Annex 3

Recommendations made by the Mahogany Working Group

1. Noting the discrepancies in the trade data when comparing information provided by importing and exporting countries, the range States concerned should ask UNEP-WCMC to provide annually comparative tabulations so that each can evaluate these for its own trade regulation purposes.

2. Importing countries, detecting illegal or suspicious shipments should immediately inform the country of origin about this.

3. In order to combat illegal trade, countries of export or re-export could consider directly informing the country of destination concerned about permits or certificates issued, or could consider including in their website basic information included in these (e.g. permit number, date of issuance, country of destination, species and volume).

4. Considering that there is not enough information available to estimate the levels of illegal trade between range States and other countries, the Working Group recommends that efforts be made to obtain this information and that the Secretariat looks into the possibility to contract TRAFFIC International to conduct the study.

5. Aware that a non-detriment finding is not required for the export of Swietenia macrophylla specimens, the Working Group believes that population studies are needed to ensure sustainable utilization of the resource and that such studies require substantial financial support. It encourages range States to seek financial assistance actively for such studies through established organizations such as FAO or ITTO.

6. In spite of the great efforts and progress made in countries in the region concerning the management of Swietenia macrophylla, the Working Group requests the Secretariat to investigate the possibility of obtaining funds for facilitating the implementation of CITES in range States with regard to mahogany and other CITES-listed timber species.

7. Range States that have developed forest management techniques for forests containing Swietenia macrophylla (e.g. silviculture techniques, regeneration programmes) as well as regulations of harvest, internal transport control and export, should distribute this information as soon as possible to the other range States.

8. Management and Scientific Authorities should work closely together with national and international forestry experts for the purpose of developing procedures or mechanisms to improve trade controls (e.g. training, timber identification, etc.).

9. When specific border control problems exist between neighbouring countries, these should be resolved bilaterally, involving external experts as appropriate, including joint capacity building.