Why in news
India has successfully prevented the inclusion of agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
The CITES also notified a new export quota of the highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood and oil of the tree from India from April 2024
CITES
It is an international agreement to which States and regional economic integration organizations adhere voluntarily.
CITES was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
CITES entered into force in July 1975.
Currently there are 184 Parties (include countries or regional economic integration organizations).
It ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP (The United Nations Environment Programme) and is located at Geneva, Switzerland
The Conference of the Parties to CITES, is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention and comprises all its Parties.
Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties, it does not take the place of national laws
Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties, it does not take the place of national laws
Rather, it provides a framework to be respected by each Party, which has to adopt its own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level.
World Wildlife Day has been celebrated every year on the 3rd of March since 2013.
The date chosen coincides with the day of the CITES which was signed in 1973.
Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis)
Agarwood (the Wood of Gods) also known as “Oud,” is a highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood produced by the Aquilaria tree.
The resin forms in the heartwood of the tree when it becomes infected with a particular type of mold (Phialophora parasitica).
This infection causes the tree to produce a dark, fragrant resin, which is highly sought after for its distinctive aroma.
This contains essential oils with compounds like sesquiterpenes, chromones, and phenylethyl chromone derivatives.
It thrives in tropical forests, at altitudes up to 1000 meters, often found in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Status: Listed as Critically Endangered.
CITES: Listed in Appendix II in 1995 based on India’s proposal at CoP9 in 1994.
Uses of Agarwood
It is traditionally used as incense.
Extracts (agarwood oil) are used in perfumes, the aroma industry, medicine, air fresheners, and purifiers.
Essential oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and anti-oxidant properties
Appendix II Listing in CITES
A category of species that are not necessarily threatened but whose trade must be controlled
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