Cites implementation in uganda case of flora
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The document discusses the role of scientific authorities in implementing CITES in Uganda, focusing on wild flora. It notes that Uganda has scientific authorities for flora, fauna, and fish. It then examines the status and management of three plant species listed under CITES - Cycads, Prunus africana, and Osyris lanceolata. It outlines challenges including limited identification capacity and enforcement, as well as opportunities like regional policies and training. It recommends improving identification, research, and data sharing to strengthen CITES implementation for plants in Uganda.
Cites implementation in uganda case of flora
- 1. Role of Scientific Authority in CITES Implementation in Uganda – Case of Wild Flora Issa Katwesige Forest Sector Support Department Ministry of Water and Environment CITES Framework Training for the National Wildlife Crime Coordination Taskforce, Kabalega Resort, Masindi July 8-12, 2019
- 2. Background Uganda acceded to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on July 18, 1991 and the Convention entered into force on October 10, 1991. Has 1 Management Authority and 3 Scientific Authorities ; Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities is the Management Authority and National Focal Point; Ministry of Water and Environment is Scientific Authority for Flora; Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is the Scientific Authority for Fauna while the Fisheries Department in MAAIF is the Scientific Authority for Fish.
- 3. CITES for Plants There are currently 3 major plant species listed for which Uganda is a Range State; Cycads – Encephalartos species for ornamental purposes all under Appendix I (the highest protection level) Prunus africana – African cherry – medicinal for the bark and leaves under Appendix II East African Sandalwood – Osyris lanceolata for essential oils, wood curvings, under Appendix II
- 4. Status for each species Cycads – Encephalartos spp All ugandan cycads belong to Appendix I Encephalartos equatorialis endemic to Mayuge District Encephalartos macrostrobilus endemic to Adjumani Encephalartos septentrionalis endemic to Moyo District Encephalartos whitelockii endemic Mpanga in Kamwenge/Kabarole District Only one clearance made through MOU with Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation from Doha, Quatar in a one-off transfer of 5 live plants of each of the species in 2012.
- 5. Osyris lanceolata – E. African Sandalwood Listed under Appendix II in 2013 (COP16). Formal processed formalized in 2012 after Skybeam Ltd signed MOU with Moroto District Local Government witnessed by Ministry of Water and Environment. UNCST as Competent National Authority for Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) gave access permit on pilot scale before CITES came into force. Processing plant established in Tororo District, Eastern Uganda; additional materials imported to supplement locally sourced materials; MOU expired in July 2017 and currently under review/audit to ascertain sustainability of local extraction; Wood Impex is registered for importation mainly from Sudan and DRC including Santalacae spp. Delayed inventory for Non Detrimental Findings (NDF) to determine viability for trade and Cross-border smuggling of materials still a big challenge;
- 6. Prunus africana – African Cherry/Red stinkwood Is the most advanced with a clear implementation framework so far. 3 stock inventories conducted since 2007 and latest being in 2015. Inventories are the basis for Non Detrimental Findings Current annual export quota maintained at 252,567 kgs of dry bark since 2016; Species domesticated with farmers supported to plant the tree on their farmland/plantations and materials only sourced from private land; The species is being promoted as another competitive commercial crop and contributing to community livelihood improvement; There is a clear public private partnership between a private export company with government;
- 7. Imports and re-exports There is small scale importation recorded for listed raw timber for processing and re-export e.g. Dalbergia latifolia (Indian Rosewood) for guitar making after all Dalbergia spp were listed at COP 17; Santalaceae species or any other look alike species especially for sandalwood are treated as Appendix II as provided for under Appendix II (b) to prevent disguises; Clearly documented materials in transit from neighboring countries are allowed to proceed;
- 8. Tracking and Traceability Inventory Buyer/Seller consent teams Harvesting inspection by the District Forestry Services Pre-export field inspection (for harvesting technique, quantity validation, farmer verification) Export recommendation to Management Authority (MTWA) Pre- export border inspection (Verification for conformity between field findings against actual inspection) for final stamping.
- 9. Identification Look alikes Prunus africana look alike, Olinia rochetiana – Morphology, Use Osyris lanceolata; Santalum spp – Morphology, Use Traded parts Prunus africana – Bark, timber, charcoal, handles, fruits/food Osyris lanceolata – Oils, carvings, spent dust, local roots/leaves for medicine.
- 10. Identification Taxonomic identification; Reference keys, expert identification (conventional and traditional), field guides, online tools (www.plantlist.com, Best practice guide book for forensic timber identification by UN Office on Drugs and Crime, CITES and Timber Guide to Listed Tree Species (Madelaine Groves, et al., herbaria collections (anatomy, digitisation) CITES Wood ID, molecular identification, Organoleptic methods through taste and smell.
- 11. Challenges Habitat loss Limited enforcement capacity of MA and SA (e.g. Inadequate staffing at border points and the DFS, operational budgets, tools) Limited information sharing and collaboration among institutions; Limited identification capacity among counterpart staff along the value chain (customs, prosecution, phytosanitary, border control, etc.) Sophisticated offenders (timing, equipment, connivance, forgeries, etc.) Weak (“reverse”) sentences, if at all.
- 12. Challenges cont’d Deliberate fraud/illicit trade (e.g. disguised wood products, collusion of border officials, etc); Challenges in reporting trade due to pooled customs coding of products Complicated domestication for some species e.g. sandalwood Outdated/out of stock reference materials; High turnover of trained staff;
- 13. Opportunities Regional policies and laws (e.g. EAC Forestry Policy under development) Tendency towards more stringent laws National Wildlife Crime Coordination Taskforce Willingness of Development Partners on capacity building Domestication
- 14. Recommendations Continuous training of customs and technical staff in identification; Basic research to establish clear biological taxonomy of listed species; Engage the World Customs Organisation to consider distinct trade codes for CITES listed tree products; Consider use of advanced identification techniques such as DNA analysis in identification of wood material at customs points; Dissemination of identification manuals of CITES listed products at all border points for ease of basic identification; Put in place joint databases to address challenges on data sharing and material exchange.
- 15. Conclusion Overall, CITES implementation in Uganda especially for plants is still a work in progress and requires collaboration of all concerned stakeholders locally and in the region; Upcoming cross-border project on Sustainable trade and conservation of Sandalwood between Uganda, Kenya and United Republic of Tanzania is timely and a step in the right direction; Domestication of Prunus africana from the wild has proved successful and increased awareness among communities and should be replicated for other species; CITES listing of species without a doubt increases their protection; Uganda is initiating processes to list Afzelia africana and Vitelleria paradoxa for the same reasons and calls for support from partner states when the time comes.
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