Help Stop Illegal Logging SEND ACTION~a21405u83527

Betreff: Help Stop Illegal Logging SEND ACTION~a21405u83527

Von: WWF Conservation Action Network

Datum: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 13:53:16 -0400 (EDT)




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HELP STOP ILLEGAL LOGGING

ACTION DEADLINE: September 30, 2004

WWF calls on activists worldwide to urge the U.S. government to take steps to prevent the illegal trade and unsustainable logging of two tropical woods -- big-leaf mahogany and ramin. Without further action, big-leaf mahogany may become commercially extinct. And, in the peat forest swamps where ramin grows, endangered tigers, orangutans, and other species will be put at risk.

The 166 countries that are parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) will meet October 2-14 to consider proposals to strengthen protection and regulation of trade for a variety of species. Issues concerning trade in ramin and big-leaf mahogany are on the agenda.

CITES is a treaty that regulates international trade in species of wild plants and animals considered threatened or endangered, as well as those that could become endangered if their trade isn’t properly controlled. Strong U.S. support would greatly increase the chances that a proposal to increase ramin protections passes and that the existing big-leaf mahogany protections are enforced.

Big-leaf mahogany has long been sought after for its high quality, beauty, and durability. Despite protections that came into force last year under CITES, illegal logging of big-leaf mahogany remains a serious problem throughout the rain forests of South America. WWF has strong indications that illegal logging of mahogany is occurring within several national parks and territories of indigenous groups living in voluntary isolation.

Ramin is also subject to overharvesting, the majority of which is illegal and driven by demand from the international market. This tropical hardwood from Indonesia and Malaysia is used to make mass-produced baby cribs, pool cues, moldings, doors, and picture frames. The peat swamp forests where ramin primarily grows are increasingly targeted by illegal loggers in search of the valuable wood.

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		Simply hit "reply" and "send" in your email system and we will send the letter, below, on your behalf. The Honorable Craig Manson U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks 1849 C Street, NW Room 3156 Washington, DC 20240 Dear Mr. Manson: As someone concerned about the status of forests and wildlife around the globe, I urge you to take steps to ensure compliance with the existing CITES Appendix II listing for big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and to support Indonesia’s proposal to list ramin (Gonystylus spp) on Appendix II. Big-leaf mahogany is currently listed on Appendix II, which recognizes that it is at risk and needs protection, and allows international trade only if member countries ensure that the trade is legal and sustainable. Nevertheless, illegal logging of big-leaf mahogany remains rampant and illegally logged big-leaf mahogany continues to be exported contrary to the provisions of CITES. The United States has received shipments since the Appendix II listing went into effect and many are of questionable legality. I urge the U.S. government to request immediate and full compliance with CITES by ensuring that all shipments containing mahogany undergo careful inspection and abide by the conditions of Appendix II. The United States declared at the CITES meeting in 2002 that it supported the mahogany proposal. Please reinforce that support by fully implementing the CITES requirements for mahogany. If the U.S. government is not convinced that the Appendix II criteria are being met for particular countries, then it should halt the importation of mahogany from such countries until full compliance can be guaranteed and demonstrated. The current overexploitation of ramin in Indonesia is driven by high international demand for this valuable wood. Indonesia’s proposal to list ramin on Appendix II in order to help regulate and control this trade would ensure that all ramin entering the trade chain is from well-managed forests and harvested without detriment to the survival of the species in the wild. The listing would also stimulate international cooperation to control illegal trade and to manage and conserve ramin. Ramin plays a key role within the ecosystem, growing in peatland forests that are habitat to many endangered species. I urge the United States to support Indonesia, a developing country that has asked CITES for this assistance, by supporting this proposal. Please do all you can to ensure that international trade in big-leaf mahogany and ramin is legal and sustainable and that the important environmental benefits they provide are maintained for the future. Sincerely, Your name and address will be inserted here

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