This guide covers the main timber species regulatedby the Convention on International Trade inEndangered Species (CITES). It provides informationon the key issues regarding the implementation ofthe Convention for this important group of plants.Written for the non-expert, individual sections coverthe species found in signifi cant trade, with details ontheir distribution, uses, traded parts and derivatives,and scientific c and common names.Additional sections cover timber identification andmeasurement, guidance on CITES documentationand key resources.

This atlas presents macroscopic descriptions, macro cross section pictures, general characteristics and identification keys of 335 wood species currently introduced in the European timber market from all over the world. Overall 292 different genera are represented and CITES-listed timbers are also included. Macroscopic descriptions are based on a recently proposed list of macroscopic features for wood identification. Macroscopic features and their codes are defined and illustrated in the atlas. Wood descriptions also include information about natural durability, physical and mechanical properties, end uses, environmental sustainability and possible related misleading commercial names. Furthermore, each genus is described in terms of number of species, geographical distribution and main commercial timbers, and details are given about to what extent timbers within the genus can be typically identified through macroscopic and microscopic analysis, if any. The atlas will be a valuable guide for all agents in charge for timber verification, those involved in the European Timber Regulation enforcement and CITES inspections, as well as wood scientists, foresters, wood sellers, wood restorers, and any wood worker and wood passionate interested in a fast and reliable tool for wood identification.

This atlas presents technical information for professionals who process and use temperate or tropical timber. It combines the main technical characteristics of 283 tropical species and 17 species from temperate regions most commonly used in Europe with their primary uses.

This guide targets trade in ramin (Gonystylus spp.) alight tropical hardwood, native to peat forest swampsof Southeast Asia, which is regulated on Appendix IIof CITES. The vital information required by CITESauthorities and traders is provided, in a simple andvisually attractive form; what requires permits,international trade patterns and the identification ofwood and products in trade.

"This guide covers the main timber species regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES). It provides information on the key issues regarding the implementation of the Convention for this important group of plants. Written for the non-expert, individual sections cover the species found in significant trade, with details on their distribution, uses, traded parts and derivatives, and scientific and common names. Additional sections cover timber identification and measurement, guidance on CITES documentation and key resources

This scoping paper analyzes the governance of trade in timber-producing species regulated by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in light of the Convention’s increasing relevance as a tool to control transnational timber trade. The CITES regulatory framework is outlined as it relates to tree species, along with the compliance mechanisms developed to build range state capacity for implementing trade controls in relation to tropical timber species and to apply sanctions to countries that fail to take recommended action to resolve implementation problems. The study describes stricter domestic measures developed by consumer countries, most notably the EU, to control imports of CITES-listed species, including trees, as well as additional regulatory frameworks designed by importing countries to exclude illegal timber from their markets. It also examines the implications for CITES of regional economic integration given the Convention’s dependence on national border controls, with a focus on experience in the EU and trends in Asia. Key findings from three case studies of how CITES has approached governance of trade in valuable timber-producing species – ramin (Gonystylus spp.) from Asia, afrormosia (Pericopsis elata) from Central and West Africa and bigleaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) from Latin America – are presented and other potential case studies identified. The study concludes by identifying priority areas where further research could contribute towards catalyzing positive change to strengthen the governance of transnational timber trade, and ultimately towards the survival of tree species traded illegally and unsustainably.

The Addis Ababa principles and guidelines for the sustainable use of biodiversity provide a framework for assisting governments, indigenous and local communities, resource managers, the private sector and other stakeholders, about how to ensure that their uses of biological diversity will not lead to its long-term decline. The practical principles in most instances apply to both consumptive and non-consumptive uses of biodiversity components. They take into account requirements related to policies, laws, and regulations; management of biological diversity; socio-economic conditions; and information, research, and education.