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<p>The UK is currently contributing funding towards a Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) study on the conservation
and trade in rosewood tree species but does yet not have an assessment of rosewood
timber exports. We have robust mechanisms in place through the UK Timber Regulations
(UKTR), which prohibit the placing of illegally harvested timber and timber products
on the GB market and require operators - those first placing timber products on the
market - to exercise due diligence. Those who trade in timber and timber products
after they have been placed on the market are required to keep records of who they
buy timber products from and any traders they sell them to. This enables timber and
timber products to be traced.</p><p> </p><p>The primary objective of the UKTR is to
tackle illegal logging and to create a demand for legally harvested timber. Implementing
the Regulations enables the protection of forests around the world, supporting the
Government’s ambition to lead the world in environmental protection, end extreme poverty,
and be at the forefront of action against global climate change.</p><p> </p><p>The
requirement to exercise due diligence under UKTR does not apply where a valid CITES
permit accompanies the timber.</p><p> </p><p>Rosewood species (Dalbergia and Guibourtia
spp.) are listed on the CITES Appendices and so most rosewood timber imports into
the UK will need a valid permit. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case
basis by the UK CITES Management Authority, which will only issue permits if it has
been possible to determine that the specimens to be imported were legally acquired
and sustainably harvested.</p><p> </p><p>The Government provides grants to a wide
range of stakeholders to contribute to the protection of endangered wild species,
including tackling illegal wildlife trade in West Africa, through the Biodiversity
Challenge Funds. While these do not address rosewood in West Africa specifically,
this has included empowering communities to protect their forests by the Society for
the Conservation of Nature of Liberia, and supporting Royal Botanic Gardens Kew to
monitor and halt illegal timber trade through DNA barcoding in Gabon and Congo (Brazzaville).</p><p>
</p><p>Further information on these examples and other projects supported by the Biodiversity
Challenge Funds can be found at the websites of the Darwin Initiative and the Illegal
Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund.</p>
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