CITES eases norms for agarwood export; move to benefit lakhs of farmers from the Northeast

The Hindu : Page 06

Syllabus : GS 3 : Environment and Ecology

India successfully prevented agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) from being included in CITES’ Review of Significant Trade (RST) and secured a new export quota starting April 2024.

•   This benefits farmers in northeastern states, despite ongoing illegal trade issues.
•   The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and MoEFCC supported this move with a non-detriment findings (NDF) study.

Agarwood

•   Agarwood (the Wood of Gods) also known as “Oud,” is a highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood produced by the Aquilaria tree.
•  The resin forms in the heartwood of the tree when it becomes infected with a particular type of mold (Phialophora parasitica).
•  This infection causes the tree to produce a dark, fragrant resin, which is highly sought after for its distinctive aroma.
•  This contains essential oils with compounds like sesquiterpenes, chromones, and phenylethyl chromone derivatives.
•  It thrives in tropical forests, at altitudes up to 1000 meters, often found in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
•   Conservation Status:

o  IUCN Status: Listed as Critically Endangered.

o  CITES: Listed in Appendix II in 1995 based on India’s proposal at CoP9 in 1994.

Uses of Agarwood

•   It is traditionally used as incense.
•   Extracts (agarwood oil) are used in perfumes, the aroma industry, medicine, air fresheners, and purifiers.
•   Essential oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and anti-oxidant properties.

CITES eases export of agarwood from India

•   Inclusion of agarwood in the RST of CITES prevented
•   India has successfully prevented inclusion of agarwood in the RST of the CITES.
•   This development is going to benefit lakhs of farmers in certain districts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.
•   Decision based on study by BSI

o  India's removal from the RST for Aquilaria malaccensis was achieved through a study conducted by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) under the MoEFCC.

o  This study, known as a non-detriment finding (NDF), concluded that the species could be sustainably harvested under certain conditions.

o  Key points from the NDF include:

1. Restrictions: Harvesting plants, collecting seeds, seedlings, saplings, and other propagules should not be allowed from existing wild populations, protected areas, and reserve forests.
2. Permitted Harvesting: Harvesting should be allowed from home and community gardens, plantations on leased or patta lands, private or community plantations, and other small-scale or large-scale plantations.
3. Export Quotas: The NDF recommended an export quota for 2024–2027, allowing for 151,080 kg per year of agarwood chips and powder/sawdust and 7,050 kg per year of agarwood oil.

Significance for Farmers

•   Agarwood cultivation is prevalent in parts of India, especially in the Northeast.
•   This development will benefit lakhs of farmers in districts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.

CITES:

•   CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
•  Established: Signed in 1973 and entered into force in 1975.
•   Objective: Ensure international trade does not threaten the survival of wild animals and plants.
•   Parties: 184 countries.
•  Appendices:

o  Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction, trade permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

o  Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but trade must be controlled to avoid utilisation incompatible with their survival.

o  Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling trade.

•   Mechanism: Uses a system of permits and certificates to regulate trade.
•   Impact: Significant in reducing illegal wildlife trade, aiding conservation efforts.
•   Challenges: Enforcement issues, illicit trafficking, compliance gaps among member countries.

 UPSC Prelims PYQ : 2016

Ques : With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.

2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India.

Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)