Gabon has banned the harvest of four valuable hardwoods according to the International Tropical Timber Organization’s Tropical Timber Market Report for Jan 1-15.
Afo, douka, moabi, and ozigo are no longer permitted to be harvested. Producers will have to dispose of all stocks of these species by April 1, 2009.
The ITTO notes that “although individually the volumes of each of the four species are not that significant, the ban will mean a noticeable reduction in the harvest volumes per hectare.”
The move “is expected to impact the viability of some concession areas,” the ITTO continues.
The reason behind the decision was not immediately specified. Prices for tropical hardwoods have been plunging due to falling demand resulting from the global economic slowdown.
