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.

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 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 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 book responds to the call for more research on transnational environmental crime and its governance by investigating the illegal trade in electronic waste (e-waste) and tropical timber, major forms of transnational environmental crime. The book is based on a qualitative multi-method research combining document analysis, interviews with key informants and field visits. Bisschop focuses on the flows that pass through the research setting of the Port of Antwerp (Belgium) and those between Europe and West and Central Africa. The study examines the emergence and social organization of these transnational environmental flows, illustrating that although profit or lure play a very important role, a range of factors on individual, organizational and societal levels together provide the motivations and opportunities. Building on these insights, the book addresses the governance of these two cases. The responsive regulatory pyramid and networked governance are used as theoretical frameworks for this analysis. This book is essential reading for scholars and academics interested in transnational environmental crime and corporate crime, as well as governance studies.

'A valuable addition to the wildlife conservation and management literature.' Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy 'This book provides the reader with a fascinating set of debates about the ethical, biological and socio-economic issues that arise in attempting to regulate the wildlife trade.' Development and Change The regulation of the trade in wildlife is failing. From the snow leopard of India to the monkey puzzle tree of South America, increasing numbers of plant and animal species are threatened with extinction despite improvements both in our understanding of the issues involved and in the management of global trade. Insight into why this is taking place, and how to halt it, is urgently needed. The Trade in Wildlife provides a timely and broad-based critical assessment of how the international trade in wildlife is currently regulated and how those regulations are enforced, or, all too often, ignored. Through analysis of key case studies and a comparative look at the trade in other illegal goods, it highlights the weakness in the current system, shows where it is failing and clearly outlines what must be done if conservation efforts are to be supported by trade regulations rather than undermined by them. This is a comprehensive resource for academics and students in economics, environmental studies, law and politics and a critical text for conservationists, policy-makers and NGOs.