Press Release – Belize Press Office
Rosewood Moratorium
Belmopan, 16th March, 2012. The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development hereby informs the public that a moratorium on the harvesting and exportation of rosewood (Dalbergia stevensonii) is being declared with immediate effect until further notice.
Rosewood harvesting in southern Belize has increased exponentially over the past two years in direct response to a growing demand for raw rosewood timber from the Asian markets. The increased rosewood logging has led to a near depletion of the specie in national lands. Private lands and protected areas are now being targeted to meet this insatiable demand.
The moratorium is a necessary measure to carry out an orderly assessment of the situation on the ground and as a first response to regulate the timber trade occurring in southern Belize and to institute a rigorous regulatory framework throughout the country.
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development is committed to advancing fair trade, equitable benefit sharing and the principles of sustainable and wise use of resources. In this regard, the Ministry assures the public that it will do due diligence to ensure that we honor the laws of the country and that those who have abided by the laws do not suffer undue losses.
—————
For further information please contact the Chief Forest Officer, Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development at 501-802-1524 or 501-802-2079. e-mail: [email protected]
 is being declared with immediate effect until further notice.){kind=link}