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Go FSC Certified: Mahogany
In November 2003, Big-Leaf
Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), the most commercially important tree from
the tropics, was changed from Appendix III to Appendix II of the Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES). Honduras Mahogany (S. humilis) is now considered commercially
extinct in most areas of the world.
What does this mean for the exporting countries of Mahogany and the everyday Mahogany user? Exporting countries now must implement sustainable forest management and limit their trade volumes. By harvesting at a sustainable level, a country now must provide the appropriate information needed to show their harvesting practices are not detrimental to the survival of the species (a forest management plan). Under Appendix II, all countries will need a CITES permit, which states the shipment follows all appropriate regulations, before the exportation of Mahogany.
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FSC Certification of Mahogany follows many of the rules and regulations associated with Appendix II of CITES. The Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) calls for a forest management plan for all wood products using their label. Chain-of-Custody
(COC) tracking lets the buyer know exactly where their product was derived.
In essence, buying FSC Certified Mahogany boosts consumer confidence, and at the same time abides by all Appendix II regulations.
In essence, this will increase the population and reduce deforestation of Mahogany from southern Mexico to Central and South America.
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