Prostates are clearing Africa
Press release n°1
The African cherry tree (Prunus africana, also known as African almond) was serving the public interest. It slows down erosion and mudflows on the steep slopes of the mountains of tropical and southern Africa as far as Madagascar. It favours the establishment of ferns and orchids and by the abundance of its seeds and fruits, it contributes to feeding primates and birds such as gorillas, eastern black-and-white colobuses, Bannerman’s turacos and Cameroon greenbulls. Local communities use its leaves and roots to treat various diseases.
Something is moving in wood
Press release n°3
CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
17th Conference of the Parties. Johannesburg – South Africa
September 24 to October 5, 2016
Good news for tropical forests. Three important changes.
1- Dalbergia
It was feared that China would oppose. Trade in Dalbergia, commonly known as rosewood or red wood (“hongmu” in Chinese) had been booming in the world’s biggest importer. 10,000 producers of furniture and decorative objects are in activity in China, transforming “hongmu”. The industry employs one million people and generates 7 billion US$ in revenue per year. The Dalbegia odorifera, the most prestigious species, is sold at present for 1.5 million US$ per m3. Ordinary species are sold between 10,000 and 40,000 US$ per m3. After China, the United States and Europe are the main importers.
