories. These delays have Republic of Congo management units in north Congo, including resulted in an extension of the Activity which Promotion of the silviculture of Pericopsis the Tala Tala and Dua-Ikié Forest Management is now expected to be completed by the end elata in North Congo Units (FMUs), as well as from all exploitable of 2015. trees with diameter at breast height of at least Implementing agency: Centre national 70 cm in the 2015 annual logging coupe of Pilot implementation of a DNA traceability d’inventaire et d’aménagement des ressources the Tala Tala FMU. Wood samples were also system for Prunus africana in Prunus forestières et fauniques (CNIAF) collected from the logs and sawn wood at the Allocation Units in Cameroon Status: Operational Tala Tala . These samples are being Implementing agency: ANAFOR in Start date: November 2013 analyzed by Double HELIX and field specific collaboration with Double HELIX Planned duration: 18 months activities are now completed after delays in Status: Operational Actual duration: 22 months accessing field sites and in sending samples Start date: June 2014 The Activity commenced implementation in to Double HELIX. The final report on this Planned duration: 18 months November 2013 and is now expected to be Activity is expected to be submitted by the Actual duration: 15 months completed in October 2015. The Activity is a end of 2015. The Activity commenced implementation in continuation of the work done during Phase Settlement of a monitoring system of June 2014. It seeks to demonstrate that through I of the ITTO-CITES Program in the Tala Tala logging of Pericopsis elata in North Congo the use of DNA techniques Prunus africana Forest Management Unit in the North Congo Implementing agency: CNIAF bark could be traced back to specific trees (see NDF report for Pericopsis elata in Congo Status: Operational (TMT Component) from the controlled Prunus Allocation Units on Program website). It aims to address the Start date: August 2015 (PAUs). After the training workshop that was main recommendations outlined in the NDF Planned duration: 12 months organized in June 2014 in Kribi, Cameroon, report on P. elata in north Congo. The Activity Actual duration: 1 month and as taught during the workshop, the is implemented by the Centre National coordination team from Cameroon has sent d’Inventaire et d’Aménagement des The Activity aims to assist the Congo students and field technicians to the forest to Ressources Forestières et Fauniques (CNIAF), authorities in putting in place a database on collect samples of Prunus. In this regard, the in collaboration with the Timber Industries the exploitation of Pericopsis elata in North students started collecting samples in August Association in Congo. The coordinating team Congo. The database will be able to track 2014 at the PAU level. The collected samples organized a national workshop from 10-11 each log of P. elata produced in the two main have been sent to the Double HELIX laboratory February 2015 where three experts presented production sites, Tala Tala and Dua-Ikié. ITTO for analysis. The students were sent back to the their reports on (i) soil and edaphic properties disbursed the first instalment of funds in July field and have collectedPrunus samples in the of P. elata; (ii) diseases of P. elata; and (iii) and the coordination team is now recruiting annual plot at Mount Cameroon as well as the biology and ecology of P. elata. Work is experts to assist in achieving the planned from the processing unit of AFRIMED based continuing in these areas to collect scientific outputs. The first National Technical Committee in Bafoussam for testing the tracking system. and field data to yield meaningful results. meeting is scheduled to be held in In fact, fresh barks collected in different From 12-19 February 2015, the Regional September 2015. production forests (PAUs) in the north-west, Coordinator for Africa (RC) monitored the south-west and Adamawa were transported work being implemented in the field and Democratic Republic of Congo to Bafoussam for primary processing which noted that some wild seedlings of P. elata Non-detriment findings for Prunus africana consists of drying and grinding in small batches had been planted in 5 ha of forest in the (Hook.f.) Kalman in North and South Kivu, for export through the port of Douala. All field Tala Tala Forest Management Unit using the Democratic Republic of Congo activities planned under the Activity have been ‘lining’ planting method. The RC proposed Implementing agency: Institut Congolais achieved and samples are now being analyzed that the coordination team acquire more pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) by Double HELIX. ANAFOR is planning to seeds, put in place a bigger nursery, and test Status: Operational organize the second National Technical different sivilcultural techniques. The experts Start date: March 2011 Committee meeting in October 2015. have submitted their final reports on all work Planned duration: 10 months carried out in August 2015, which are now Pericopsis elata database management Actual duration: 54 months in Cameroon being reviewed by the scientific group of the Activity. The completion date of the Activity The Activity started in March 2011 under Implementing agency: ANAFOR has been re-scheduled to the end of 2015. Phase 1 of the ITTO-CITES Program and is Status: Operational (TMT Component) now re-scheduled for completion by the end Pilot implementation of a DNA traceability Start date: August 2015 of 2015. The Activity suffered from several system for Pericopsis elata in forest Planned duration: 10 months problems that have delayed its implementation, concessions and sawmills in Congo Actual duration: 1 month mainly the instability/insecurity in many Prunus The Activity aims to assist ANAFOR in Implementing agency: CNIAF in production sites due the presence of armed managing and updating the database collaboration with Double HELIX rebel groups. Status: Operational developed for the management, logging, In November 2014, the Regional Coordinator Start date: April 2013 processing and trade in Pericopsis elata in for Africa (RC) undertook a monitoring mission Planned duration: 12 months Cameroon which was developed through a to evaluate the level of implementation of related Activity in 2014. Specific activities Actual duration: 29 months

4 the work plan as agreed in the MoU signed between ICCN, the “Centre for the information and promotion of agricultural projects” (CIPAGRI) and the Catholic University of Grabben (CUG). In fact, following an earlier monitoring and evaluation mission that was conducted by the RC in September 2013, it was agreed that ICCN would play the role of a facilitator, while field activities would be implemented directly by CUG and CIPAGRI. The RC noted that there was weak cooperation among the partners as CIPAGRI had conducted the field inventories alone, without involving CUG. The RC proposed that the CUG authorities should convene a meeting with the other two partners to re-examine the role and responsibilities of each party.Following this intervention, the three parties involved in the Prunus inventories have been working Pericopsis elata well together since January 2015. As a result, Verification of management inventories in the forest concession of Alibuku, Kisangani, DRC, August 2015. Photo: Lubala Essylot ICCN has developed simple management plans for three production sites, namely, Elaboration of non-detriment findings for 3 Walikalé, Lumé and Mangurejipa, allowing first volume of the quota of 23,000 m that Pericopsis elata in the Democratic Republic for a total annual sustainable production of was harvested from the production forests of Congo 160 tons of dried bark of Prunus. This new covered by the NDF. approach adopted by ICCN is yielding good Implementing agency: Direction de la In May 2015, ITTO disbursed the second results. Inventories are being conducted in conservation de la nature instalment and in July/August the verification the field with the assistance of CIPAGRI and Status: Operational of management inventories in areas of the Grabben University of Butembo under Start date: September 2013 high densities of P. elata as identified in the supervision of ICCN. At the same time, Planned duration: 12 months the concessionaire’s inventory reports was the local staff of ICCN has started conducting Actual duration: 24 months conducted by the Directorate in charge inventories in the Kahuzi-Biega National The Activity commenced implementation of inventories and management of the Park (KBNP). The pilot inventories conducted in September 2013 and is now expected to Ministry of Environment and Sustainable in February 2015 revealed that the park hosts be completed in October 2015. It aims to Development (MEDD). The validation team important stocks of Prunus africana in some collect data on the status of Pericopsis elata comprised the RC, an independent observer, hills. The current approved annual quota for in the forest concessions of the Democratic and staff from the local CITES authorities. Prunus from DRC is 232 tons of dried bark as Republic of Congo (DRC). It will include The verification report was presented to compared to 72 tons for the period 2011 - 2014. data on phenology, health and stocking, as the cabinet of the Minister of Environment

In July and August 2015, the RC undertook well as current harvest rates and information and Sustainable Development on 20 trips to Kinshasa to assist ICCN to finalize on sound silvicultural practices of the August 2015. The preliminary results the simple management plans for each of the species. The DRC authorities succeeded in that timber companies working in P. elata three production sites and to address issues producing the NDF report for Pericopsis elata areas in DRC have conducted or are still raised by both CITES and the European in May 2014 as scheduled. The Regional conducting forest inventories in accordance Commission’s Scientific Review Group (SRG) Coordinator for Africa (RC) conducted a with the national guidelines adopted by on the sustainable harvesting of P. africana monitoring and evaluation mission to DRC the DRC authorities. The DRC authorities in the North Kivu, inventories and tracking in November 2014 with two objectives. submitted an updated NDF report and quota systems. ICCN is looking for additional funds The first objective was to monitor the request based on the recommendations of to complete the inventories in the KBNP. implementation of the “NDF on Pericopsis the verification reports to CITES and the EU ICCN believes that the rational harvesting elata in DRC”, while the second objective SRG at the end of August 2015. of Prunus bark in the KBNP will allow the was to monitor the level of implementation Pilot implementation of a DNA traceability park officers to build a good participative of the recommendations made in the system for Prunus africana in Prunus Allocation management scheme with villagers through NDF report on P. elata. The RC conducted Units in Democratic Republic of Congo the implementation of development projects another monitoring and evaluation mission in villages surrounding the park. ICCN is in March 2015 with the aim to (i) assist in Implementing agency: Minister of will organize a workshop in September the evaluation of the Activity conducted by Environment, Nature Conservation and 2015 to share the results of the Activity the international consultant recruited by Tourism (MECNT) in collaboration with and discuss the way forward, especially in ITTO to undertake a mid-term review of the Double HELIX addressing the question on the “possibility activities implemented under Phase II of the Status: Operational of harvesting P. africana in protected areas ITTO-CITES Program; and (ii) address the Start date: June 2014 as a for implementing the participative problem of the control of forest inventories. Planned duration: 18 months management of the resource with villagers”. The mission noted the importance of putting Actual duration: 15 months ICCN is seeking additional funds from in place a framework to control and validate The activity commenced implementation in German International Cooperation (GIZ) for inventories conducted by timber companies June 2014 in parallel with the similar Activity organizing such a workshop. and to develop a tracking system that will in Cameroon. It seeks to demonstrate that allow for reliable and timely tracing of the through the use of DNA techniques Prunus

5 africana bark could be traced back to specific resulting online tariff database in English and that can be used to help identification to the trees from controlled production sites in the French, together with an on-line magazine species level. Blind tests are currently North Kivu. The proposed DNA traceability (African Forests and Timber) to be launched performed to evaluate the reliability of the system will secure controlled supply chains, before the end of the year, will facilitate the various timber identification - DNA detect substitution of illegally harvested bark expansion of sustainable timber markets in fingerprinting, stable isotopes, DNA sequencing and allow for timely corrective actions to be the region. The Activity is expected to be and the more conventional approach of using taken. The coordination team has sent students completed by the end of 2015. anatomical characteristics - and the potential from the University of Grabben (Butembo) for combining various techniques. Improving sustainable Pericopsis elata and field technicians to the forest to collect conservation and trade regulation in Ghana To help build capacity and transfer technology, samples of Prunus as taught during a training the project has also supported the establishment workshop. Samples of cambium and bark Implementing agency: Nature and of three regional reference laboratories: at collected by the students and technicians Development Foundation the Forest Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) have already been sent to the laboratory of Status: Operational (TMT Component) in Kumasi for West Africa; at the Institut de Double HELIX for analysis. An integral part Start date: September 2015 Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale, IRET in of the traceability system involves taking Planned duration: 18 months Libreville, Gabon, for Central Africa; and at DNA samples from the cambium of standing Actual duration: 0 months the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, KEFRI trees in Prunus Allocation Units (PAUs) and The agreement for this Activity had just been in Nairobi for East Africa. Laboratory staff match them with DNA samples taken from signed and the first installment of funds sent have been trained in the application of DNA bark post-harvest. However, Double HELIX to the implementing agency at the time of fingerprinting and wood anatomical tree has encountered some difficulties (mixture of preparation of the Newsletter. The Activity species identification techniques and also bark samples much earlier in the supply chain aims to assess remaining stands of Pericopsis to perform simple DNA fingerprinting and and insecurity problems) in this approach and elata in Ghana (which is currently not a stable isotope tests for determining origin. in March 2015 requested ITTO to change the significant exporter of the species) and develop It is foreseen that in the future the regional scope of this activity. Rather than matching the a plan for conservation and sustainable trade laboratories will perform DNA testing directly bark to individual trees (DNA fingerprinting), of the species. on timber products, to ensure legality before Double HELIX proposes to match bark samples export or to check claims of timber designated back to distinct Prunus populations. Whilst the Regional for domestic markets. The regional laboratories activity would no longer be aiming to identify will allow neighbouring timber producing the specific tree that a piece of bark came Development and implementation of countries to access and make use of these from, Double HELIX would be able to identify species identification and timber tracking facilities. and verify the PAU that the bark was obtained in Africa with DNA fingerprints and stable isotopes (PD 620/11 Rev.1 (M)) from. Samples collected according to the new A final meeting involving representatives approach had encountered delay in their Implementing agency: Thünen Institute of from all relevant stakeholder groups was analysis due to problems of communication Forest Genetics, Germany held in Douala, Cameroon, in July 2015 and between the German CITES authority (where Status: Operational (regular ITTO project cycle) the implementing agency is now preparing the bark is being analyzed) and the DRC CITES Start date: February 2012 the final report which is expected to be authority regarding the CITES permits to allow Planned duration: 36 months completed by the end of 2015. the samples to be shipped. This shows the Actual duration: 39 months need for CITES to consider special permits Asia and/or communications protocols for material This project has recently been included under being exported for research/scientific purposes the ITTO-CITES Program as explained in the China section on Program Funding. It supports seven designed to promote the sustainability of Supporting SMEs and importers of tropical African countries (Cameroon, Republic of the species. timber for better understanding of CITES Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the need to comply with CITES rules in Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana and Kenya) to Ghana China develop and implement tools to identify tree Improving intra-African trade and market species (including CITES-listed species) and Implementing agency: Research Institute transparency in timber and timber products their geographic origin using DNA fingerprints of Forestry Policy and Information, Chinese Implementing agency: Ghana Timber and stable isotope technologies. Implementation Academy of Forestry (RIFPI/CAF) Millers’ Organization (GTMO) is supported by 14 collaborative agencies in Status: Operational (TMT Component) Status: Operational (TMT Component) Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe. Start date: October 2015 (expected) Planned duration: 18 months Start date: April 2013 For each of the three main target species - Actual duration: 0 months Planned duration: 24 months (, M. regia), sapelli Actual duration: 25 months ( cylindricum) and ayou The agreement for this Activity had just been The Activity to improve market transparency () - more than 1000 signed and the first installment of funds was for African timber products (including those gene markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms about to be sent to the implementing agency arising from CITES-listed species) has been - SNPs) have been developed and genetic at the time of preparation of the Newsletter. progressing well and is now nearly complete. geographic reference maps have been created The Activity aims to train key importers of The tariff database website (http://atmam.org/ to tests claims of geographic origin. A similar tropical timber and relevant government wp-content/uploads/StatPlanet.html) has been approach has been taken for the development officials on how to implement CITES for completed. The translation of the database into of a database of stable isotopes to determine listed tropical timber species, including in French has also been completed in so far as the region of origin of a particular sample. wood identification. the web software allows (http://atmam.org/ In addition, differences in DNA sequences wp-content/uploads/StatPlanetfr.html). The have been identified for another 21 important taxa (including CITES listed species) in Africa

6 Indonesia Development of a ramin (Gonystylus spp.) conservation concept for plantation forest concessions Implementing agency: Directorate of Biodiversity Conservation and Association of Indonesian Forest Concessionaires (APHI) Status: Operational Start date: February 2015 Planned duration: 12 months Actual duration: 7 months The Activity aims to (i) formulate a ramin conservation concept for plantation forest concessions; (ii) develop a ramin conservation guideline for plantation forest concessions operation; and (iii) conduct a review of the Minister of Forestry Decree No. 127/KPTS-V/2002 on Temporary Moratorium Mophological growth variation of ramin in the District Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra. of Logging Activities and Ramin Trade. Photo: Antonius YPBC Widyatmoko There has been some delay in implementing the activities due to organizational changes/ of Logging Activities and Ramin Trade The collection of wild genetic resources restructuring caused by the merging of the and they are expected to be recruited in of non-Gonystylus bancanus species from Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry September 2015. There is no potential Sumatra and Kalimantan to enable the initial of Forestry to form the Ministry of Environment risk in the execution of the Activity as establishment of ex situ conservation gardens and Forestry. Nevertheless, two national plantation forest concession holders and the of these species will be further conducted experts have been recruited to develop the government have a strong commitment to in West, Central and East Kalimantan since ramin conservation concept within the area ensure that ramin conservation activities are earlier attempts were not successful. This will of operation of plantation forest concessions. effectively implemented on the ground and also include the identification of the site for In addition, two other national experts have as part of the operation of plantation forest the establishment of a conservation garden also been recruited to develop the guideline for management. for non-Gonystylus bancanus species. the conservation of ramin in forest concession Ensuring genetic diversity of ramin seed Establishment of an integrated agarwood areas. In this regard, an assistant was recruited sources and ramin population from rooted cluster in Bintan Island, Indonesia to assist the national experts to undertake cuttings their tasks. All the activities have now started. Implementing agency: Center for Rehabilitation Implementing agency: Center for Forest and Conservation, Forestry Research and Action has also been intiated to identify Biotechnology and Tree Improvement Development Agency (FORDA) national experts to undertake a review of Research (CFBTIR) Status: Operational the Minister of Forestry Decree No. 127/ Status: Operational Start date: January 2015 KPTS-V/2002 on Temporary Moratorium Start date: January 2015 Planned duration: 12 months Planned duration: 12 months Actual duration: 8 months Actual duration: 8 months The Activity aims to ensure (i) the sustainable The Activity aims to contribute to the production of agarwood from both natural conservation and planting of ramin using and planted forests; and (ii) the sustainable wildlings and rooted cuttings in Sumatra production and conservation of the genetic and Kalimantan through genetic analyses resources, as well as to improve transparancy and infusion of genetic materials to ramin of trade in agarwood products. cuttings. It has encountered some delay Although the Activity has encountered in implementing the activities due to the some delay in implementing the activities merging of the Ministry of the Environment due to the merging of the Ministry of the and the Ministry of Forestry to form the Environment and the Ministry of Forestry Ministry of Environment and Forestry. to form the Ministry of Environment and Nevertheless, field visits were conducted Forestry, field activities had been conducted to collect leaf samples from the ramin in Central Bangka where it was agreed rooted cuttings plantation in the ex situ with the Forestry District of Central Bangka Tumbangnusa conservation garden in Central Regency that the agarwood cluster would Kalimantan for DNA molecular analysis in cover several aspects, such as, conservation, the laboratory in Yogyakarta. Measurements production, technology innovation, to study the morphological growth variation marketing and pests and diseases control. In of the ramin plantation at the Tumbangnusa addition, it was also ageed that the cluster conservation garden were also conducted. should be located in secure areas with A site for the agarwood cluster in Central No variation on stem morphology, branches, legal certainty for the sustainability of the Bangka. Photo: Muhammad Charomaini form and size of leaves were found. agarwood cluster progam. In this context, the location of the sites forming the cluster

7 are at the Districts of Sungai Selan, Simpang Katis and Lubuk Besar, covering a total area of 40 ha. Field surveys had also been carried out to evaluate the agarwood research plots established by the Forestry District, including innoculation tests carried out in these plots. Action has been initiated to finalize the recruitment of a website developer and a computer technician to develop a market information system on agarwood. This will provide the necessary information on agarwood for the various parties involved in the marketing of agarwood products, ranging from traditional collectors, agarwood growers, middleman, small and medium enterprises to large exporters. This could in turn encourage them to contibute to the sustainable management of both natural and planted agarwood in Indonesia. Seedlings of Aquilaria malaccensis being inspected and counted for germination study. Photo: Lau Kah Hoo Malaysia Reproductive and genetic studies towards the detected. Generally, the study revealed high karas in Malaysia for the management and conservation and management of Aquilaria levels of genetic diversity in A. malaccensis. conservation of these species. The system malaccensis in Peninsular Malaysia has been tested by the FRIM’s ICT staff and Furthermore, results from cluster analyses of transferred to the FRIM server. Implementing agency: Forest Research the 35 populations in Peninsular Malaysia Institute Malaysia (FRIM) indicated that five strategically placed All other activities have also been Status: Operational populations should capture the majority completed, namely, information on (i) ramin Start date: June 2013 of total genetic diversity, and hence in situ and karas distributions in Malaysia (ecology, Planned duration: 24 months conservation of these populations is likely phenology, habitat, etc.) where 42 locations Actual duration: 27 months to be sufficient to prevent the species from of ramin and 87 locations of karas in their The Activity aims to document the flowering becoming endangered. original habitats were identified and verified; phenology and reproductive behavior (ii) research and development of ramin Eight chloroplast regions were sequenced and kraras in Malaysia where 227 and 387 of Aquilaria malaccensis in Peninsular to establish the DNA profiling database Malaysia, develop a DNA profiling database publications of ramin and karas respectively for population identification. Based on have been compiled; (iii) timber trade and prepare a conservation action plan 12 micorsatellite loci, the DNA profiling (import and export data) and the production to reduce harvesting pressures on wild database for individual identification of ramin and karas by products type in populations for the agarwood resin. was eastablished. On the whole, each of Malaysia, including annual export quota Most of the activities are now focused on the 942 individuals possessed a unique and annual permitted production; and (iv) multilocus genotype. Efforts are now focused processing and collecting data from the Malaysia’s policy and management practices in finalizing the conservation action plan gathered flowers and fruits. Flowers were of ramin and karas. All the information was to reduce harvesting pressures on wild dried in a room at a mean temperature of uploaded to the interactive MyCITES and is populations for the agarwood resin. The 24°C for 8 hours daily for two weeks. All now fully operational. Activitywas granted a no-cost extension for debris was removed prior to counting of another four months and is expected to be The information stored in the MyCITES flowers. For batches with large amounts completed in October 2015. database will be useful for traders as they of flowers, they were weighed to get the can now monitor the demand for their estimated numbers. Fruits were counted and Development of an information database products in overseas markets, as well as separated into mature, split and aborted. for the conservation and sustainable use of in assisting them to prepare themselves to Gonystylus bancanus (ramin) and Aquilaria Population survey and sample collection enter new markets and meet that demand, malaccensis (karas) in Malaysia of A. malaccensis had been completed as the database also includes statistics on throughout Peninsular Malaysia where Implementing agency: Forest Research the production of ramin and karas by other 35 populations consisting of 963 samples Institute Malaysia (FRIM) countries. In addition, the information on were used for microsatellite analysis. Status: Completed management and policy applied to ramin However, after carefully checking through Start date: June 2013 and karas and the Malaysian International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act the microsatellite data, the total number of Planned duration: 22 months 686) governing the trade in species listed samples was reduced from 963 to 942 due Actual duration: 24 months in Appendices I, II, III of CITES will enable to dubious genotypes on certain individuals. The Activity was granted a no-cost extension interested stakeholders to have a fuller Microsatellite genotyping on the 942 of two months until May 2015 to enable understanding of the measures taken by samples were completed for 12 loci. In this the local website developer, Hasrimy Malaysia to manage and conserve these two regard, based on the 942 samples collected Technologies Sdn. Bhd, to finalize the species in Malaysia. The final report of the throughout Peninsular Malaysia and the 12 development of the interactive web-based Activity has been submitted to ITTO and is microsatellite loci, a total of 159 alleles were information system (MyCITES) of ramin and available on the Progam website.

8 Capacity building of Forestry Department and yield study. The field crew revisited 35 trees Big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) in Peninsular Malaysia’s staff in identifying during the last field trip and measured their the Brazilian Amazon: Long-term studies of Aquilaria to species level and in the grading girth and bole height. The remaining trees population dynamics and regeneration ecology of agarwood will be measured during the next field trip towards sustainable forest management in September. Implementing agency: Forestry Department Implementing agency: Institute of Tropical Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM) The fourth reassessment of 42 mahogany Forestry (IFT)/J. Grogan Status: Operational regeneration plots was conducted in July Status: Operational Start date: September 2014 2015. Mortality rate of mahogany seedlings Start date: September 2012 Planned duration: 12 months increased since the first assessment prior to Planned duration: 22 months (extended to Actual duration: 11 months logging in 2010, while density decreased 34 months) The Activity aims to (i) develop training from 36.8 seedlings/ha to 5 seedlings/ha over Actual duration: 36 months the period 2010-2012, and to 1.2 seedlings/ materials, including practical field manual to Since the last field season undertaken ha in the period 2012-2014, representing a enable staff of Forestry Department Peninsular from September–November 2014, project mortality of 86.4% and 76% respectively. Malaysia (FDPM) to undertake identification activities have focused on data management, of Aquilaria to species level; (ii) develop a Conversely, in-growth and recruitment was analysis, and synthesis for publication. A list manual for the grading of agarwood to be 4.6 seedlings/ha (48.1%) in the first period of all publications resulting from the support used by the staff of FDPM; and (iii) provide and 23.8 seedlings/ha (95.2%) in the second of the ITTO-CITES Program is available at training to a core team of trainers, which period. The balance in-growth-mortality was http://www.swietking.org/our-research.html. consists of 30 persons from FDPM, in order negative in the first observation period but All publications are also available in PDF to provide continuous training to all the positive in the second. format on request ([email protected]). other staff of FDPM when required. Eighty-one new sample trees were measured The Activity team used the Big-Leaf A three-day workshop was held in Kuala Lipis, for developing volume equations for the Mahogany Growth & Yield Model (see Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia, from 18-20 May Seringal Macapá forest management unit. http://www.swietking.org/model-applet. 2015 to deliberate on the current distribution New measurements are planned to be html) to simulate population recovery and and growing stock of Aquilaria species in carried out from August until the end of future timber yields of big-leaf mahogany Peninsular Malaysia, the marketing and the harvesting season. It was found more together with four lesser-known species gradinig of agarwood oils, and the proposed efficient to take measurements in the log under management by forest communities outlines for preparing a field manual on the yards instead of at the felling areas, as in the and private industry in the Petén region of identification of Aquilaria to species level, as log yard it is possible to have a loader to lift Guatemala since the mid-1990s. The work well as a manual for the grading of agarwood. the logs, thus making it easier to take several was carried out in collaboration with Centro girth measurements and bark thickness along Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y The drafts of the two field manuals are being the whole length of the log. So far, data from Enseñanza (CATIE, Turrialba, Costa Rica) finalized for field testing in September 2015. 206 sample trees were collected against a and the Guatemala’s Consejo Nacional de It is envisaged that both the manuals will be target of at least 300 trees. Measurements Áreas Protegidas (CONAP). The analyses published in November and a training workshop will continue to be taken to ensure enough indicate that the prognosis for future harvests on the use of the manuals will be conducted in data are available for the development of from natural forests in Petén are quite December 2015 when the Activity is expected specific equations for super large individuals positive, mainly due to the applied forest to be completed. A syllabus on the identification (trees with more than 1 metre diameter). It management regulations in Guatemala of Aquilaria to species level and in the grading has been decided to develop equations for that restrict harvests to levels that can be of agarwood is also currently being prepared. logs to increase precision when registering replaced by natural growth and recruitment The results of the Activity will enable FDPM to volumes of logs extracted. New equations between cutting cycles. The results are being increase the number of competent personnel will be tested after the next field trip. Two synthesized for submission for publication in on the conservation and management of M.Sc. and two undergraduate students had the scientific journal Conservation Biology. the opportunity to collect data during field Aquilaria species, especially in species The Activity team is currently preparing a exercises for preparing their dissertations. identification and the grading of agarwood. final report on project activities and their contributions to the overall objectives of the Latin America ITTO-CITES Program. Brazil Using the Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Ecology and silviculture of mahogany technique on a pilot scale, as a potential (Swietenia macrophylla King) in the western tool for the monitoring of mahogany trade Brazilian Amazon (Phase II) Implementing agency: Laboratory of Forest Implementing agency: Universidade Federal Products/Brazilian Forest Service (LPF/SFB) Rural da Amazonia (UFRA) Status: Operational Status: Operational Start date: February 2014 Start date: February 2014 Planned duration: 24 months Planned duration: 24 months Actual duration: 19 months Actual duration: 19 months The ITTO Executive Director, Mr. Emmanuel Field activities are being carried out according Ze Meka, visited the Forest Products to the planned schedule. In Annual Production Laboratory on 19 May 2015 and tested Unit 1R, covering an area of 1,953 ha that the portable NIRS device and the wood was logged in 2011-2012, 80 mahogany trees Measuring the diameter of a mahogany tree in discrimination model. From 26-29 May remain which will be monitored for the growth the Brazilian Amazon. Photo: Natalino Silva 2015, Dr. Jez W B Braga, a project team

9 propose ecological indicators that allow a for sustainable forest management based on monitoring system to be developed; and (v) research to ensure the continued existence disseminate the results. of natural specimens. Preliminary results from the establishment Establishment of a forensic laboratory for of 65 plots in Guatemala indicate that wood identification and description for the D. stevensonii is found on flat and undulating application of legal processes and systems topography with poor drainage and in sparse, of traceability of products included in CITES low-density forests. It is mainly associated Implementing agency: Nature for Life with the genera Lonchocarpus, Spondias, Foundation (FNPV) ITTO ED Emmanuel Ze Meka (center) Gymnanthes, Bursera, Metopium, Sebastiana, Status: Operational identifying wood samples with the portable Protium, Jathropa, Guettarda, Aspidosperma, Start date: April 2014 NIRS device in Brasília, Brazil. Swietenia, etc. The species abundance is Planned duration: 24 months Photo: Alexandre Gontijo 3 estimated at 4.52 trees/ha and 1.22 m /ha. Actual duration: 17 months In general, the data show that the species member, attended the international has a poor distribution by diameter class above The botanical, phenological and symposium on “Wood science underpinning 40 cm DBH (0.16 trees/ha) and therefore, phytogeographical studies on Swietenia tropical forest ecology and management” this information should be considered in humilis, S. macrophylla, Dalbergia retusa, which was held at the Royal Museum for the development of any plan or strategy for D. calycina, D. tucurensis, D. stevensonii and Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium, under the sustainable management or recovery of Guaiacum sanctum have been completed the XYLAREDD project of the United the species. in three of the four regions of their natural Nations. He delivered a speech entitled distribution in Guatemala, namely, the “Near-Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) proves In addition, D. tucurensis and D. retusa are Pacific Range, Eastern Region and the Franja to be a useful tool for the discrimination of found in flat to hilly terrain with drainage Transversal del Norte (FTN). As a result, it was Amazon wood species”. ranging from good to poor and in tall-dense possible to provide information needed to forest to medium-sparse forest. They are formulate a proposal for the inclusion of the From 13-18 July, Alexandre Gontijo and associated with the species from the genera genus Dalbergia (Guatemalan populations/ Tereza Pastore, both researchers at the Lochocarpus, Cedrela, Spondias, Bursera, species) in CITES Appendix II. Forest Products Laboratory/Brazilian Forest Swietenia, Vochysi, Ceiba, Gliricidia, etc. Field work is being carried out in Petén Service, undertook a mission to Santa Cruz These species are present in abundance and including the monitoring of seven sites. de la Sierra, Bolivia, to collect spectra of are estimated at 2.85 trees/ha and 1.09 m3/ Strategic partnerships have also been mahogany and similar wood species using ha for trees from 10 cm DBH. Data also two portable devices (MicroPhazier and established with national parks such as show that the species have a moderately the Yaxha-Nakum National Park, with MicroNirs). This work will complement the even diameter class distribution, but with database that discriminates the provenance forest concessionaires such as BAREN total absence of regeneration. No other Comercial (private sector), Árbol Verde of the species in Latin America. Dr. Jez species of the genus was found in the Braga from the University of Brasilia and Ms. (local community) and CustoSel (local evaluated forests. Liz Soares, a chemistry student, were also community), to carry out the field work. members of the team. Most of the work was In the establishment of permanent sample The establishment of the Forensic Laboratory conducted at the Forest Industry Colser Ltda plots (PSP), nine sites have been identified, is ongoing at the College of Agriculture sawmill. The Activity has already developed both in natural forests and plantations, which of the National University of San Carlos models to identify mahogany from Mexico, will define the parameters (diameter growth, de Guatemala. Currently, microscopic, Honduras, Brazil, Venezuela and Peru, and level of importance, interaction with species, macroscopic and physical studies on S. will now include mahogany from Bolivia. biological aspects, etc.) and type of forest macrophylla and D. calycina timber are During the mission, the researchers delivered management to be applied. being conducted. a speech to 25 people, organized by the The results obtained to date show that it is Bolivian Institute of Forest Research and the Some preliminary conclusions about the necessary to protect Dalbergia species in Bolivian Forestry Chamber. species in Guatemala are (i) D. retusa, Guatemala and/or establish strict guidelines D. tucurensis, D. calycina and S. humilis Guatemala Inventory of population and species abundance of Dalbergia retusa and D. stevensonii in areas of natural occurrence in Guatemala Implementing agency: Nature for Life Foundation (FNPV) Status: Operational Start date: April 2014 Planned duration: 24 months Actual duration: 17 months Inventory of the species Dalbergia retusa, D. stevensonii and other species of this genus began in Guatemala in May 2014 aiming to (i) determine the current population’s status; (ii) analyze the dynamics of the species’ environment and their identification; (iii) Requesting permit from landowners to establish permanent sample plots for Dalbergia spp. generate potential distribution models; (iv) Photo: Ronal Martínez

10 populations are in decline; (ii) the survival Output 1 and Output 2, while some aspects of such species requires urgent protection of Output 3 have been initiated. The work measures; and (iii) at the FTN, the best on Output 1 and Output 2 were executed by preserved D. stevensonii and S. macrophylla an international forest resource management populations are located at the Laguna consultant recruited by the Activity. Lachua National Park. Therefore, the Park’s In this regard, the first draft of the Resource existence and protection is important for Assessment and Forest Management Plan for the preservation of these species, as well as the CITES-listed species Cedrela odorata (red many others. cedar) in Guyana was completed. The report Non-detriment findings - Practical guidance provides an overview of the population size for CITES-listed tree species and trends, geographic distribution, uses of the species, density and size classes, Implementing agency: Universidad de volume and the regeneration dynamics for Córdoba (Spain), CONAP and BALAM determining the sustainable management Association (Guatemala) level of red cedar, including the preparation Status: Operational Dalbergia calycina trees in full bloom. of management plan (see map on following Start date: September 2014 Photo: Myrna Herrera page). In addition, the report also provides, Planned duration: 15 months among others, an overview on the application Actual duration: 12 months Spain, Canada, the United States, Germany of CITES rules regarding the export of red The main objective of the Activity is to (European Union) and the CITES Secretariat. cedar, and elaborates the process for “provide guidance to CITES authorities All invited participants have a high level issuing permits. regarding the processes, methodologies of expertise that will make it possible to and information necessary for making non- analyze and discuss different options, Peru detriment findings for timber species and methodologies and special cases in order Management of mahogany (Swietenia other species of non-timber trees so that the to prepare NDF guidance that will be macrophylla King.) and cedar (Cedrela spp.) provisions required for the export of species submitted to the CITES Plants Committee for seed stands in a forest concession for the listed in the CITES Appendices can be discussion. conservation of the Tahuamanu Seed Stand implemented in a suitable manner and that in the province of Tahuamanu, Madre de international trade is compatible with the Guyana Dios, Peru sustainable management and conservation Enhancing the sustainable management and Implementing agency: Universidad Nacional of the species”. The expected outcome of commercial utilization of the CITES-listed Agraria La Molina (UNALM) the Activity is the production of a manual species Cedrela odorata (red cedar) in Guyana Status: Operational providing flexible guidance to the Parties to Start date: August 2014 CITES for the preparation of non-detriment Implementing agency: Guyana Forestry Planned duration: 18 months findings (NDF) in the three official languages Commission (GFC) Actual duration: 13 months of CITES. Status: Operational (TMT component) Start date: August 2014 This Activity aims to improve the The second six-month Activity progress Planned duration: 18 months conditions of seed stands and to ensure report has been submitted to ITTO and the Actual duration: 13 months the sustainability of mahogany and Activity is expected to be completed in cedar, while gaining knowledge on the December 2015. The outcomes achieved The objective of the Activity is to “Enhance phenology of these species and the best thus far are (i) compilation of the results sustainable forest management of the forest time for seed collection. The goal is to of the international workshop on non- sector of Guyana through improved market produce certified seed in the Tahuamanu detriment findings for tree species, the IUCN intelligence and trade of CITES-listed timber seed stand in Madre de Dios, and to help guidelines, and workshops conducted by species”, while its specific objective is to achieve the conservation objectives in areas CITES Parties, as well as other available “Strengthen forest planning and marketing administered by the NGO Conservation information; and (ii) analysis of the different of CITES-listed, current and potential timber International Peru. options for preparing NDFs. species from Guyana”. In this context, the three main outputs of the Activity are as Towards this end, an inventory of trees of A document providing guidance on the follows: mahogany and cedar of different diameter necessary elements and methodology for classes and intensities was conducted where preparing NDFs for trees has been prepared (i) Output 1: Improved sustainable a total of 129 individuals of cedar and 78 and sent to the experts. This document will management of red cedar - CITES individuals of mahogany were recorded. be used as the basis for discussion at the Appendix III species (Cedrela odorata) The information gathered consists of tree meeting of the Working Group scheduled through enhanced forest management size as well as qualitative variables such as to be held from 16-19 September 2015 in planning; vigor, form of tree crown, sanitary condition, the city of Antigua, Guatemala, where all (ii) Output 2: Enhance market intelligence on dominance, stem straightness, infestation of preparations for organizing the Working CITES and the timber trade, relating to the lianas and vines, etc. From the inventory, 19 Group meeting, including its agenda, have impacts on Guyana’s forest sector; and trees of mahogany and 23 of cedar that were been completed. (iii) Output 3: Increased capacity of the forest grouped in different areas of the seed stand Experts from the following countries and sector on trade and marketing of CITES- were selected where associated species institutions have been invited and agreed listed timber species. have been evaluated to characterize the to attend the meeting of the Working sites where they have grown. In addition, Group: Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, Mexico, For the period ending 31 July 2015, sampe plots of natural regeneration and Burundi, Cameroon, Malaysia, Indonesia, implementation of activities was focused on seed stands were established, including the

11 Staff climbing tree to place trap for insect pollinators in canopy. Photo: Proyecto UNALM-CITES-ITTO

Global Preparation of the publication “Atlas of tropical timber species – 1st Edition: Technological characteristics and uses of 273 tropical timber species (and 17 temperate species)” Implementing agency: CIRAD, France Status: Operational (TMT component) Start date: October 2013 Planned duration: 24 months Actual duration: 23 months The Atlas aims to make reliable and timely information available on the technological characteristics and uses of tropical timber species (including CITES-listed species) by producing, publishing and disseminating information on tropical timber species contained in the latest TROPIX software (version 7 - 2011). This new edition of the Atlas will facilitate and enhance access to information on these timber species for all 100% pre-harvest inventory blocks with red cedar in Timber Sales Agreements (2010-2014) operators in the timber sector, both producers overlaid on FAO-FIDS regional forest type map. Source: GFC (forest managers, logging companies, policy makers) and consumers (importers, traders, timber industrialists, end-users). placing of insect traps in the tree crown of a The Activity team will also continue to mahogany tree and a cedar tree for trapping ensure the continuous monitoring of both Production of the Atlas is progressing possible pollinating agents. The Activity species until December 2015, as well as despite some delays, with the following team will continue to monitor the phenology applying silvicultural treatments to stimulate achievements already accomplished: of selected trees, especially during the the establishment of regeneration and in flowering season, while more insect traps quantifying the production volume of fruits • Documentary research and complementary literature reviewed. The number of species will be placed in selected tree crowns. and/or certified seeds. The results will allow to be described in the Atlas was increased the design of a suitable methodology to Furthermore, meteorological data have been from 290 to 328 species (consisting of 311 manage seed stands in natural forests, and in collected (temperature, rainfall, wind speed tropical and 17 temperate species); developing guidelines for the protection of and direction, solar radiation, etc.) from the seed trees earmarked for the production of • Additional testing technology and weather station located at the San Miguel certified seeds. digitization of wood samples developed; camp. The collected data from March 2015 will help to understand seed dispersal behavior • A new version of the TROPIX database and the establishment of natural regeneration (v. 7.5) has been developed (http://tropix. of cedar and mahogany species. cirad.fr/);

12 Examples of Atlas timber species. Photos: CIRAD Start date: October 2015 (expected) Planned duration: 13 months Actual duration: 0 months The agreement for this Activity had just been signed and the first installment of funds was about to be sent to the implementing agency at the time of preparation of the Newsletter. The Activity aims to assist Madagascar to implement the Appendix II listings of nearly 200 Dalbergia and Diospyros species and Central American countries to implement the Appendix II listings of several Dalbergia species approved at CITES COP 16. The reference sample collection will be facilitated by collaborative agreements between the implementing agency and CITES authorities in Madagascar and Guatemala. Relevant events/ Pau roxo ( spp.) Angelim rajado (Zygia racemose) Ipé ( spp.) initiatives • Photos of timber and end-uses of almost all progress in the study was described to Under Interpol’s Project Leaf which is species have been collected and digitized the 65th CITES Standing Committee (SC); supported by the Norwegian Agency (all photos are included in TROPIX). It has the SC formed an Inter-sessional Working for Development Cooperation (Norad), proven more difficult than expected to Group on Annotations and suggested that a Regional Investigative and Analytical obtain photos for some species being traded the study focus on four species for which Case Meeting on Forestry Crime in Asia in small volumes or entirely new to the the listing annotation limits CITES trade was held at Interpol’s Global Complex trade and completion of this activity has controls to primary (minimally processed) for Innovation in Singapore from 18-20 therefore been delayed; wood products: Pericopsis elata, Dalbergia August 2015. The meeting brought together cochinchinensis, Cedrela odorata and • Writing technical descriptions for species to practicing officers from the forestry sector, Swietenia macrophylla. The trade study will be added in Tropix database and Atlas has legal units supporting the forestry sector, assist in the annotation review by examining been largely finalized. As for the collection law enforcement, anti-corruption and forest range country trade in processed wood of photographs, writing technical descriptions crime investigative units, and officers from products that are not subject to CITES trade for some new or minor species being traded Interpol’s National Central Bureaus. Law is taking more time than anticipated. The controls. Although the trade study cannot enforcement officials from nine countries share of added species in Tropix has reached (and is not intended to) provide definitive in the Asia-Pacific region participated: over 85% of the foreseen total; evidence of trade in listed species outside Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the scope of the annotation, results display Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, • Proofreading of technical descriptions for the scale and complexity of wood products Thailand and Vietnam. The meeting provided species to be included in the Atlas is ongoing; trade and show that many range countries a platform for sharing and exchanging • The manuscript of the Atlas for the export processed wood products that might forestry crime information and intelligence, designer/printer is being finalized. include products manufactured from CITES- as well as discussion on challenges and listed tree species. The study was completed strategies against these crimes. It is expected that the electronic version of in the third quarter of 2015 following the Atlas will be available online in early an extension agreed to allow time to The Singapore meeting was preceded 2016, with the printed version available later incorporate responses to a CITES notification by another Regional Investigative and in the year. The Activity has received a 12 to all Parties asking for information on their Analytical Case Meeting on Forestry month budget-neutral extension to complete trade in products from listed tree species that Crime at the Interpol’s Regional Bureau all outputs. might fall outside of the scope of the listing that was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 27- 29 July, which brought together 10 East CITES Timber Trade Study annotations. The results of the study will be presented to the 22nd meeting of the CITES African countries to review ongoing cases Implementing agency: ITTO Plants Committee in October 2015. Further related to forestry crime and the illicit Status: Operational analyses may be undertaken if the Plants timber trade. The participating countries Start date: April 2014 Committee so decides and if resources are were Burundi, Comoros, Eritrea, Kenya, Planned duration: 8 months made available. Rwanda, Seychelles, South Sudan, Sudan, (extended to 18 months) Tanzania and Uganda (source: Interpol Actual duration: 17 months Establishment of a fully documented General Secretariat, Environmental Crime reference sample collection and identification Programme). The study was requested by CITES Parties system for all CITES-listed Dalbergia species in Decision 15.35 to review trade in and a feasibility study for Diospyros and A successful side event was organized by timber products from listed tree species look-alike species ITTO on the ITTO-CITES Program on 8 that fall outside the listing annotations. Its September 2015 at the XIV World Forestry Implementing agency: Institute of Integrative outputs will be used to inform an ongoing Congress held in Durban, South Africa, from Biology (IBZ), Switzerland review of listing annotations, including 7-11 September 2015 (see Program website Status: Operational (TMT Component) annotations for tree species. In July 2014, for details).

13 Article from Program Program Monitoring Improvement Research (CFBTIR), namely, “Ensuring Genetic Diversity of Ramin activities To ensure the transparency of the ITTO- Seed Sources and Ramin Population from CITES Program, regular monitoring of field Rooted Cuttings”, and “Establishment of “Herbivores limit the population size of big- implementation is conducted in Africa, an Integrated Agarwood Cluster in Bintan leaf mahogany trees in an Amazonian forest” Asia and Latin America by the respective Island, Indonesia”. Overall, the progress by Norghauer JM, Free CM, Landis RM, Regional Coordinators. Mid-term and ex- of the two Activities is progressing well as Grogan J, Malcolm JR, Thomas SC. published post monitoring are also conducted as per evident from the visits to the tissue culture in Oikos (2015, doi: 10.1111/oik.02324). the terms of the grant agreement with the EC and DNA laboratories. Nevertheless, the and ITTO’s rules and procedures. Abstract unsuccessful collection of wild genetic In this context, the Regional Coordinator for resources of non-Gonystylus bancanus The Janzen–Connell hypothesis proposes that species from Sumatra and Kalimantan, and specialized herbivores maintain high numbers Africa conducted a monitoring mission to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo the delay in recruiting personnel to develop of tree species in tropical forests by restricting a market information system on agarwood adult recruitment so that host populations (DRC) from 7-12 June 2015 to (i) assist the DRC scientific authorities in addressing would likely result in both the Activities not remain at low densities. We tested this being able to be completed in December prediction for the large timber tree species, non-detriment findings (NDF) reports for the new production sites in the North Kivu; 2015 as planned and would have to be Swietenia macrophylla, whose seeds and extended to February or March 2016. seedlings are preyed upon by small mammals (ii) prepare the verification/validation of the and the host-specific moth caterpillar, management inventories of the nine forest On 19 August 2015, he also undertook a Steniscadia poliophaea, respectively. concessions which obtained the 2015 quota monitoring mission to evaluate the progress for Pericopsis elata; and (iii) harmonize of the two Activities that are are currently At a primary forest site, experimental seed the field interventions scheduled by the being implemented in Peninsular Malaysia, additions to gaps – canopy-disturbed areas ITTO-CITES Program with the office of the namely, the “Reproductive and Genetic that enhance seedling growth into saplings European Commission/FLEGT in Kinshasa. – over three years revealed lower survival and Studies Towards the Conservation and seedling recruitment closer to conspecific trees He conducted a second monitoring mission Management of Aquilaria malaccensis in and in higher basal area neighborhoods, as to Kinshasa from 28-30 June 2015 to (i) Peninsular Malaysia” by the Forest Research well as reduced subsequent seedling survival assist in the meeting on the harmonization Institute Malaysia (FRIM), and the “Capacity and height growth. When we included these of the field interventions scheduled by the Building of Forestry Department Peninsular Janzen–Connell effects in a spatially explicit ITTO-CITES Program with the office of the Malaysia’s Staff in Identifying Aquilaria individual-based population model, the European Commission/FLEGT in Kinshasa; to Species Level and in the Grading of caterpillar’s impact was critical to limiting (ii) finalize the Terms of Reference for the Agarwood” by the Forestry Department Swietenia’s adult tree density, with a >10- verification of the inventories on P. elata and Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM). The FRIM’s fold reduction estimated at 300 years. its future development; and (iii) prepare an Activity is progressing well as planned, and activity proposal on the verification/control will be completed at the end of September Our research demonstrates the crucial but 2015. However, the FDPM’s Activity has often ignored linkage between Janzen– of the harvesting of Prunus africana bark in the North Kivu. encountered some delay in finalizing the two Connell effects on off-spring and population- manuals on the identification of Aquilaria level consequences for a long-lived, He further conducted a third monitoring to species level, and for the grading of potentially dominant tree species. mission to Kinshasa and Kisangani from agarwood for field testing. As such, the 9-20 August 2015 to (i) assist the verification/ Activity which is expected to be completed Upcoming events validation of the forest management inventories in September 2015 would have to be conducted by forest companies listed in the 22nd meeting of the CITES Plants Committee extended to December 2015. 2015 NDF report on P. elata; and (ii) assist (PC22), Tblisi, Georgia, 19-23 October, 2015 ICCN in addressing some of the concerns The regional coordinator for Latin America (ITTO-CITES Program Advisory Committee raised by CITES and the European Commission was preparing to undertake a monitoring meeting to be held in parallel). (SRG) regarding P. elata and P. africana. mission to Guatemala at the time this 51st Session of the International Tropical Newsletter was being prepared, in order For the Asian region, the Regional Coordinator Timber Council, Kuala Lumpur, Malayasia, to evaluate progress in Program activities for Asia undertook a monitoring mission to 16-21 November 2015. and to participate in the workshop being Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 7 August 2015 to convened under the Activity “Non-detriment 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties evaluate the progress of the two Activities findings - Practical guidance for CITES-listed to CITES (CoP17), Johannesburg, South that are currently being implemented by the tree species.” Africa, 24 September – 5 October, 2016. Center for Forest Biotechnology and Tree

Contacts ITTO - Steven Johnson, ITTO Coordinator – [email protected] Kanako Ishii, Program Assistant – [email protected] CITES - Milena Sosa Schmidt, CITES Coordinator – milena.schmidt@.org Regional Coordinator for Africa – Jean Lagarde Betti – [email protected] Regional Coordinator for Asia – Thang Hooi Chiew – [email protected] Regional Coordinator for Latin America – Ivan Tomaselli – [email protected]; Sofia Hirakuri – [email protected]

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