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%BAMBOO construction material, called cement- Bamboo keyboards manufactured in bonded board or CBB, is made from locally available agroforest waste materials. Jiangqiao Bamboo and Wood hail from Eusebio said two bamboo species – China’s Jiangxi Province, where bamboo kauayan tinik (Bambusa blumeana) and resources are plentiful. Although the bayog (Bambusa merrillianus), which company began as a flooring company, it is thrive all over the country – were selected now diversifying its production to include in making the boards. the latest in green design: bamboo The other material, cornstalk, also keyboards. abounds in the countryside and has no use In recent years, bamboo has gained in most farms in Cagayan and the Ilocos popularity as a sturdy, sustainable Provinces, including La Union. alternative to wood flooring. Currently, Eusebio said CBBs have shown good China produces 200 000 m3 of bamboo properties and met required standards in Bamboo bicycles: a growing industry plywood annually. laboratory tests. He said they based the Riding your bike to work is becoming even Jiangqiao, which began manufacturing standards on a previously developed wood more environmentally friendly with the the green keyboards last October, has wool cement board (WWCB) made of growth of the bamboo bike industry. already received orders for 40 000 finished yemane (Gmelina arborea). Londoners who can afford the £3 000 price units and is China’s sole producer of these “CBBs are generally known for their tag can now buy an organic, biodegradable keyboards. The company says the product resistance to fire, water damage, fungal and bike made from bamboo. Calfee Design, is as strong as its plastic equivalent. Proof termite attack. They also provide excellent one manufacturer of bamboo bikes, is that bamboo’s strength surpasses what its sound and thermal insulation,” Eusebio using bamboo harvested in the remote flexibility suggests lies in the fact that said. CBBs passed tests on such properties mountains of Yushan National Park, Taiwan modern Hong Kong developers prefer as static bending, nail head pull-through, Province of China. The bamboo is shipped bamboo over steel reinforcing rods when thickness swelling and water absorption, he to the United States of America where it is constructing some of the world’s tallest added. He said these boards are commonly smoked and heat-treated to prevent skyscrapers. used as exterior panels, interior partition splitting. The pieces are then assembled Jiangqiao faced the same difficulties walls and ceilings, and in cabinets. with lugs made from hemp fibre and sent to that are typical when adapting bamboo for Eusebio said he and a building product the United Kingdom for sale. industrial use: keeping the bamboo manufacturer in Bay, Laguna have already Bamboo bikes are cropping up in the keyboard frame from cracking, preventing produced 24 2 x 8 ft (0.6 x 2.4 m) boards, United States of America as well, and you the bamboo bottom plate from distorting which are more than enough to use for a can even take part in the construction of and firmly fastening the buttons with the housing unit in Tandang Sora, Quezon City to your ecofriendly transportation. Bamboo main board. However, the company has test the serviceability of CBBs. Bike Studio, based in New York, is offering successfully developed (and patented) its FPRDI is mandated to conduct basic and two-day bamboo bike-building courses. formula, and also developed a bamboo applied research and development to For US$1 000, you get all the raw materials mouse and USB expected to go on the improve the utility and value of wood and and instructions to build your own bike, market this spring. non-wood products. (Source: The Philippine custom-fit for your body and riding style Although Jiangqiao is not the first Star [Philippines], 7 May 2009.) and made with a local, renewable resource – company to use natural resources in all while supporting a good cause. That computer accessories, it may be the most Are ecoconscious consumers being cause is the Bamboo Bike Project, which ecofriendly. Much of the bamboo used in bamboozled? seeks to build a sustainable, ecofriendly the keyboards is leftover scrap from Because of its many benefits, bamboo has bike industry in Ghana – to create a bamboo floorboard manufacturing, says been touted as an environmental miracle sustainable form of transportation for poor the company’s general manager. crop. It is a significant carbon sink, grows Africans in rural areas. Combining efficiency with aesthetically quickly, is more termite-resistant than Here are a few additional reasons why pleasing design, Jiangqiao is earning a timber, and can be used for everything bamboo bikes are growing in popularity: name for itself in innovation and from food to clothing material to • bamboo absorbs five times as much sustainability. (Source: Sustainablog.com scaffolding for building construction. But greenhouse gas as a “conventional” [United States of America], 7 May 2009.) are environmentalists being bamboozled? tree plantation; Despite its benefits, increased bamboo • it does not undergo fatigue like metal; Bamboo, cornstalk used in cement- production may also give rise to a number • it is stronger than mild steel and more bonded boards in the Philippines of concerns. elastic than carbon fibre; and Manila. The Forest Products Research and Perhaps the most pressing concern • it is the fastest growing plant: some Development Institute (FPRDI) of the about bamboo arises from the fact that it species can grow 1.5 m per day. Department of Science and Technology has cannot be sustainably grown on a large If the cost does not turn you away, a developed a low-cost construction material scale in and Europe, bamboo bike could soften your ride to work from bamboo and cornstalk. Dr Dwight meaning it has to be imported from abroad. and your impact on the planet. (Sources: Eusebio, head of FPRDI’s Composite Currently, 80 percent of the world's various.) Products Section, said the alternative bamboo production comes from China.

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There is also concern that increased demand for bamboo could encourage farmers to bolster their use of pesticides to USE OF NEEM (AZADIRACHTA development of preservatives prepared boost yield, which would readily INDICA A. JUSS.) SEED OIL TO from natural products since synthetic accumulate as runoff in the moist regions PROTECT BAMBOO preservatives possess environmental where bamboo grows best. polluting properties. Azadirachta indica, There is also increased distress that Bamboo, a woody perennial plant commonly known as neem, which is a bamboo is environmentally inappropriate belonging to the family Poaceae, plays native of the Indian subcontinent, is as a raw material for textiles and clothing a dominant role as a woody raw known for its marked medicinal, fabrics. Because of its rugged fibres, material for a variety of products. insecticidal, pesticidal and fungicidal bamboo must be cooked in strong There are about 75 genera and activity. Previous studies carried out at chemical solvents and turned into a viscose 1 250 species of bamboo in the world, the Forest Research Institute have also solution before it can be reconstructed into of which 30 genera and 136 species suggested that samples of non-durable proper weaving material. occur in ; the total forest area wood species treated with neem seed Furthermore, while expanding bamboo covered by bamboo is 9.57 million ha. oil performed excellently when production worldwide could help to prevent India is considered to be the second subjected to wood-decaying fungi and deforestation and timber usage at home, largest producer of bamboo, where termites. there are concerns that it could prompt annual production may reach up to A study was therefore carried out to farmers in the developing world to clear 4.6 million tonnes. screen the potential of neem seed oil their native forests. Because of its remarkable growth for bamboo protection. The oil was The good news is that many of these rate and versatile properties, bamboo impregnated at different concentration concerns are outweighed by the immense has been exploited for various levels into various species of bamboo benefits that bamboo production brings. industrial and architectural uses. It has by the Boucherie process. Treated and Agricultural efficiency is easily its largest wide application in the manufacturing untreated samples of bamboo, benefit. Since bamboos are the fastest of pulp and paper, as a constructional converted into a sample size of 1 ft growing woody plants in the world, the material and for the preparation of (30.5 cm), were installed in a test yard crop can be replenished quickly. handicraft articles. and observations were made at regular Furthermore, bamboo is self-regenerating, However, low natural durability and intervals on a visual basis. After which means that after the stalk has been biodegradation by fungi, termites and 12 months, it was noted that samples cut, it rapidly regrows from the remaining borers are significant problems in treated with 10, 15 and 20 percent of rootstock. As long as bamboo is grown in bamboo. Decaying fungi seriously neem seed oil were in a sound and its native habitat, its impact on local affect the pulp yield, resulting in a loss normal condition as compared with the ecosystems is minimal compared with the of up to 25 percent per year. In control untreated samples that were destructive foresting practices of timber addition, the loss of fibrous material moderately attacked by termites and production. caused by fungal, borer or termite fungi. Although concerns about bamboo as a attack increases chipping losses and Further study is therefore required textile and clothing fabric are warranted, reduces digester capacity. to explore and exploit the potential of bamboo is a remarkably suitable The service life of bamboo can be neem seed oil for bamboo and wood replacement for timber as a building increased by treatment with protection so that it can replace material. preservative solutions. The Forest synthetic chemicals. (Contributed by: Moreover, despite the fact that almost Research Institute, Dehra Dun, India has Dr Swati Dhyani, Wood Preservation all bamboo has to be imported to North been working towards the development Discipline, Forest Products Division, America and Europe, the carbon-conscious of various methodologies and chemicals Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, consumer can rest more easily knowing to enhance the service life of bamboo. Uttarakhand, India. E-mail: that the fuel used for transporting bamboo Research has been directed towards the [email protected] from to California is essentially equivalent to shipping timber coast-to- coast in the United States of America, according to the United States Department of Energy. Bamboo firewood and charcoal programme Rattan Development Programme For farmers and local communities in in Ethiopia and Ghana (BARADEP), Ghana; and Nanjing Forestry developing countries such as Viet Nam, it is Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The International University (NFU), China, announce the impossible to deny the economic benefits of Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) launch of their “Bamboo as sustainable growing more bamboo. As many as and the European Union, together with their biomass energy: a suitable alternative for 1.5 billion people already rely upon bamboo partners: the Rural Energy Development firewood and charcoal production in ” or rattan in some significant way, according and Promotion Centre (EREDPC), Ethiopia; programme in Ethiopia and Ghana. to the International Network for Bamboo the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana The project is the first to develop bamboo and Rattan (INBAR). (Source: Ecoworldly, (FORIG); the Federal Micro and Small firewood and charcoal as an alternative to Guardian Environment Network, Enterprises Development Agency timber charcoal in the region. It will increase guardian.co.uk, 18 February 2009.) (FeMSEDA), Ethiopia; the Bamboo and the range of useable bamboo available in

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each country, establish bamboo charcoal % FRANKINCENSE In order to determine that frankincense micro and small enterprises (MSEs), and was the effective oil, they compared it with help government and civil society Frankincense: a brief update sandalwood, fir, palo santo and hemlock organizations to support bamboo firewood The year 2008 saw the publication of a oils, which did not differentiate between the and charcoal production and use. The number of papers on the analysis and types of cells. The study references experiences from the programme will be therapeutic properties of frankincense numerous other studies that have found applicable throughout the bamboo-growing gum, extracts and distillates. Frankincense that frankincense has potential in treating regions of Africa. gum (syn. olibanum) (syn. incense) is cancerous cells. (Source: Aroma Dr Coosje Hoogendoorn, Director General, obtained by tapping the trees of a number Connection [United States of America], INBAR said: “We are very excited to launch of Boswellia spp., and the gum and 21 March 2009.) this innovative new programme today. The derivatives are valuable exported new bamboo charcoal technologies commodities for the Horn of Africa region developed in Asia by INBAR and our partners (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and the %HEDYCHIUM SPICATUM over the past decade have enormous island of Socotra [off Yemen]), but also for potential to help reduce deforestation and the Sudan and other African regions. Hedychium spicatum – a commercial generate sustainable incomes, and this Frankincense gum is used to prepare Himalayan herb needs entrepreneurship programme marks a major step in their incense, and extracts and distillates have at local level application for improved energy security, been widely used as fragrance ingredients. The genus Hedychium (Zingiberaceae), environment and livelihoods of the peoples of Indian, Arabian and African Boswellia spp. represented by about 50 species, is found the bamboo-growing regions of Africa.” have a number of uses in local ethnic in Africa (Madagascar) and tropical to The programme will work in Benishangul- , which is starting to translate into warm-temperate Asia, with major Gumuz state, Amhara national regional state uses in evidence-based conventional distribution in tropical and subtropical Asia. and Southern Nations Nationalities and medicine (see, for example, the major Of 30 species in India, Hedychium spicatum Peoples’ regional state in Ethiopia and the feature on frankincense and derivatives in Buch.-Ham., a rhizomatous perennial herb, Western region of Ghana to develop at least Phytomedicine, June 2008). is native and near endemic to the Indian 1 000 enterprises producing bamboo For a working definition, frankincense can , growing along a 900–2 800 m charcoal, and 30 000 households using it. It be said to be the dried exudation obtained altitude in temperate/subtemperate forests will train over 6 000 people in bamboo from the schizogenous gum-oleoresin in Himachal Pradesh to Arunachal cultivation, best bamboo firewood practices pockets in the bark of various Boswellia spp. – Pradesh; it is found up to 3 200 m in China, and bamboo charcoal production, set up three the Boswellia group itself being placed , Myanmar and Nepal. bamboo charcoal technology centres and within the Burseraceae 12 family. Commonly referred to as “bari- develop marketing strategies for bamboo Frankincense has been very highly sothi/ban-haldi” (shathi) or “kapurkachari” charcoal. valued for thousands of years, and has (in the trade), it is used in the Indian Funding for the programme comes mainly many uses and applications. It is the Horn indigenous medicine system. from the European Commission’s of Africa’s highest volume export and, apart Its robust pseudostem (‹1.5 m) produces “Environment and sustainable management from uses in incense/perfumery, the gum broad sessile leaves and extends a little of natural resources, including energy” oleoresin and preparations thereof are also over 30 cm. The white in terminal programme. (Source: INBAR press release, 6 used in a number of medicinal systems, for spikes are fragrant and attract visitors. April 2009.) flavourings and for skin cosmetic This species has scarcely been studied applications for toner, emollient and substantially for quantum availability in FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: antiwrinkle uses. nature, which is sciophytic, growing as Fu Jinhe Ph.D., Senior Programme Officer, Several Boswellia spp. are listed in the patches, with partial shade. I have International Network for Bamboo and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008, investigated over a dozen microhabitats Rattan (INBAR), 8 Fu Tong Dong Da Jie, including several individual species from within Himalayan niches. In the relatively Wang Jing Area, Chao Yang District, Beijing the island of Socotra. (Source: Cropwatch dry northwest, the species grows on the 100102, China. Fax: +86-10-6470 2166; Newsletter [United States of America], ground, especially shady/rocky habitats, e-mail: [email protected]; www.inbar.int 14 January 2009.) whereas in the high rain zones of Sikkim, it flourishes as an epiphyte, besides retaining Frankincense oil may be a treatment for ground niches. bladder cancer Uses. The rhizomes yield about According to a study published this week in 4 percent essential oil, possessing antiseptic BMC Complementary and Alternative properties, considered stomachic, Medicine 2009, 9:6, “Frankincense oil carmative, stimulant, insect-repellent and derived from Boswellia carteri induces tonic and are used for dyspepsia, asthma, tumor cell specific cytotoxicity”. Scientists diarrhoea, dropsy, headaches and skin at the University of Oklahoma Medical diseases. In addition, the plant is used to Center have found in vitro evidence that curb hair loss. Abir, a fragrant coloured frankincense oil (probably its constituent powder marketed for religious ceremonies, boswellic acid) can kill bladder cancer cells is prepared from dried rhizomes. Recently, without affecting non-cancerous cells. in the preparation of the anticancer drug,

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PADMA 28, a rich antioxidant supporting activity in manuka honey. Waikato healthy circulation and general immune University Associate Professor Dr Merilyn health (as PADMA Basic multiherb Tibetan Manley-Harris said: “We have known for medicine-based formula), a crude rhizome some time that a unique antibacterial extract of H. spicatum is used, as an activity of manuka honey is associated with important ingredient of a mixture among the presence of methylglyoxal, or MGO. But 18 dried/milled herbs/, etc. In Tibetan until now the origin of methylglyoxal was , the species has 19.43 percent not known.” uses in 175 herbal formulations. Similarly, The research showed dihydroxyacetone, one of the pharmaceutical companies in or DHA, was present in young honey shortly India revealed in the Therapeutic Index its after the bees had deposited it in the comb. use in 10.3 percent of 233 formulations. As the honey ripens, the DHA converts to Ethnobiologically, the species is not MGO, the component that gives manuka commonly popular throughout the Indian honey its antibacterial activity. The Himalayas, but use is practised specifically researchers stored the young manuka Hedychium spicatum in different regions. In Himachal Pradesh, I honey for 120 days and found a strong studied ethnobiological use of its leaves in highly rhizome-dependent and voluminous correlation in the dropoff of DHA, and an making mats for the home, combined with in situ harvesting may negatively influence increase in MGO. Since DHA is not wheat straw, enhancing the durability of its survival. antibacterial like MGO, the antibacterial the product. In Manipur, the rhizome is For global demand, the herb offers activity increases as the honey matures. cooked to prepare chutney. However, in immense scope for commercial Dr Manley-Harris said that when the Sikkim, the people do not see its entrepreneurship through ex situ researchers realized that DHA was the importance even though appropriate conservation/cultivation. Rhizome precursor of MGO, they set about agroclimatic conditions exist, indicating the segments may be used for developing determining its origin. “They discovered it immense possibility of adopting species planting material at short intervals and ex when they tested the nectar from manuka under ex situ cultivation. situ-produced seeds for mass flowers from various trees around Hamilton Markets. H. spicatum is traded in India multiplication. Sandy loam soil with forest and the Waikato,” she said. and wholesalers are available – the humus is the best substrate for vegetative This discovery will enable producers to Amritsar and Delhi markets are propagation providing ›90 percent success determine when a batch of honey will particularly large. As dried slices, rhizomes and averaging 30–60 percent seed mature, whether it will remain inactive and are marketed from different Himalayan germination in wild populations. other details. (Source: Indian newslink [New ranges. Large traders often employ local Standardizing propagation, suited to Zealand], 12 May 2009.) agents to collect raw material from regional physiography, is a prerequisite, villagers, who are lured economically for in choosing 2 000–2 400 m as appropriate British beekeepers charge high prices for situ harvesting. In Himachal, the species is altitudes. Organic-based field “local” manuka honey mentioned under export permit after 1993, demonstrations at different agroclimatic Beekeepers in the United Kingdom have by the State Forest Department, with zones, involving stakeholders, are strategic imported manuka plants from New Rs70/quintal royalties. In Sikkim, by 2001, at the local/regional level. Zealand to produce their own version of the state government had completely Marketing produce should not be a medicinal manuka honey, which they are banned the harvesting of herbs from the problem; direct connectivity between selling at £5 (US$13) a teaspoonful. wild, viewing their depletion with concern. growers and pharmaceuticals needs The honey is being produced on the However, good populations of H. spicatum strengthening and scientific Tregothnan estate in Cornwall, United at present available are an important guidelines/monitoring are vital. Kingdom. Tregothnan's garden director, genetic resource and need to be identified (Contributed by: Dr Hemant K. Badola, Jonathan Jones, said: "The honey is and evaluated for elite stock and Scientist, Conservation of Biodiversity, G.B. expensive, but it is Britain's only manuka immediate ex situ multiplication. In recent Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment honey. It has become a lifestyle product, a years, few organizations have fixed their and Development, Sikkim Unit, Gangtok luxury. This year is the first time the plants selling rates of self-produced fresh (Campus: Pangthang), Sikkim 737 101, produced nectar, which gave us our first rhizomes/whole plants of herbs; for India. E-mail: [email protected] or jars, around 100. They were sold to women H. spicatum, rates varied between [email protected]) of a certain age who are very health Rs8–10/plant or 50–80/kg (fresh rhizome). conscious, but recently we have been Increased wild harvesting has led getting much wider interest." H. spicatum to be considered vulnerable % HONEY The estate company claimed the price (IUCN criteria; CAMP workshop, north tag was justified because its 100 000 bees India), and as rare for Garhwal-Himalayas. Scientists identify antibacterial agent in are housed in 20 special hives claimed to Specific habitat requirements have made manuka honey be worth £5 000 each and have the the species highly susceptible to forest Chemistry Department researchers at New exclusive run of the garden's manuka degradation. Ongoing global warming and Zealand’s Waikato University made a bushes. resulting habitat loss may further adversely breakthrough discovery when they The honey is claimed to have medicinal affect its populations. Its natural spread is identified the source of the antibacterial qualities and can help ailments including

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gum disease, sore throats, acne, sunburn without the loss of mental clarity and digestive problems. (Source: The New associated with alcohol. Zealand Herald [New Zealand], 19 May Vanuatu and Fiji are among the world's 2009.) largest producers of kava, and Mr Sarris said that the loss of major export markets had Exporters misuse the “Kashmir” honey delivered a significant blow to the islands' brand economies. "Allowing the sale of kava in Honey exporters of Punjab and Tamil Nadu Europe, the United Kingdom and Canada have been alleged of selling inferior quality would significantly enhance Pacific island honey under the brand name “Kashmir”. economies, which have lost hundreds of Kashmiri apiculturists have demanded millions of dollars by not being able to export legal action against the “brand theft”. the plant over the past several years," he Apiculturists have alleged that a Punjab- said. (Source: The Age.com [Australia], 11 based exporter, Kashmir Apiaries Exports, May 2009.) a leading honey producer in India, has been selling honey extracted from Punjab and Kashmir honey would sell for more than elsewhere under the Kashmir brand to Rs1 000 on the international market. % MEDICINAL PLANTS European and Middle Eastern countries. (Source: Institute of International Trade AND HERBS Every year, 70 000 tonnes of honey are [India], 12 May 2009.) produced in India, of which 25 000 tonnes Medicinal plants becoming extinct are exported. Punjab’s contribution to the According to a report from the international honey exports is around 5 500 tonnes, of % KAVA conservation group, Plantlife, 15 000 of which 3 000 tonnes, worth US$3 million, 50 000 medicinal plant species are under are exported to the United States of Kava (Piper methysticum) can help treat threat of extinction. Medicinal trees at risk America, United Kingdom, Europe and anxiety, depression include the Himalayan yew (Taxus West Asia. Kava (Piper methysticum), used for wallichiana), a source of the anticancer drug, Although the Punjab-based honey generations in traditional ceremonies by paclitaxel; the paper bark tree (Warburgia exporter claims to be collecting honey from Pacific islanders, is an effective and safe spp.), which yields an antimalarial; and the Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Kashmiri bee treatment for anxiety, university African cherry (Prunus africana), an extract keepers belie the claim, saying that the researchers say. During a 60-person trial of which is used to treat a prostate condition. exporter is cheating buyers by mixing undertaken at the University of Queensland Most people worldwide, including Kashmir honey with significantly large (UQ), Australia, people with "chronic high 80 percent of all Africans, rely on herbal volumes of honey produced from other levels of anxiety" feel less worried and, in medicines obtained mainly from wild plants. states. some cases, less depressed. "We've been This presents a risk because the loss of Lion Kashmir Honey, a Chennai-based able to show that kava offers a natural medicinal plants used to make traditional honey exporter, claims to meet alternative for the treatment of anxiety and, remedies, together with the loss of medicinal international standards for the Kashmir unlike some pharmaceutical options, has plant diversity in general are quite status. However, since no geographic less risk of dependency and less potential disastrous. Commercially, collectors identification (GI) status has been granted of side-effects," said lead researcher generally harvest medicinal plants with little to Kashmir honey, such claims by Jerome Sarris, a Ph.D. candidate from UQ's care for sustainability, partly through manufacturers are baseless. A proposal School of Medicine. "We also found that ignorance, but mainly because such has already been sent to the Ministry of kava had a positive impact on reducing collection is unorganized and competitive. Food Processing and as soon as Kashmir depression levels, something which had The solution is to provide communities honey is granted a GI status, a campaign not been tested before." with incentives to protect these plants. will be launched against all such parties. Critically, the study's participants did not Projects in many countries have shown that Kashmir honey is unique because it is show any signs of potential liver damage – this approach can succeed. (Source: Times produced from wild trees – about contrary to concerns that prompted of India, 12 January 2009.) 90 percent from acacia trees (commonly European, United Kingdom and Canadian known as kikar) and the remaining authorities to ban kava sales in 2002. Kava Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) could tackle 10 percent from wild flowers. The honey products sold in these countries were dengue fever produced in other states comes either from based on ethanol or acetone extracts of the Curitiba. An Amazonian plant could form poplar trees or mustard plants. Moreover, kava plant, Mr Sarris said, not the water- the basis of a drug to combat dengue fever, Kashmir honey is a fertilizer- and soluble extracts used traditionally by according to Brazilian researchers. pesticide-free product, and its glucose and Pacific islanders and approved for sale in A group of scientists at the Viral fructose content is several times higher Australia. Immunology Laboratory of the Brazil- than that of the honey produced in other Kava contains the psychoactive agent based Oswaldo Cruz Foundation has found parts of the world. "kavalactones" and a traditional ceremony that compounds of the plant cat's claw If the Good Manufacturing Practices involves pulping roots of the plant and then (Uncaria tomentosa) – native to the Amazon (GMP) and Good Agricultural Practices drinking them mixed with water. This is rain forest – have both antiviral and (GAP) standards are maintained, 1 kg of said to have a tranquillizing effect but immune system-regulating properties

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when they come into contact with infected cells in the laboratory. Cat's claw is known in traditional CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL COLEUS Varieties. Maimmul, Mangani beru and medicine for its anti-inflammatory – (COLEUS FORSKOHLII .) IN INDIA Garmai are some of the popular varieties immune system-regulating – effects, which in India. prompted the scientists to investigate the Coleus forskohlii Briq. (syn. Coleus Soil and climate. Well-drained red loamy plant. barbatus Benth.), belonging to the soils are suited for cultivation. Water Dengue fever is a disease caused by a Labiatae family (Lamiaceae), is an stagnation should be avoided. The crop virus of the genus Flavivirus, transmitted ancient, perennial aromatic thrives best in areas receiving 70 cm by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The World herb with fasciculate tubers. annual rainfall. Health Organization (WHO) estimates there The tuberous roots have been Propagation and season. The crop is might be 50 million dengue infections found to be a rich source of propagated through terminal cuttings worldwide every year. No effective medicine forskolin; a diterpenoid (10 cm). Commercial exists so the only recommended treatment activates cyclic adenosine planting is carried is hydrating patients while they are monophosphate or cyclic AMP out during June–July. recovering. in the cells. In addition, Planting is carried Besides Uncaria tomentosa, the minor diterpenoids, i.e. out at 60 x 45 cm Brazilian group is currently looking for deacetylforskolin, 9 – spacing (37 030 antidengue properties in solutions of deoxyforskolin, 1, 9 – plants/ha). In low- approximately 15 other plants. deoxyforskolin, 1, 9 – fertile soils, planting The research was published in dideoxy-7 – is done at 60 x International Immunopharmacology in deacetylforskolin and 30 cm (55 500 December. (Source: SciDev.Net Weekly four other diterpenoids plants/ha). Update [2–8 March 2009].) have been reported to be present Irrigation is given immediately in the tuberous roots of C. forskohlii. after planting and subsequently at Medicinal value of forskolin This plant is well known throughout the weekly intervals. India is rich in medicinal plant biodiversity country and is known as Pasan Bhedi in Manuring. Incorporate 15 t/ha of and is one of the 12 megabiodiversity hot- Sanskrit, Patharchur in Hindi, Garmalu in farmyard manure (FYM) during final spot regions of the world, having Gujarati, Maimmul in Marathi, Makkadi ploughing. Nitrogen, phosphorus and 2.4 percent of the world’s area with beru or Mangani beru in Kannada and potassium (NPK) at 30:60:50 kg/ha should 8 percent global diversity. Coleus forskohlii Koorkan kilangu in Tamil. The crop has be applied in two split doses at 30 and 45 is a medicinal plant well recognized by been distributed all over the tropical and days after planting. Apply 10 kg ZnSo traditional users, pharmaceutical subtropical regions of India, Pakistan, 4/ha to avoid micronutrient deficiency. industries, entrepreneurs and innovative Sri Lanka, Egypt and Ethiopia. In India, it is Harvest can take place five to six months and progressive growers. found in the subtropical Himalayan after planting and must be carried out The tuberous roots of Coleus forskohlii regions from Kumaon to Nepal, Bihar and without damaging the tubers. are found to be a rich source of forskolin; a the Deccan plateau of South India. Yield. Fresh tubers: 15–20 t/ha; dry labdane diterpenoid activates cyclic In India, the plant is cultivated in tubers: 2 000–2 200 kg/ha. adenosine monophosphate or cyclic AMP Rajasthan, Maharastra, Karnataka and Post-harvest handling. Harvested tubers (cAMP) in the cells. In addition, Tamil Nadu in an area of about 2 500 ha. are cut into small pieces and dried under diterpenoids have been reported to be The scientific cultivation of the crop is shade until they reach 8 percent present in these tuberous roots. given below. moisture level. Coleus is the only known natural source of forskolin. Because of its versatile pharmacological effects, forskolin is used for the treatment flatulence, dropsy, insomnia and cardiomyopathy. It helps in relaxation of the of eczema (atopic dermatitis), asthma, convulsions. In addition, it possesses arteries and other smooth muscles. It also psoriasis, cardiovascular disorders and positive inotropic, broncho-spasolytic, increases cerebral blood flow. This hypertension, where the decreased antithrombotic and platelet aggregation indicates that it may be helpful in improving intracellular cAMP level is believed to be a inhibiting activities and has proved to post-stroke recovery. Inhibition of platelet major factor in the development of the enhance fat loss without loss of muscle aggregation (blood clotting) also adds to its disease process. mass in human beings. value in the treatment of cardiovascular It is being developed as a drug for Forskolin is a vasodilator, increases the and cerebrovascular disorders. It has been glaucoma, congestive heart failures and skin's natural resistance to burning under found that symptoms of psoriasis have certain types of cancers. The drug is ultraviolet light and promotes nerve repair been improved through the use of forskolin. claimed to improve appetite, facilitate by increasing cAMP concentrations. It has (Contributed by: M. Velmurugan, digestion and increase vitality. The crop is been shown to be safe and effective and K. Rajamani, P. Hemalatha and popular owing to its extensive use in has great potential as a sports supplement. C. Harisudan, Tamil Nadu Agricultural preparing Ayurvedic and Unani medicines Forskolin can reduce blood pressure and University, Coimbatore – 641 003, India. for curing anaemia, inflammation, improve heart function in people with E-mail: [email protected])

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% NATURAL FIBRES began in the twenty-seventh century BC. materials, in medical implants, and geo- and The oldest wool textile, found in Denmark, agrotextiles. Animal fibres include wool, hair Natural fibres – an overview dates from 1500 BC, and the oldest wool and secretions, such as silk. (Please see Natural fibres are greatly elongated carpet, from Siberia, from 500 BC. Fibres page 36 for more information on silk.) Plant substances produced by plants and such as jute and coir have been cultivated fibres include seed hairs, such as cotton; animals that can be spun into filaments, since antiquity. stem (or bast) fibres, such as flax and hemp; thread or rope. Woven, knitted, matted or While the methods used to make fabrics leaf fibres, such as sisal; and husk fibres, bonded, they form fabrics that are have changed greatly since then, their such as coconut. (Source: International Year essential to society. functions have changed very little. Today, of Natural Fibres 2009 Web site; Like agriculture, textiles have been a most natural fibres are still used to make www.naturalfibres2009.org/) fundamental part of human life since the clothing and containers and to insulate, dawn of civilization. Fragments of cotton soften and decorate our living spaces. The revival of the most resistant natural articles dated from 5000 BC have been Increasingly, however, traditional textiles fibre in the world excavated in Mexico and Pakistan. According are being used for industrial purposes as Apart from the non-wood sources of raw to Chinese tradition, the history of silk well as in components of composite materials for pulp making, a number of

EXAMPLES OF PLANT FIBRES bramantes, cordeles, líneas de pesca y 8 to 20 tonnes/ha, with fibre yields of 1.5 redes, así como tela basta para sacos. tonnes reported. Abacá (Musa textilis) También está creciendo el nicho de Ramie fibre is white with a silky lustre, También llamada cáñamo de Manila, el mercado especializado en ropa, cortinas, similar to flax in absorbency and density abacá se extrae de la vaina de las hojas pantallas y tapicería de abacá. but coarser (25–30 microns). One of the que rodean el tronco de la planta de El papel hecho de la pulpa de abacá strongest natural fibres, it has low abacá (Musa textilis), pariente cercana es usado para esténciles, para filtros de elasticity and dyes easily. Strands of ramie de la banana, nativa de Filipinas y cigarrillos, bolsas de té y piel de range up to 190 cm in length, with ampliamente distribuida en los trópicos salchichas, y también para papel moneda individual cells as long as 40 cm. húmedos. Cosechar abacá es laborioso. (los billetes del yen japonés contienen Transfibre fissures make ramie brittle but Cada tallo debe cortarse en tiras, las hasta un 30% de abacá). favour ventilation. cuáles son raspadas para remover la La Mercedes Benz ha usado una The ramie plant is grown for fibre pulpa. Luego las fibras se lavan y secan. mezcla de polipropileno termoplástico e mainly in China, Brazil, the Lao People’s El abacá es una fibra de hoja, compuesta hilaza de abacá en partes del cuerpo de Democratic Republic and the Philippines. por células largas y delgadas que forman los automóviles. Se estima que la While it is considered a promising parte de la estructura de soporte de la producción de fibra de abacá utiliza un "ecological" fibre for use in textiles, fibre hoja. El contenido de lignina está por 60% menos de energía que la extraction and cleaning are difficult and encima del 15%. El abacá es valorado producción de fibra de vidrio. labour-intensive. por su gran resistencia mecánica, Producción y comercio. En el 2007, Uses. Coarse ramie fibres are suitable for flotabilidad, resistencia al daño por agua Filipinas produjo cerca de 60 000 making twine, rope and nets. Wet-spun, it salada, y por el largo de su fibra - más de toneladas de fibra de abacá, mientras produces a fine yarn with high lustre, 3 metros. Las mejores clasificaciones del que Ecuador produjo 10 000. La suitable for a wide range of garments, abacá son finas, brillantes, de un color producción mundial está evaluada en ranging from dresses to jeans. habano claro y muy fuertes. cerca de 30 millones de USD al año. Casi Fabrics of 100 percent ramie are El líder mundial en producción de todo el abacá producido es exportado, lightweight and silky, similar in abacá es Filipinas, en donde unos 90 000 principalmente a Europa, Japón y los appearance to linen. The Korean pequeños agricultores (encima) cultivan Estados Unidos de América. Filipinas traditional costume, the ramie hanbok, is la planta en 130 000 hectáreas. Aunque incrementa sus exportaciones en forma renowned for its fineness. However, since la planta se cultiva en otros países del de pasta de abacá más que en forma de it has low elasticity and resilience, ramie is Asia sudoriental, el rival más cercano de fibra bruta. usually blended with other textile fibres. It Filipinas es Ecuador, en dónde el abacá increases the lustre and strength of cotton ha sido sembrado en muchas fincas y la Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) fabric and reduces shrinkage in wool producción está cada vez más Native to East Asia and commonly known blends. It is also blended with silk. mecanizada. as China grass, ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is Production and commerce. FAO estimates Usos. Durante el siglo XIX, el abacá fue a flowering plant of the nettle family. Its world production of ramie green plant at ampliamente usado en aparejos de bark has been used for millennia to make 280 000 tonnes in 2005, almost all of it barcos, y la pulpa era usada para hacer twine and thread, and spun as grass cloth grown in China. Most of the ramie fibre sobres resistentes de papel manila. (or "Chinese linen"). It grows to a height extracted is used in producing countries, Hoy, aún se emplea para hacer sogas, of 3 m. Yields of green plants range from and only a small percentage reaches

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plants provide fibrous substances suitable southeastern Mexico. It is not easy to One hectare of forest can provide for making cloth, ropes and woven harvest or carry, and in order to gather about 20 kg of fibre each year and an materials, including several species of 1 kg of pita fibre, about 300 leaves need to average cash income can amount to grasses (Sterculia villosa, Broussonetia be collected. US$930/ha, an income far superior to papyrifera, Agave sissalana, Ceiba The longer the leaf the better, because that obtained by or pendandra, etc.) and palms (Carludovica it means a longer fibre and a better producers. Pita is the most valued and palmata and Brahea dulcis). Palms and market price. Processing begins by sought-after natural fibre on the grasses are used for weaving baskets, scraping away the leaf pulp, pulling out Mexican market and surpasses the hats, mats and other items in the fibre, bleaching it in lemon juice and price of linen and silk, with a price America, Africa and Asia. Bromeliad washing powder, combing it and finally as high as US$100/kg. (Source: Elaine species also provide an important natural rolling it into thread. The fibre is then used Marshall and Cherukat Chandrasekharan. source of fibre. to embroider leather articles, e.g. belts, 2009. Non-farm income from non-wood Pita (Aechmea magdalenae), a boots and saddles, by skilled craftspeople, forest products. Diversification booklet thorny-leaved terrestrial bromeliad, sold principally in Mexico, the United 12. Rural Infrastructure and Agro- grows naturally in the tropical forests of States of America and . Industries Division. Rome, FAO.)

international markets. The main importers Les paysans vendent leur production à brute et le restant sous forme de produits are Japan, Germany, and the des négociants ou sur le marché local. La manufacturés. L'Inde exporte seulement United Kingdom. fibre change ainsi plusieurs fois de mains 200 000 tons d'articles en jute, le reste et de catégorie avant d'arriver à l'usine étant utilisé sur place. Jute (Corchorus capsularis et C. olitorius) ou d'être exportée. Les utilisations du jute sont en plein Extrait de la tige de plantes appartenant Si la culture du jute est exigeante en essor dans le monde entier car le secteur aux genres Corchorus capsularis et C. main-d'œuvre, elle est peu gourmande manufacturier s'intéresse de plus en plus olitorius, le jute est une fibre naturelle en engrais et en pesticides. La fibre est le aux matières biodégradables très résistante; il vient en deuxième plus souvent récoltée manuellement, la respectueuses de l'environnement et position, après le coton, en termes de mécanisation n'étant pas adaptée à la pouvant se substituer aux matières volume de production et d'utilisation. culture à petite échelle pratiquée dans synthétiques. Cependant les producteurs Pendant la révolution industrielle, il a les pays en développement. Les tiges de jute et le secteur de transformation connu un grand essor dans la fabrication sont fauchées et couchées sur le champ n'ont guère innové en matière de de toile de sac, se substituant au lin et pour les débarrasser des feuilles; au bout production et de transformation. au chanvre cultivés en Europe. Si les sacs de quelques jours, elles sont liées en Le kénaf, fibre apparentée. Tout comme constituent encore de nos jours la faisceaux. On procède ensuite au le jute, le kénaf sert à fabriquer des majeure partie des produits rouissage, qui consiste à faire flotter les cordes, des ficelles et des toiles manufacturés en jute, un grand nombre tiges sur un cours d'eau pour les libérer grossières, mais il est issu d'une autre d'articles novateurs à haute valeur de la pectine et autres substances plante, Hibiscus cannabinus. En 2007, la ajoutée ont vu le jour: revêtements pour mucilagineuses qui les soudent. Le production atteignait 340 000 tonnes, sols, composants, géotextiles, non-tissés, rouissage est terminé – il dure de une à l'Inde étant le principal producteur. pâte à papier, textiles techniques, trois semaines - quand l'enveloppe de la Parmi les utilisations récentes de la fibre, produits chimiques, tissus d'habillement, tige, qui contient la fibre, se sépare citons le papier journal, les mélanges de artisanat et accessoires de mode. facilement du cœur ligneux. Après avoir cultures, les matériaux d'emballage et les La plante herbacée dont est extrait le extrait la fibre, le plus souvent emballages en matériaux composites. jute abonde dans les régions humides manuellement, on procède au lavage et (Source: International Year of Natural (températures comprises entre 24 et 38 au séchage. Fibres 2009 Web site, degrés et précipitations annuelles de 1 La production de jute fluctue au gré www.naturalfibres2009.org/) 000 mm au moins). Le Bangladesh et le des conditions météorologiques et des Bengale-Occidental sont les principaux cours. Ces dernières années, elle For more information, please contact: producteurs mondiaux de jute, suivis de s'échelonnait entre 2,3 et 2,8 millions de Brian Moir, International Year of Natural loin par le Myanmar et le Népal. Le jute tonnes, à l'instar de la production de Fibres Coordination Unit, Trade and est produit par de petits paysans. En laine. Mais la valeur du jute, nettement Markets Division, FAO, Viale delle Inde et au Bangladesh, on estime que 4 inférieure à celle de la laine, est estimée à Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, . millions environ de paysans vivent de 480 millions de tonnes. L'Inde fournit 60 Fax: +39 06 57054495; cette culture, assurant la subsistance de pour cent de la production mondiale et le e-mail: [email protected]) 20 millions de personnes, et que des Bangladesh la presque totalité du reste. (Please see page 66 for more centaines de millions de personnes Ce dernier exporte près de la moitié de sa information on the International Year of travaillent dans le secteur manufacturier. production annuelle sous forme de fibre Natural Fibres.)

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NATURAL DYES AND COLOURS indigo dye (Indigofera tinctori), traditionally used for dying a variety of Many forests are rich repositories of textiles, including silk and wool plants producing dyes and pigments that garments. can be sustainably harvested for Research from the forests of Peru has commercial use and processed locally, identified 56 dye-yielding plants, and thereby supporting rural employment the Vegetable Dye Society in Bangladesh and development. has identified about 30 dye-yielding Ornamentation of cloth with natural plants for textiles. dyes dates back about 3 000 years, and Some common natural dyes used for because of the toxic nature of some silk in the Lao People’s Democratic synthetic pigments, there has been a Republic include the following. resurgence of interest in natural dyes. • Pink. Rind of mangosteen fruit An advantage of natural dyes lies in the (Garcinia mangostina) potential for designers to control • Red/purple. Stick lac, wood of with economic support from the global home variations of shade and tones, which is Caesalpinia sappan furnishing company IKEA. The subsequent not possible with synthetic dyes. Dye • . Root of berberin (Coscinium phase (2009–2011) entitled “A switch to pigments are derived from tree bark, finestratum) sustainable harvest rattan production and leaves and wood, including the bark of • . Seed of annato (Bixa orellana) supply” was launched on 5 March 2009, with akan-asante or yaruba (Anonidium • Greyish-black. Fruit of ebony funding mainly from the European Union and mannii) and the leaves of magnolia (Diospyros mollis) IKEA. “Our goal is that by 2010, 100 (Rothmannia whitefieldii). • Pinkish-grey. Leaf of teak (Tectona communities in the Lao People’s Democratic Examples of natural dyes include grandis) Republic, Cambodia and Viet Nam will be henna, which is extracted from the dried • Grey. Tuber of Dioscorea bulbifea engaged in sustainable rattan production and leaf of Lawsonia inermi and provides a (Source: Elaine Marshall and Cherukat with 40 percent of the identified small and dye ranging in colour from black to red; Chandrasekharan. 2009. Non-farm medium enterprises (SMEs) actively engaged kamala, an orange-yellow dye used for income from non-wood forest products. in cleaner rattan production. This will textiles, obtained from the fruit of the Diversification booklet 12. Rural support local economies and help conserve kamala tree (Mallotus philippinensis); Infrastructure and Agro-Industries forests,” says the WWF regional rattan and the widely used blue-coloured Division. Rome, FAO.) programme manager. WWF, with national stakeholders, is engaging with rattan traders and processors to develop more environmentally and economically viable processing practices %RATTAN In Sopphouan, a small village of with the aim of becoming more efficient, approximately 400 inhabitants outside Lak improving resource usage and reducing raw Villagers from Southeast Asia benefit Xao, in the province of Bolikhamxay, Lao material wastage along the supply chain. from sustainable rattan harvesting People’s Democratic Republic, the WWF At the same time, WWF works with Can the sustainable use of rattan boost rattan project has already brought positive national, regional and international buyers to communities, businesses and the results. “Last year our village earned influence the demand for cleaner and more environment? Yes, that is the firm belief of 8 500 000 kip (approximately US$1 000) in sustainable rattan at fairer prices. In doing the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), additional income from rattan seedlings and this, they work with entrepreneurs or rattan which piloted a community-based rattan cane. This is an important contribution processors and traders, who are the people sustainable management and production to the livelihood of farmers who are that buy the raw material, add value by model project that began in 2006 in the Lao otherwise wholly dependent on family-based processing it and then link up with regional People’s Democratic Republic and production and other small-scale crops,” and international buyers such as IKEA. Cambodia and is now engaging Viet Nam. says Phantone Keomany, 43 years. Through this approach, WWF is confident More than 90 percent of rattan processed To secure a long-term use of the that incentives will be in place for local in the Mekong subregion comes from natural resource, the villagers have started communities to conserve forest ecosystems forests, but rattan stocks are being depleted nurseries and plantations, which they where rattan is available. (Contributed by: at an unsustainable rate, fears WWF. proudly show to visitors. This bold initiative Thibault Ledecq, Chief Technical Advisor, Rattans are climbing palms belonging to entails an entirely new way of thinking and WWF Greater Mekong Programme – Laos the palm family, with tough stems, which can requires careful long-term planning. Country Programme, PO Box 7871, be used for food, shelter and furniture. A Previously, rattan was only harvested in the House 39, Unit 05, Ban Saylom, Vientiane, survey by WWF in 2008 showed that rattan is wild state directly from the forest. Lao People’s Democratic Republic. E-mail: a major NTFP and one that makes a crucial Since 2006, the project has been carried [email protected] or contribution (more than 30 percent cash and out in collaboration with forest researchers, [email protected]; non-cash value) to local livelihoods other NGOs, government institutions and www.panda.org/greatermekong

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Viet Nam: Nghe An exports rattan products comes from the plant ( Afghanistan has all the environmental for the first time sativus L.). The of the plant criteria appropriate for the production of The central province of Nghe An, Viet contains three stigmas, which are saffron. For best growth and production, Nam, will send its first consignment of collected and dried, becoming the saffron saffron requires mild winters with heavy rattan products under a recently signed . The plant has a corm/rhizome that snowfall and hot summers. It grows well contract between the Duc Phong company is about 3 cm in diameter and weighs up to under temperate and dry climates; its and the leading Swedish company IKEA. a maximum of 8 g. Saffron has narrow vegetative growth coincides with cold The Duc Phong company, based in Nghe leaves like grasses with a length of weather and freezing conditions. It An, will export three models of rattan 6–10cm and a width of 2–3 mm. Its flower tolerates a maximum of +45 ºC and a lamps, earning a minimum revenue of is light purple, with red or white stripes. minimum of -18 ºC. The annual rainfall VND25 billion in the first year of the The uses of saffron are many. The requirement for saffron is about 300 mm. contract and tripling their revenue over saffron is rich in aroma and used Maximum water requirement is in March and the next five years. The company, which as a spice, a condiment, an aphrodisiac April of about 15–20 litres/m2 per irrigation currently needs an additional 4 000 and a colouring agent. period. The plant can be grown in a wide workers to complete the contract, is In dried or powdered forms, stigmas range of soils, with moderate structure and outsourcing much of the work to local are commonly used as the following. good infiltration. But for best growth and households. It has conducted extensive • A therapeutic plant, excellent for production, the soil should be sandy loam, research on different kinds of rattan stomach ailments and as an rich in calcium and with a high content of products such as tables, lanterns and antispasmodic; it helps digestion; and organic matter. The soil is prepared in other interior decorations for markets it heals a variety of diseases ranging autumn or winter and an application of such as Japan, the United States of from arthritis to impotence and 8–12 tonnes of well-decomposed animal America and Europe. As many as 80 infertility. It is also used for curing manure/acre (0.4 ha) is recommended. percent of Duc Phong products have been asthma, coughs and the common cold. The flowering stage of saffron starts from designed by the company, with the rest Saffron anticancer effects have been October and continues for some three weeks. coming from individual customers. studied. Each flower lives only for 48 hours, which is Duc Phong, which processes millions • A spice used in cooking for colouring the reason why saffron has such a high value. of tonnes of rattan per year, also takes and as a flavouring agent. It is also The optimal harvest time is therefore early in the lead in growing rattan, reducing its used for making products, in the morning before full sun. A flower dependence on outside sources. It has milk- or cream-based confectionery collector can collect as many as 3 000 flowers so far spent nearly VND100 billion and in products such as ice per hour. The saffron flowers should be planting 1 350 ha of rattan in four cream-flavoured milk. stored at temperatures near 0 °C and the districts and the company adopts an • A material used in the layer of fresh flowers should not exceed approach that combines its own pharmaceutical, cosmetics and 10 cm. Under these conditions, saffron investment with the local labour force. perfume industries. flowers can be kept for up to seven days. Duc Phong is expected to produce • A dye used extensively in textile Post-harvest processing gives the best 7 tonnes of rattan/ha over the next production. saffron spice quality. During this processing, 30 years, ensuring the sustainability of its Saffron leaves are also used as animal the stigmas are separated from the flowers. production. (Source: Voice of Vietnam feed. The stigmas are bright orange-red and are News [Viet Nam], 9 March 2009.) clearly visible among the lilac petals. It takes some 450 000 stigmas to make up 1 kg of saffron spice. Workers, therefore, must %SAFFRON SAFFRON () process 150 000–170 000 flowers to produce 1 kg. The deep red stigmas are attached to the Saffron cultivation in Afghanistan: a Crocus sativus belongs to the family flowers by pale filaments called styles. These, lucrative NWFP and a potential Iridaceae. The flowers of Crocus sativus as well as the yellow stamens, are worthless alternative to poppy have trifid orange-coloured stigmas. as spice. Many merchants prefer to buy only After the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, Saffron is the dried form of these pure saffron, requiring that the stigmas be development organizations and stigmas. The name saffron is obtained separated from the styles, which has to be multinational forces are making efforts to from the words “sahafarn”, done by hand as long as the material is fresh. find an alternative crop to replace illicit meaning thread and “za’faran”, In Afghanistan, most saffron is air dried and poppy cultivation in the country. It is meaning yellow. packed in airtight and light-protected assumed that the dilemma of this war- The plant is native to southern containers such as tin cans and dark glass. devastated country has long been Europe and is cultivated in Spain, Farmers cultivate saffron bulbs in late May correlated with the production of poppy France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Islamic to August and reap the purple flowers in mid- itself. Development workers are hoping Republic of , India and China. October. The average yield of saffron is that saffron could be a lucrative Saffron grows well in cold regions. 7 kg/ha and a maximum could be 24 kg/ha. alternative to poppy. (Source: MFP News, (19)1, January– The Afghan saffron markets are mostly within Popularly known as jafran in the Middle March 2009.) Afghanistan itself, the Islamic Republic of East and Asia, saffron is the most valued Iran, India, Dubai, Pakistan, the United States and most luxurious spice in the world and of America and Europe. Prices of saffron

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range from US$1 200 to 1 400/kg in local Programme, BRAC Afghanistan, House 45, markets (December 2007) and US$1 400 to Lane 4, Baharistan, Kart e Parwan, Kabul, HISTORY OF SAFFRON 8 000/kg in the European and American Afghanistan. E-mail: markets (2006). It has been estimated that [email protected]; www.bracafg.org) the net income/ha from saffron is $2 716. To eradicate production in the Saffron cultivation and use in India country, the Government of Afghanistan is In India, the cultivation of saffron is mostly being supported by international donor carried out in Kashmir. However, Himachal agencies in terms of technical and financial Pradesh and the upper regions of Uttar support but the results will only be visible Pradesh are favouring saffron cultivation. when an alternative income source is in Saffron is extensively used as a spice place. Considering the massive pressure (especially in Kashmir). Saffron has also been from the government and other agencies, used as a flavouring and colouring agent and farmers tend to refrain from opium in food, sweets, tobacco and the zarda production rather than getting interested in industries. It is also used for improving skin saffron production for its high price in the complexions and is a valuable medicinal domestic and international markets. Experts herb. The saffron pigment is used to stabilize at the Ministry of Agriculture in Kabul have light-sensitive insoluble drugs. A hair tonic admitted that saffron is compatible with the with saffron extract is extremely effective at The history of saffron is very ancient and climate and soil of the southern, eastern and promoting hair growth. Saffron is also used in esteemed. Historical accounts suggest western parts of the country and its Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. (Source: MFP that the cultivation of saffron was started cultivation does not require additional News, (19)1, January–March 2009.) in 1600 BC by the Minoans. But irrigation, which the country lacks. cultivation is probably older than that Donors such as the United Kingdom’s and is believed to have begun in Department for International Development Southwest Asia. The Minoans probably (DFID) have funded projects to promote brought saffron as a traded item from saffron production in Afghanistan. A handful the East as part of their network of sea of entrepreneurs have also invested in the and land traders who ranged throughout packaging, branding and export of Afghan- the Mediterranean at that time. made saffron to regional and European Native to Southeast Asia, the crocus markets. Afghanistan’s western neighbour, species produces the valuable reddish- the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a leading orange colour stamens cherished by saffron exporter. However, insecurity and cooks around the world to colour and narcotics gangs have hindered government flavour their dishes. efforts to replace poppy with lawful crops The Persians had spread cultivation since these groups earn large profits from of saffron corms throughout the Persian illicit poppy cultivation and they oppose and

Empire along the Silk Road routes by impede saffron cultivation by forcing farmers Sandalwood 500 BC and cultivation in northern India to grow poppies. and Kashmir was formally under way. Saffron quality tests show that Afghan The Phoenicians dominated the saffron can be one of the best in the world in %SANDALWOOD Mediterranean trade of saffron spice terms of quality. This is attributed to the during Greco-Roman times. climatic conditions of Afghanistan as suitable Sandalwood: a critical view of Subsequently, the Romans brought for growth and production. In the context of developments saffron with them to Europe. Saffron Afghanistan, saffron has a tremendous The fact that some sandalwood species are gradually spread to North America opportunity on the domestic and under threat is an inconvenient truth ignored through the Anabaptists from Eastern international market since demand is by many cosmetic companies and essential and Central Europe, who set up increasing every year. It is hoped that this oil traders. Four Santalum (sandalwood) profitable saffron trading from 1730 to spice will soon replace the poppy throughout species are present in the IUCN Red List 1740 with the Spanish settlers in the the country for its high market value. 2008, including the extinct Santalum Caribbean. This trade continued until Meanwhile, farmers involved in opium fernandezianum. The more familiar the 1812 war. cultivation should be assisted and promoted Santalum album L. is one of the remaining Historical accounts of saffron to cultivate saffron as their alternative three, assessed as vulnerable in 1998, but a cultivation in India date back to 550 AD. livelihood. It is time for the United Nations, more detailed breakdown of the ecostatus of At present, the major saffron- donor agencies and NGOs to work together in individual Santalum species from various producing countries in the world are Afghanistan to explore the utilization and geographic locations, with ancillary notes, is Spain, the Islamic Republic of Iran and development of this valuable NWFP in the available on the Cropwatch Web site India. country. (Contributed by: Mohammad (www.cropwatch.org). Muktadir Hossain, Sector Specialist The shortage of East Indian sandalwood oil [Forestry], Agriculture Development has been caused by the ravages of spike

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disease over many decades and, to a lesser intelligence official specializing in cross- extent, by fire, vandalism, animal damage border smuggling prevention said, "Due to and other factors, on the existing Indian less fragrance but equal curving capacity sandalwood forests in Karnataka and Tamil and strength, red sandalwood is preferred Nadu, not to mention the ruthless for making butts of firearms. China is one of overexploitation of this declining resource by the largest buyers. Now since all attention is illegal distillers, smugglers and corrupt focused on political developments in officials. Arguably the overexploitation of Kathmandu, the grey trade operatives are sandalwood only came about because of the likely to increase their activities." persistent market demand for sandalwood The consignments, generated largely as a logs for incense, wood carving and furniture result of illegal Indian felling in Karnataka, making, to continue the supply of are first routed to Nepal through the porous sandalwood-based attars and, of course, the Indo-Nepal border along Uttar Pradesh, demand for sandalwood oil itself (which Bihar or West Bengal. From there, they get some have estimated at 250 tonnes/year), into China through Tatopani on the Arniko despite warnings of serious resource Highway in North Nepal, the largest Sino- depletion from eco-aware groups. Nepal trading point. A few years back, some aromatherapy "Arniko Highway has practically been profession officials and certain aromatherapy taken over by red sandalwood smugglers," Sclerocarya birrea essential oil trading representatives belittled said Nepali exporters working in Tatopani. the threat to sandalwood, and inferred that if "The Governments of India, Nepal and d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, any blame was to be apportioned at all, it China should jointly focus on the issue on Ghana, Togo, Benin, the Niger and Nigeria in should be laid at the door of the major user, common interest," they added. (Source: western Africa; Chad and the Sudan in the fragrance industry. Even now, within the The Economic Times [India], 12 May 2009.) Central Africa; Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, European Union, nationally run Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania aromatherapy vocational courses still feature in eastern Africa; and Angola, southern sandalwood oil for study. The incense trade %SCLEROCARYA BIRREA Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, has naturally ignored its obligations almost Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South completely and, as far as we can tell, many Sclerocarya birrea: a lesser-known NWFP Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland in southern sectors of the conventional perfumery trade of Africa Africa. In addition, within the past 30 years have done the same. The contribution of forests and trees to food the tree has been established in plantations Cropwatch is persuaded that with proper security in Africa is vast, diversified and in Israel and . policies and investments, some sandalwood highly valuable. It ranges from the direct Across Africa the tree has three sources could be made truly sustainable, and production of food to the provision of jobs, subspecies, namely S. birrea, we believe this may well be the case in income generation and support for the S. multifoliolata and S. cafra. The United Vanuatu. However, taking pure East Indian sustainability of farming systems. The foods Republic of Tanzania is the only country sandalwood oil as a benchmark, the odour from forests and trees are particularly where all three subspecies occur, so is the profiles of sandalwood oils from other essential to improve the nutritional status most diverse ecoregion for Sclerocarya. geographic locations and/or other species of the people by providing vitamins and The tree provides fruits and many other are usually different in character, lack fine other elements, which are not found in food locally used NTFPs. In a few countries, the notes and may be oversweet (as with East produced by agriculture. fruits are processed into products that are African sandalwood oil) or predominantly In spite of the importance and richness of traded internationally. The fruits are rich in woody-camphoraceous (as with Chinese food from forests and trees, progress has vitamin C, about five times higher than that sandalwood oil), or just plain lacking in been very slow in considering measures and of citrus fruits. They are also used to make impact and character (as with Indonesian programmes to increase the contribution of juice, jam, jellies and as a cosmetic agent. sandalwood oil). From here, the future looks wild plants and animals to food production The fruit pulp is eaten fresh, boiled to a difficult for sandalwood. (Extracted from: and food security. A combination of thick paste for sweetening porridge, or Cropwatch Newsletter, January 2009.) initiatives aiming at improved knowledge of fermented to make alcoholic drinks of both local and traditional practices, inventorying local and commercial value. Southeast Asia smuggling via Nepal in and managing resources, and further The tree’s leaves and bark have upward swing integrating trees in farming systems could medicinal properties. Siliguri. According to the Sashastra Seema have a significant impact on food security In famine years, the kernel is locally Bal (guards at the Indo-Nepal border) and and income generation. roasted and eaten. At 96 percent dry matter, Nepal security agencies, over 1 000 tonnes Sclerocarya birrea, which is a the kernel is 57.3 percent fat, 28.3 percent of red sandalwood have been seized during wild/semidomesticated tree, can be used as protein, 6 percent total carbohydrates, the last year from both sides of the border. a case tree to reveal the potentials of lesser- 2.9 percent fibre and is rich in phosphorus, Apparently the wood is in high demand known but valuable trees. The species is magnesium and potassium. because it is used to make the butts of guns. widely distributed, occurring in 29 different The fruits of Sclerocarya birrea are also While talking to The Economic Times countries in Africa from north to south and used to brew the popular Amarula cream in about the possible buyers, a senior east to west: Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Côte South Africa. Amarula is almost exclusively

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available in luxurious outlets and hotels, % SILK These yardsticks signify that the eggs at sold on average at US$2–5/5 cc volume. the research centre are healthy. The main This cream thus generates substantial Nainital Research Centre, India, achieves reason for this success can be attributed amounts of income from local and world record in breeding silkworm eggs to the innovative measures taken by international markets. Nainital-based Regional Oak Tasar scientists at the centre. Empirical experiments are still needed to Research Centre has created a world “We provide good feed to the silkworms develop better ways of harnessing the record in the field of silkworm egg-laying. due to which the silkworm gains more potential of Sclerocarya birrea. The ultimate The scientists and other staff members of weight. When it converts into pupa, it goal must be for local people to apply this the research centre are very pleased by becomes big and therefore the moth is knowledge to diversify their income and the way their project has shaped up. also big, and when the moth is big, it will improve their livelihoods. (Source: Guardian The average number of eggs/moth at certainly produce more eggs,” said Dr R.S. in IPPMedia.com, 6 January 2009.) the research centre is in the range of 240 Yadav, a scientist at the Regional Oak to 260 as compared with China’s 160–200 Tasar Research Centre. The centre has eggs. The number of eggs/g is 108–110 in also been taking special care to minimize % SHEA comparison with China’s 120 eggs/g. egg losses.

Fair trade partnerships Ottawa. Knowledge shared throughout the millennia by generations of African women meets the twenty-first century, during Fair SILK Silk is used in sewing Trade Month. Ten Thousand Villages, a North thread for high-quality American fair trade dealer and Uniterra, one Silk is produced by the articles, particularly silk of Canada's leading international voluntary silkworm, Bombyx mori. apparel, and in a range of programmes, welcome their partners from Fed on mulberry leaves, it household textiles, including Burkina Faso to celebrate Certified Fair produces liquid silk that upholstery, wall coverings and Trade shea butter. Ms Kourtoumi Chalim hardens into filaments to rugs and carpets. Aschlet Niangao and Mr Abou Dradin Tagnan form its cocoon. The larva is It is also being used as a represent the Union of Producers of Shea then killed and heat is used to soften surgical suture – silk does not cause Products of Sissili and Ziro in Burkina Faso, the hardened filaments so they can be inflammatory reactions and is absorbed where shea is the third largest export. unwound. Single filaments are combined or degraded after wounds heal. Shea, dubbed "the gold of African with a slight twist into one strand, a Other promising medical uses are as women", is well known for its moisturizing process known as filature or "silk biodegradable microtubes for repair of and protective properties. Equitably traded reeling". blood vessels and as moulded inserts for organic shea turns those benefits into real A silk filament is a continuous thread bone, cartilage and teeth reconstruction. gold for nearly 3 000 women, who have of great tensile strength measuring from Production and commerce. Global silk doubled their income as a result of this 500 to 1 500 m in length, with a diameter production rose from around 100 000 collective. Since earning fair trade of 10–13 microns. In woven silk, the tonnes in 2 000 to 150 000 tonnes in certification in 2006, producers have poured triangular structure of the fibre acts as a 2006, thanks mainly to the growth of much of their earnings back into community prism that refracts light, giving silk cloth China's output. China produces about projects such as literacy groups for women, its highly prized "natural shimmer". It has 70 percent of the world's silk, followed by programmes for children orphaned by HIV good absorbency, low conductivity and Brazil, India, Thailand and Viet Nam, with and Aids, and the construction of a childcare dyes easily. minor production in Turkmenistan and centre. These are welcome developments in Silk is produced in more than Uzbekistan. India, Italy and Japan are the Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in 20 countries. While the major producers main importers of raw silk for processing. Africa, ranked at 173 of 177 on the Human are in Asia, sericulture industries have The unit price for raw silk is around Development Index. been established in Brazil, Bulgaria, Egypt 20 times that of raw cotton. (Source: Despite the economic downturn, Canadian and Madagascar. Sericulture is labour- International Year of Natural Fibres 2009 sales of fair trade shea products are on the intensive. About 1 million workers are Web site, www.naturalfibres2009.org/) rise. Ten new personal care products, prepared employed in the silk sector in China. with certified fair trade shea, will be launched Sericulture provides income for 700 000 For more information, please contact: this month at Ten Thousand Villages' 47 stores households in India and 20 000 weaving Brian Moir, International Year of Natural throughout Canada, at festival sales and on its families in Thailand. Fibres Coordination Unit, Trade and Web site. Shea Delapointe, a Quebec-based Uses. Silk's natural beauty and other Markets Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme family business and a Ten Thousand Villages properties – such as comfort in warm di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy. Fax: +39 supplier, imported 9 tonnes of certified fair weather and warmth during colder 06 57054495; e-mail: [email protected] trade shea in 2008, expected to double in months – mean that it is much sought (Please see page 66 for more information 2009, thanks to fair trade partnerships after for use in high-fashion clothes, on the International Year of Natural between Canadian entrepreneurs and lingerie and underwear. Fibres.) African producers. (Source: marketwire.com [Canada], 7 May 2009.)

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India is the second largest producer report's authors, Sandra Altherr of Pro • Loss of pollinators. Large fruit bats in of silk after China and the largest Wildlife, said it appeared that the extent of particular are extremely important consumer of silk in the world. (Source: primate hunting in Latin America was pollinators of many tropical forest trees. Thaindian.com, 18 April 2009.) higher than in Africa or Asia. • Loss of seed predators (e.g. pigs, "While the devastating effects of the peccaries, agoutis, large squirrels). With Silkworm’s chemical attraction to bushmeat trade in Africa continues to hit reduced seed predation, trees with large mulberry leaves discovered the headlines, the largely uncontrolled seeds are at a competitive advantage over Tokyo. Japanese scientists say they have hunting of primates in Central and South trees with smaller seeds. In one study in isolated the jasmine-scented chemical America has been all but ignored," Altherr Panama, such trees dominated forest that attracts silkworms to mulberry told Spiegel Online. "At an international patches after less than 75 years following leaves – their primary food source. level there is almost no discussion about the depletion of seed-eating animals. The findings could help silk producers this problem. We need to change this • Loss of seed dispersers (e.g. primates, fine-tune the diets of silkworms to get because the situation is becoming worse." frugivorous bats, frugivorous birds, forest them to eat more and digest food more The report also found that primate ungulates). Many large animals play a efficiently, a study published in Current hunting in Latin America, once a primary role in seed dispersal; seeds of Biology reported on Friday. subsistence-level activity, is becoming up to 75 percent of plant species in The chemical cis-jasmone emitted in increasingly commercialized, with African rain forests are dispersed by small quantities by the leaves of the traditional hunting methods being replaced animals. Hunting can deplete complete mulberry tree triggers a single, highly by modern weapons. guilds of seed dispersers by removing tuned olfactory receptor in the worms' The report also claims that the hunting primates, large birds and bats. The exact antennae, said Kazushige Touhara, a of primates for food rather than habitat balance between animal dispersed plants professor at the University of Tokyo. Cis- loss poses the most serious threat to the and vegetative propagation of rain forest jasmone is so powerful that just a tiny survival of large primates in Latin America plants is still unknown, but the loss of amount draws silkworms towards the within the next two decades. As the rain seed dispersers will undoubtedly affect source of the smell, he said. Cis-jasmone forest is cleared away by loggers, new forest composition, in ways that are might be added to artificial diets to paths and roads into forest regions allow difficult to predict. increase the efficiency of the worms' food hunters increasingly easy access to • Loss of predators (e.g. large cats, intake. It could also be used to develop a primate breeding grounds. raptors). This can cause unusual and safe form of pest control, attracting Primate hunting is already illegal in uneven densities of different prey unwanted insects also drawn to the scent most Latin American countries, but Altherr species. In turn, proliferation of certain of cis-jasmone. (Source: United Press said that the authorities in many areas prey species can lead to declines or local International, 8 May 2009.) turned a blind eye to the problem. (Source: extinctions of their animal or plant food Spiegel Online International, 13 April 2009.) species, which changes forest composition and decreases overall WILDLIFE biodiversity. In Barro Colorado Island, %AND BUSHMEAT Panama, the absence of large predators led to an increase in mesopredators Primate hunting reaches crisis point (coatis). The increased predation by the in Latin America mesopredators on birds’ eggs and Monkey numbers in Latin America have fledglings caused declines and local fallen dramatically in recent years as extinctions of many low-nesting birds. primate hunting reaches unsustainable • Loss of food for predators. Hunting of levels. Most are used for food, but an ungulates and primates can reduce the increasing number of souvenirs are also populations of predators that depend on produced using dead monkeys. them for prey. In India, hunting can result The authors of a report published this in reductions of 90 percent of the prey week by the British wildlife charity Care for eaten by tigers. This reduces tiger the Wild International and the German densities and also results in their hunting organization Pro Wildlife claim that the smaller prey, thereby causing further number of primates hunted in Latin The impact of hunting on the biological detrimental effects on the biological America could be as high as 10 million a community community. The loss of animals from year. In some parts of the Amazon basin, Hunters focus initially on large animals and forest ecosystems and the resultant the numbers of medium- and large-size continue to hunt them even when their disruption of ecological and ultimately primates have dropped by a staggering numbers become low. Such species evolutionary processes, changes in 93.5 percent over the last 20 years. comprise the majority of the mammalian species composition and probable The report concludes that primate biomass in undisturbed forests and play reduction in biological diversity are populations in 16 of the 22 Latin American keystone ecological roles. Reduction or collectively known as the “empty forest countries are under threat, particularly loss of such species will have wider syndrome”. larger species such as woolly, spider, impacts on the forest community, as a (Source: R. Nasi, D. Brown, D. Wilkie, howler and capuchin monkeys. One of the result of the following factors. E. Bennett, C. Tutin, G. van Tol and

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T. Christophersen. 2008. Conservation and Libreville and Brazzaville to London and use of wildlife-based resources: the New York. In these cases, wild is bushmeat crisis. CBD Technical Series 33. consumed as a luxury item to maintain a 50 pp. Bogor, Indonesia, Secretariat of the link to a departed lifestyle and is not a Convention on Biological Diversity, Montreal, staple source of animal protein. and Center for International Forestry Scientific data to determine how Research [CIFOR].) important a role taste and culture play in the overall demand for wild meat are FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: scarce. Most studies of preference have Secretariat of the Convention on Biological often simply documented that consumers Diversity, World Trade Centre, 413 St Jacques, noted “meat hunger” when their diet is Suite 800, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9. composed primarily of starches, or have Fax: 1 (514) 288 6588; focused solely on which species of wildlife e-mail:[email protected]; www.cbd.int Frogs important food source consumers prefer. They have not With its famous diversity of frog species, established that consumers have clear Madagascar has long been targeted by taste preferences for wild meat relative to smugglers for the pet trade. While this the meat of domesticated animals. In a “FOOTBALL FOR THE FORESTS” threat is relatively well understood, less recent study in Gabon, consumers were BUSHMEAT AWARENESS MATCH known is the domestic market for edible asked to select which of two plates of meat WILL TAKE PLACE IN 2010 frogs. Writing in Tropical Conservation they preferred. Only poor rural people Science, researchers from the University of showed a measurable preference for The antibushmeat charity football match Aberdeen (United Kingdom) and bushmeat. And, of the 42 subjects who scheduled for June 2009 in Yaoundé, institutions in Madagascar provide a stated a preference for domestic poultry, Cameroon has been postponed to 2010. glimpse into this activity. 78 percent avoided bushmeat when given Given that 2009 is the International Richard Jenkins and Malagasy colleagues the choice of porcupine or chicken. Overall, Year of the Gorilla, the Great Apes conducted a five-month survey of collectors results suggest that taste is not the Survival Project (GRASP) Secretariat delivering frogs to a restaurant in eastern primary determinant of consumer demand announced that they are planning an Madagascar. They found a thriving trade – for wild meat. (Source: R. Nasi, D. Brown, antibushmeat charity football match to 3 233 frogs were delivered to the restaurant D. Wilkie, E. Bennett, C. Tutin, G. van Tol be held in Yaoundé between the during the period. Income for collectors and T. Christophersen. 2008. Conservation national teams of Cameroon and selling edible frogs was only slightly lower and use of wildlife-based resources: the Nigeria. It is hoped that the good per edible frog (US$0.29) than it was for bushmeat crisis. CBD Technical Series 33. example of the football heroes of Mantella milotympanum ($0.32), a critically 50 pp. Bogor, Indonesia, Secretariat of the Cameroon and Nigeria will have a endangered frog collected for the Convention on Biological Diversity, significant behavioural impact on the international pet trade, thus providing an Montreal, and Center for International illegal harvesting of bushmeat in the importance source of income for frog Forestry Research [CIFOR].) region. The aim is to broadcast the hunters. The researchers are now working to match throughout equatorial and determine the sustainability of the industry. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: southern Africa and use any revenue The authors conclude by noting that Secretariat of the Convention on Biological generated to support gorilla forest degradation – largely a result of Diversity, World Trade Centre, 413 St Jacques, conservation projects in both countries. conversion of agriculture – probably Suite 800, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9. The “Football for the Forests” match will damages frog habitat, thereby potentially Fax: 1 (514) 288 6588; e-mail: also serve as an awareness-raising pilot impacting collector livelihoods. (Source: [email protected]; www.cbd.int project to determine the possibility of Mongabay.com [Madagascar], 23 March future matches between great ape 2009.) United States of America imports 1 billion range states and to determine possible pet animals from the wild between 2000 involvement in 2010’s World Cup in The role of taste in determining the and 2006 South Africa. The GRASP Secretariat is demand for wild meat Poor regulation of the international wildlife provided jointly by UNEP and UNESCO. The role of taste and cultural preference in trade has increased the vulnerability of the (Source: Nature & Faune, 23(2), 2008.) driving the demand for wild meat is United States of America to outbreaks of unclear. It is commonly believed that disease and alien invasive species, report For more information, please contact: people in tropical forest countries often researchers writing in Science. Great Apes Survival Project (GRASP) prefer the taste of wild meat over that of Analysing Law Enforcement Partnership Secretariat, United Nations domestic animals, and that wild meat Management Information System (LEMIS) Environment Programme, consumption is a deeply rooted tradition data gathered by the United States Fish and PO Box 30552, Nairobi, 001100 Kenya. that is highly resistant to change. These Wildlife Service from 2000 through 2006, Fax: +254 20 7624249; e-mail: views are supported by the continuing Katherine Smith of Brown University and [email protected]; www.unep.org/grasp demand for wild meat from formerly rural colleagues found that of the more than people now living in middle-class urban or 1.5 billion live wildlife animals legally even overseas environments, from Jakarta, imported to the United States of America

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during the period, only 14 percent were casque and feathers, are an important part Tree iguanas targeted by hunters as source classified to the level of species despite of the traditional rituals and customs of of traditional medicine in the Plurinational federal mandates for such labelling. The many tribes. Hunting is deeply ingrained in State of Bolivia lack of accurate reporting makes it the local culture across the state and Harvesting of a Bolivian lizard for its impossible to "accurately assess the perhaps across many a tribe in northeast purported healing powers is leading to its diversity of wildlife imported or the risk India, making the curbing of hunting an depletion, report researchers writing in they pose as invasive species or hosts of exceptionally challenging task. The Tropical Conservation Science. harmful pathogens", they write. younger generation is slowly forgetting the Erika De la Galvez Murillo and Luis F. "If we don't know what animals are rules of hunting that their ancestors Pacheco of the Universidad Mayor de San coming in, how do we know which are going revered. (Extracted from: CEPF E-News, Andrés found that collection of the Andean to become invasive species or carry January 2009.) tree iguana or "Jararank'o" (Liolaemus diseases that could affect livestock, wildlife signifer), a lizard found on Bolivia's dry or ourselves?" asked Peter Daszak, altiplano for use in traditional medicine, President of Wildlife Trust and a coauthor reduced the population by nearly half relative on the paper. to unharvested sites. They note that the "The threat to public health is real. The WILDLIFE SEIZURES species may suffer increased mortality when majority of emerging diseases come from AND PROSECUTIONS dens are destroyed during harvesting since wildlife," added Smith, Assistant Research mother lizards – targeted by collectors for Professor in the Department of Ecology and • Investigators have seized about 300 their size – care for their young. Evolutionary Biology at Brown University wildlife items, including rhinoceros To improve the sustainability of the and lead author on the paper. "Most of teeth, tortoise shells, snake skins and practice the authors suggest that hunters these imported animals originate in a crocodile (species not reported) avoid collecting females and destroying Southeast Asia – a region shown to be a hot from a collector in what is described dens. (Source: Mongabay.com [Bolivia], spot for these emerging diseases." as the biggest haul of illegal wild 23 March 2009.) p The researchers found that 92 percent of animal trophies in western imports were designated for commercial Switzerland. The collector is said purposes, the majority of which were for to have acquired approximately the pet trade. Almost 80 percent of 600 trophies; about 200 items were shipments contained animals from wild apparently imported illegally and populations, "the majority of which have no 350 were later sold over the Internet mandatory testing for pathogens before or and by post. after shipment," they note. • In July 2008, forest police of The authors call for stronger regulation Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia, seized to improve monitoring of the live wildlife 190 bear (CITES I/II) paws and trade. They note that Congress is currently 14 moose Alces alces noses, which deliberating the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion were to be sent to Harbin, Prevention Act (HR 669), which would Heilongjiang Province by train. tighten regulations on wildlife imports but • In April 2008, two wildlife dealers say that the proposed legislation does not were arrested in Douala, Littoral go far enough to control what they term Province, after being found trying to "pathogen pollution". sell leopard Panthera pardus (CITES I) The authors further urge education skins and trophies derived from other programmes to make individuals, species. The arrest was carried out by importers, veterinarians and the pet the Provincial Delegation of Forestry industry aware of the "dangers of diseases and Wildlife, in collaboration with transmitted from wildlife to humans and the forces of law and order, the domesticated animals". They also call for judiciary and the Last Great Ape captive-breeding initiatives to reduce Organization (LAGA), and was part pressure on wild populations and reduce of a nationwide programme the risk of disease introduction. (Source: launched in 2003 by the Government Mongabay.com, 30 April 2009.) of Cameroon, with technical assistance from LAGA, which aims at Great hornbill at stake the effective enforcement of the Hornbills, especially great hornbills, are country’s 1994 wildlife law. The slowly and steadily vanishing from the still enforcement programme targets Strength does not come from physical intact forests of Arunachal Pradesh, India. wealthy dealers rather than villagers. capacity. It comes from an indomitable Hunting has proved to be a far greater (Source: TRAFFIC Bulletin, 22(1), will. threat than habitat loss from logging and October 2008.) Mahatma Gandhi shifting cultivation. Great hornbill body parts, especially the

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009