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The future of Rosewood in Belize

FeaturesThe future of Rosewood in Belize
Many citizens of Belize are concerned at the current levels of extraction of Rosewood (Dalbergia stevensonii) from the forests of Toledo. From a conservation point of view, the situation, as it stands, is a potential disaster. 
  
The little we know about the biology and ecology of the species suggests Rosewood is slow-growing, occurs only in patches and – in common with other Dalbergia species – has high levels of seed abortion.    
  
Therefore, the continued survival of Rosewood stocks highly depends on the availability of mature trees that produce ample seeds. However, many large seed-bearing trees have already been removed, and it seems likely that current levels of harvesting will give Rosewood populations little or no chance to regenerate. 
  
There is a very real possibility that the species will completely disappear from community lands in the near future.
  
As a non-governmental organisation that has been working in Belize since 1997, the Ya’axché Conservation Trust is well aware of the hardships facing communities in Toledo. An important part Ya’axché’s work is to encourage and support local development in harmony with conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. 
  
The Rosewood situation presents a particularly complex set of problems and Ya’axché is working alongside the Belize Forest Department and the Maya Leaders Alliance to meet this challenge head-on.
  
For many years Rosewood has been a valuable resource for the country, but the current lack of information puts the future of the species in doubt. 
  
Therefore, Ya’axché is developing a proposal to carry out extensive research on Rosewood in its entire range in Belize. The project will assess Rosewood stocks, examine threats to the species and its habitats and gather information on sustainable harvesting practices. 
  
Information on biology and ecology of the species will be used to determine its potential as a plantation species, and for the development of reintroduction programmes.
 
This research will not happen overnight, but Ya’axché does believe that in the long term, the results will be of great value. By expanding knowledge on the status of Rosewood stocks, the people of Belize can then focus on how to manage them sustainably. Research alone is not the answer. The immediate problem of illegal logging must be addressed through clarification of current legislation with regard to permits, licenses and exports, the enforcement of which must be upheld by the Forest Department. Communities must be better informed and also made aware of what they stand to lose.
  
If Rosewood disappears from community lands, it will mean a loss of income for everyone involved – but needs still have to be met and money still has to be made. Sooner or later, it will be a different tree or animal under threat. Species by species, the forest slowly disappears. Without the forest, we lose valuable ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and watershed protection; we lose huge opportunities for nature tourism. 
  
Without the forest, we lose a very special and valuable part of Belize. If you want more information about the work that Ya’axché is doing please contact Ya’axché Conservation Trust, #2 Alejandro Vernon St., Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Belize, Tel/Fax : (+501) 722-0108, Email: [email protected], Website: yaaxche.org.
  
Ya’axché Conservation Trust is a community-oriented organization which advances integrated landscape management for equitable development on southern Belize through sustainable land-use practices.

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