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NDF Application Summary: Afzelia bipindensis Harms

NDF Application Summary: Afzelia bipindensis Harms

By: The 9-Step Team

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Trade name(s): Doussié

Quantity: 100 m³of sawn timber from the FNTdP forestry company harvested in 2024

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STEP 1: REVIEW SPECIMEN IDENTIFICATION


Key Question 1.1

Is the Scientific Authority confident, that the timber or timber product concerned has been correctly identified, and that the correct scientific name has been used for the timber?

You chose: Yes

The Scientific Authority is confident with the species identification and use of correct scientific name (or has corrected a simple error or outdated name).

Describe concerns or error(s) resolved - your notes:

Currently only one species is known from this country:
Afzelia bipindensis

The national CITES Scientific Authority for Flora (TPSA) are reliant on forester knowledge to identify the tree in habitat and the wood entering trade. Local foresters state that they can reliably identify Afzelia bipindensis in habitat and that the wood retains, when cut, a distinctive yellow powder in the pores.

Taxonomy – Yes
CITES database Species+ outlines 7 African species of which Afzelia bipindensis Harms is one. There is no CITES standard reference for this genus, the names included in Species+ are to be used in this case.

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Species+ accessed 22/July/2024. https://speciesplus.net. High

STEP 2: REVIEW COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION


Key Question 2.1

Is the permit application for artificially propagated specimens?

You chose: No

The application is not for artificially propagated specimens, the specimens should be treated as sourced from the wild and a detailed NDF is required.

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

STEP 3: REVIEW RELEVANT EXCLUSIONS AND PREVIOUSLY-MADE NDFS


Key Question 3.1

Are the timber specimens applied for covered by CITES Appendix II?

You chose: Yes

Record any relevant information below - your notes:

Listed In the CITES Appendices Afzelia spp. is annotated with # 17
# 17 = Logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, plywood and transformed wood

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
CITES Appendices, accessed 22/July/2024. https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php. High

Key Question 3.2

Is the harvest or the export of specimens of this species sourced from the wild or from assisted production allowed by national or relevant sub-national legislation or regulation?

You chose: Yes

Describe the legislation or regulation and its relevance below - your notes:

The export of this timber is permitted subject to permissions and permits from the relevant Government departments and agencies.

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

Key Question 3.3

Has the Scientific Authority previously made a science-based NDF for this species that is still valid and is sufficient to evaluate the specimens for the current export permit application?

You chose: No

Record reasons that evidence used for a previous NDF is not valid and sufficient to evaluate the current permit application. - your notes:

For the purpose of this case study we are treating this NDF as the first to be made for this FMU.

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
CITES Appendices, accessed 22/July/2024. https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php. High
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

STEP 4: EVALUATE CONSERVATION CONCERN


Key Question 4.1

Has the conservation status of the species been assessed at any geographic scope? In cases where an assessment does not exist, other information relevant to the conservation concern should be considered.

You chose: Yes

Record conservation status and scope of the assessment, threats and the confidence you have in each assessment - your notes:

Using factor table guidance “The species, population, or sub-population has been assessed and is considered to nearly qualify as threatened. The assessment or listing is based on defined criteria (e.g., IUCN Red List categories Near Threatened/NT, Vulnerable/VU, or equivalent categories used in other systems)., Vulnerable conservation status equates to Medium Conservation Concern.

Conservation Status Assessments:

Conservation Status: Vulnerable for the region and for range State A
Geographic Scope: National
Threats noted in assessment: Medium conservation concern

Key Question 4

Considering assessments of the conservation status of the species, what is the indicated severity of conservation concern (i.e. “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”)?

You chose: Low

  • The species, population, or sub-population has been assessed and is not considered to be threatened. The assessment or listing is based on defined criteria (e.g. IUCN Red List category Least Concern/LC or equivalent categories used in other systems).
  • Little concern over the conservation status and the species is considered to be abundant based on grey literature or expert advice.

Record any relevant information below: - your notes:

Checking Plants of the World Online reveals that the species has been assessed using the AI process Angiosperm Extinction Risk Predictions v1 as not threatened with confidence level: Confident (Bachman, S.P. et alia, 2024). This 2024 assessment is the most recent. Checking the Factor Table this corresponds with a Concern level of Low.

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Bachman, S.P., Brown, M.J.M., Leão, T.C.C., Lughadha, E.N., Walker, B.E. (2024). Extinction risk predictions for the world's flowering plants to support their conservation. https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nph.19592 High

STEP 5: EVALUATE POTENTIAL BIOLOGICAL RISKS


Key Question 5: Habitat specificity and vulnerability

Consider the characteristics of the species distribution, population, habitat and resilience that affect the potential risk of harvest to the survival of its wild populations. Is the severity of risk indicated for each of these factors “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: The species occurs in evergreen and semi-deciduous forest up to 900 m altitude, usually on well-drained soil in primary and secondary forest also in forest patches in savanna; rainforest. Checking the Factor Table this corresponds with a level of Medium.
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Africa Plant Database https://africanplantdatabase.ch/en/nomen/specie/68435/afzelia-bipindensis-harms High
Gerard, J. & Louppe, D., (2011). Afzelia bipindensis Harms. In: Lemmens, R.H.M.J., Louppe, D. & Oteng-Amoako, A.A. (editors). Prota 7(2): Timbers/Bois d’oeuvre 2. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands High

Key Question 5: National /sub-national population size and distribution

Consider the characteristics of the species distribution, population, habitat and resilience that affect the potential risk of harvest to the survival of its wild populations. Is the severity of risk indicated for each of these factors “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: Terre de Palissandre has an area of some 100,000 square kilometres. Approximately 30,000 square kilometres is forest of varying types and status. Approximately 10,000 square kilometres is land area suitable for this species 40% of which is primary old-growth forest, 40% regenerating forests and 20% seriously degraded. The populations are scattered across the country with a preponderance in the drier South East. Checking the Factor Table this corresponds with a level of Medium.
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

Key Question 5: Geographic Distribution

Consider the characteristics of the species distribution, population, habitat and resilience that affect the potential risk of harvest to the survival of its wild populations. Is the severity of risk indicated for each of these factors “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: The native range of this species is Ivory Coast to SW Uganda and Angola, including Terre de Palissandre. Checking the Factor Table this corresponds with a level of Medium.
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Plants of the World Online (POWO). Accessed 22/July/2024. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:473055-1 High

Key Question 5: Resilience of tree species

Consider the characteristics of the species distribution, population, habitat and resilience that affect the potential risk of harvest to the survival of its wild populations. Is the severity of risk indicated for each of these factors “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: It is a non-pioneer light demanding species with a slow growth rate. They state that it is hermaphrodite species with fertile flowers appearing when DBH >/= 20 cm. It is a highly disseminated species with fewer than 2 trees per hectare for a DBH >/=20 cm. It has regular fruiting and flowering and fruits from 65/69 cm. Its non-clumped distribution and the abundance of saplings suggest that there is an effective contribution of agents involved in the regeneration of the species. Slow growing, average of 0.575 cm/year. Checking the Factor Table this corresponds with a level of Medium.
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Evrard, Q., Hardy, O. J., Tagg, N. & Doucet, J.-L., (2019). Removal and predation of aril-covered seeds: the case of Afzelia bipendenis (Fabaceae- Detarioidae). Plant Ecology and Evolution 152 (3): 460-4 69,2019. High
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High
Doucet, J.-L., Daïnou, K., Ligot, G., Ouédraogo, D.-Y., Bourland, N., Ward, S. E., Tekam, P., Lagoute, P. & Fayolle, A. (2016) Enrichment of Central African logged forests with high-value tree species: testing a new approach to regenerating degraded forests. In: International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management 12 (1-2), S. 83–95. High
Ouédraogo, D.‐Y., Doucet, J.‐L., Daïnou, K., Baya, F., Biwolé, A. B., Bourland, N., Fousseni, F., Gillet, J.-F., Kouadio, Y., L., & Fayolle, A. (2018) The size at reproduction of canopy tree species in central Africa. In: Biotropica 50 (3), S. 465–476. DOI: 10.1111/btp.12531. High

Key Question 5: Size structure of national/ sub-national populations

Consider the characteristics of the species distribution, population, habitat and resilience that affect the potential risk of harvest to the survival of its wild populations. Is the severity of risk indicated for each of these factors “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: The species usually occurs scattered and in low densities in the forest. In Cameroon the average density of trees with a bole of more than 60 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) varies between 0.02 and 0.2 per hectare. The national Scientific Authority reports that the density of trees in Terre de Palissandre is higher than in Cameroon and this is reflected in inventory data. The size class distribution displays as a reverse J-shaped curve. Checking the Factor Table this corresponds with a level of Low.
Severity: Low

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Gerard, J. & Louppe, D., (2011). Afzelia bipindensis Harms. In: Lemmens, R.H.M.J., Louppe, D. & Oteng-Amoako, A.A. (editors). Prota 7(2): Timbers/Bois d’oeuvre 2. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands High
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

STEP 6: EVALUATE IMPACTS OF HARVEST


Key Question 6: Harvest impact on the ecosystem

Considering the impacts of all ongoing harvest and all other threats (e.g. including illegal logging and clearing of forest for non-trade purposes e.g. land conversion) on species survival, is the severity of harvest impact on target populations, the national population, and on the ecosystem “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: Minimal impact on animal communities by logging. Bird and primate species play only a marginal role in seed dispersal. Species is not easy to identify in the field, but local foresters are confident that this is possible. Inverse J-shaped curve for the population demography indicates a good regeneration. Good opportunity for the species to fruit and set seed. Reduced impact Logging not in place. No detailed information on impact on other species. This species is known to like river and stream sides. Extraction may impact more on such ecosystems. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 4b would indicate a level of Medium Impact.
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Evrard, Q., Hardy, O. J., Tagg, N. & Doucet, J.-L., (2019). Removal and predation of aril-covered seeds: the case of Afzelia bipendenis (Fabaceae- Detarioidae). Plant Ecology and Evolution 152 (3): 460-4 69,2019. High
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

Key Question 6: Impact of harvest on harvest population

Considering the impacts of all ongoing harvest and all other threats (e.g. including illegal logging and clearing of forest for non-trade purposes e.g. land conversion) on species survival, is the severity of harvest impact on target populations, the national population, and on the ecosystem “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: Suliman Berg, The Forestry Management Unit (FMU) has an area of 30,000 hectares and consist of a mix of mainly old growth forest, with limited degradation at borders of the FMU where there are old access roads present. Diameter classes are indicated in 10-cm diameter classes, the values given for each diameter class always indicates the lower limit of the diameter class. Reviewing the parameters outlined above and comparing them with the guidance indicators outlined in Table 4a this would correspond with a level of Medium Impact of Harvest on Harvest Population. Critical to this assessment is that the MCD is 20 cm above the EFD, good recovery Rate at 97%, Reverse J Shape size class distribution, sufficient trees available in lower classes to replace AAC which will reach maturity and fruit.
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

Key Question 6: Impact of harvest on national and sub-national populations of target species

Considering the impacts of all ongoing harvest and all other threats (e.g. including illegal logging and clearing of forest for non-trade purposes e.g. land conversion) on species survival, is the severity of harvest impact on target populations, the national population, and on the ecosystem “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: Approximately 10,000 square kilometres is land area suitable for this species; 40% of which is primary old-growth forest, 40% regenerating forests and 20% seriously degraded. A national inventory in 2014 found that that the forest types, in which the species occurs was relatively wide ranging and the populations +/- stable but sparse. Size class distribution of 40 FMUs nationally show a reverse J curve. The Artificial Intelligence global conservation assessment undertaken in 2024 included assessment of population trend, this had an outcome of not threatened. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 4b would indicate a level of Medium Impact.
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Bachman, S.P., Brown, M.J.M., Leão, T.C.C., Lughadha, E.N., Walker, B.E. (2024). Extinction risk predictions for the world's flowering plants to support their conservation. https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nph.19592 High
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

STEP 7: EVALUATE IMPACTS OF TRADE


Key Question 7: Trade level in relation to harvest area production

Considering the impacts of trade of this requested export on the target species’ survival, is the severity of all legal and illegal trade impact on the harvest area population and the national populations of the species concerned “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: 100 m3 of sawn timber applied for from this FMU. Another export of 500 cubic metres was applied for and approved in 2024. However this was from another FMU. Annual Allowable Cut is 1058.775 m³. Forêt Nationale TdP Sawmill gives conversion rate to export grade sawn wood as 30%, which would be 333 m³ Round Wood Equivalent. This is less than the Annual Allowable Cut (AAC). Level of domestic trade for this species is unknown. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 5 would indicate a precautionary level of Medium Impact.
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

Key Question 7: Magnitude and trend of national legal trade

Considering the impacts of trade of this requested export on the target species’ survival, is the severity of all legal and illegal trade impact on the harvest area population and the national populations of the species concerned “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: National trade ban in place for 5 years prior to CITES listing. Ban lifted on implementation of CITES Listing with exports confined to sawn wood and transformed wood. Reported only 500 m3 of sawn wood exported since CITES listing (in April 2024) and annual report not yet submitted. An annual export quota is planned but has not yet been established. International trade likely to increase following re-opening of trade. Level of domestic trade for this species is unknown. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 5 would indicate a precautionary (unknown domestic trade) level of Medium Impact
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Gerard, J. & Louppe, D., (2011). Afzelia bipindensis Harms. In: Lemmens, R.H.M.J., Louppe, D. & Oteng-Amoako, A.A. (editors). Prota 7(2): Timbers/Bois d’oeuvre 2. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands High
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

Key Question 7: Magnitude of illegal trade

Considering the impacts of trade of this requested export on the target species’ survival, is the severity of all legal and illegal trade impact on the harvest area population and the national populations of the species concerned “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, or “Unknown”?

You specified:

Risk/Impact Factors:

Risk/Impact: Limited information available on the robustness of the new chain of custody procedure. Reported strong demand for species in neighbouring countries where supplies are limited. US250,000 worth of timber is reported to have been seized in the last 2 years of the ban. Some concern over lack of data on/regulation of domestic trade. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 5 would indicate a precautionary (unknown domestic trade, issue re chain of custody, illegal trade during ban) level of Medium Impact.
Severity: Medium

Information sources consulted:

Citation Info Source Confidence Level
Gerard, J. & Louppe, D., (2011). Afzelia bipindensis Harms. In: Lemmens, R.H.M.J., Louppe, D. & Oteng-Amoako, A.A. (editors). Prota 7(2): Timbers/Bois d’oeuvre 2. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands High
TPSA, (2024). Personal Communication to the Author. Scientific Authority for Flora, Terre de Palissandre. High

STEP 8: EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT MEASURES


Key Question 8.1: Wild harvest Impacts

Which management measures are in place for the target species?

  1. Forest Management Plan (FMP), set at FMU level with 10-year reviews planned, set for 30 years
  2. Annual Operating Plan (AOP) FMP approved including AOP and Annual Harvest Permit.
  3. Annual Operating Plan (AOP), Inventory for Cutting Area in 2023
  4. No known plans for new National Inventory to update that of 2014
  5. Forest Management Plan, set at FMU level with 10-year reviews planned, set for 30 years

STEP 8: EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT MEASURES


Key Question 8.1: Wild harvest impacts

Which management measures are in place for the target species?

  1. Harvest Permit required, Harvest Regulation, Harvest Trade Database & Natural limitation of Collection Only one harvest per year allowed, in the Autumn. Harvest permit required. Harvest amounts and other details recorded in harvest trade database. Available harvest area ranges between 2,500 and 50,000 hectares (easily accessible to nearly inaccessible). Only the most accessible portion of the target populations are impacted.
  2. Harvest Regulation. National Vegetation Survey & Natural limitation of Collection Only one harvest per year allowed. Only a small proportion of the national population is affected by collection for trade. Preliminary results of a National Vegetation Survey/Inventory indicate large populations of the species which are apparently stable. degraded areas are estimated to make up less that 0.5% of national population and < 5% of harvest population.
  3. Harvest Regulation & Natural limitation of Collection Only one harvest per year allowed. Only a small proportion of the national population is affected by collection for trade.

STEP 8: EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT MEASURES


Key Question 8.1: Trade Impacts

Which management measures are in place for the target species?

  1. Chain of Custody Process now established (2024) Management is based on robust calculations with harvestable quantities set to allow good recovery/regeneration. Assurance of Harvest and export from Site (Included in FMP and reporting to SA)
  2. Chain of Custody Process now established (2024) National Quota planned but not yet in Place.
  3. Chain of Custody Process now established (2024) (Was established by EU based external consultants) Facility for random Spot Checking across Chain of Custody Co-operation agreement in place for enforcement in neighbouring countries in passage to sea port Trained & Resourced Customs Teams

STEP 8: EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT MEASURES


Key Question 8.1: Trade impacts

Which management measures are in place for the target species?

  1. Harvest Permit required, Harvest Regulation, Harvest Trade Database Only one harvest per year allowed, in the Autumn. Harvest permit required. Harvest amounts and other details recorded in harvest trade database. Permit quantity likely only small quantity of stock available in harvest area.
  2. Harvest Permit Required, Harvest Trade Database and Trade Regulation Requirement of permit for harvest material for export and data collection from Harvest Trade database will now gather harvest data and data on material for export. Note: No regulation of domestic trade or quota systems in place
  3. Export Controls, Trained and Resourced Enforcement Teams, Limited Chain of Custody Process MA has restricted ports of export to national airport and 2 train border crossing points. The export of this plant is restricted to dried roots and rhizomes, and extract only. Establishment of the Transit Processing Export Warehouse has put in place a partial tracking system. Training Programme of Enforcement Officers carried out by WCO in 2022 – 2223. Hoped EU will support training update in 2025.

STEP 8: EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANAGEMENT MEASURES


Key Question 8.2

Do existing management systems adequately mitigate harvest and trade impacts identified for the populations and sub-populations of the species concerned?

Evaluate whether management systems in place adequately mitigate harvest impacts

Impact of harvest on national and sub-national populations of target species. Severity: medium

Approximately 10,000 square kilometres is land area suitable for this species; 40% of which is primary old-growth forest, 40% regenerating forests and 20% seriously degraded. A national inventory in 2014 found that that the forest types, in which the species occurs was relatively wide ranging and the populations +/- stable but sparse. Size class distribution of 40 FMUs nationally show a reverse J curve. The Artificial Intelligence global conservation assessment undertaken in 2024 included assessment of population trend, this had an outcome of not threatened. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 4b would indicate a level of Medium Impact.

Management measure in place

No known plans for new National Inventory to update that of 2014

How this measure addresses/mitigates the impact

Mitigation level: DON'T EXIST OR UNKNOWN

Harvest impact on the ecosystem. Severity: medium

Minimal impact on animal communities by logging. Bird and primate species play only a marginal role in seed dispersal. Species is not easy to identify in the field, but local foresters are confident that this is possible. Inverse J-shaped curve for the population demography indicates a good regeneration. Good opportunity for the species to fruit and set seed. Reduced impact Logging not in place. No detailed information on impact on other species. This species is known to like river and stream sides. Extraction may impact more on such ecosystems. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 4b would indicate a level of Medium Impact.

Management measure in place

Forest Management Plan (FMP), set at FMU level with 10-year reviews planned, set for 30 years

How this measure addresses/mitigates the impact

Mitigation level: APPROPRIATE RIGOUR

Impact of harvest on harvest population. Severity: medium

Suliman Berg, The Forestry Management Unit (FMU) has an area of 30,000 hectares and consist of a mix of mainly old growth forest, with limited degradation at borders of the FMU where there are old access roads present. Diameter classes are indicated in 10-cm diameter classes, the values given for each diameter class always indicates the lower limit of the diameter class. Reviewing the parameters outlined above and comparing them with the guidance indicators outlined in Table 4a this would correspond with a level of Medium Impact of Harvest on Harvest Population. Critical to this assessment is that the MCD is 20 cm above the EFD, good recovery Rate at 97%, Reverse J Shape size class distribution, sufficient trees available in lower classes to replace AAC which will reach maturity and fruit.

Management measure in place

Forest Management Plan (FMP), set at FMU level with 10-year reviews planned, set for 30 years

How this measure addresses/mitigates the impact

Mitigation level: APPROPRIATE RIGOUR

Evaluate whether management systems in place adequately mitigate trade impacts

Trade level in relation to harvest area production. Severity: medium

100 m3 of sawn timber applied for from this FMU. Another export of 500 cubic metres was applied for and approved in 2024. However this was from another FMU. Annual Allowable Cut is 1058.775 m³. Forêt Nationale TdP Sawmill gives conversion rate to export grade sawn wood as 30%, which would be 333 m³ Round Wood Equivalent. This is less than the Annual Allowable Cut (AAC). Level of domestic trade for this species is unknown. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 5 would indicate a precautionary level of Medium Impact.

Management measure in place

Chain of Custody Process now established (2024) Management is based on robust calculations with harvestable quantities set to allow good recovery/regeneration. Assurance of Harvest and export from Site (Included in FMP and reporting to SA)

How this measure addresses/mitigates the impact

Mitigation level: APPROPRIATE RIGOUR

Magnitude and trend of national legal trade. Severity: medium

National trade ban in place for 5 years prior to CITES listing. Ban lifted on implementation of CITES Listing with exports confined to sawn wood and transformed wood. Reported only 500 m3 of sawn wood exported since CITES listing (in April 2024) and annual report not yet submitted. An annual export quota is planned but has not yet been established. International trade likely to increase following re-opening of trade. Level of domestic trade for this species is unknown. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 5 would indicate a precautionary (unknown domestic trade) level of Medium Impact

Management measure in place

Chain of Custody Process now established (2024) National Quota planned but not yet in Place.

How this measure addresses/mitigates the impact

Mitigation level: APPROPRIATE RIGOUR

Magnitude of illegal trade. Severity: medium

Limited information available on the robustness of the new chain of custody procedure. Reported strong demand for species in neighbouring countries where supplies are limited. US250,000 worth of timber is reported to have been seized in the last 2 years of the ban. Some concern over lack of data on/regulation of domestic trade. Reviewing this information with the guidance in Table 5 would indicate a precautionary (unknown domestic trade, issue re chain of custody, illegal trade during ban) level of Medium Impact.

Management measure in place

Chain of Custody Process now established (2024) (Was established by EU based external consultants) Facility for random Spot Checking across Chain of Custody Co-operation agreement in place for enforcement in neighbouring countries in passage to sea port Trained & Resourced Customs Teams

How this measure addresses/mitigates the impact

Mitigation level: APPROPRIATE RIGOUR

STEP 9: NON-DETRIMENT FINDING AND RELATED ADVICE


Decision 9.7

Step 8, Key Question 8.2 is: Do existing management measures adequately mitigate (reduce the severity of) harvest and trade impacts identified?

The Scientific Authority's advice to the Management Authority, supported by this Guidance is:

Positive NDF if the evidence indicates "Yes" or "Yes" with specific conditions.

Justification for the advice of Scientific Authority:

Positive NDF 100 m³of sawn timber from the FNTdP forestry company, application number TDP0124.
Justification: The NDF is positive due to what is considered as a medium level of risk and the adequate management measures that are in place. The Recovery Rate of 97.04 is seen as a minimum threshold. Significant preparation has been carried out for the implementation of the CITES listing. Many of these measures remain to be tested and will need to be monitored and impact assessed.

Specific management procedures, precautions, other actions that need to be undertaken to ensure the survival of the species:

Additional Comments – Future NDFs
Medium term the Scientific Authority is considering recommending a science based National Export Quota. The issues re a dated national inventory and monitoring and regulation of domestic trade will need to be addressed in the longer term.