“Forest crime and conservation were in the spotlight at the 17th conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, CITES, or CoP 17, which closed in Johannesburg [South Africa] Tuesday after protecting many species of precious rosewoods among numerous other species,” writes Judith Needham in Wednesday’s (10/5) Environment News Service. “CITES exists ‘to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.’ The control mechanism is a system of import and export permits … an informal music industry coalition … is collaborating with the conservation world … Heather Noonan, an advocate for the League of American Orchestras, is hopeful that uncertainties with the Dalbergia [rosewood] annotation will be clarified shortly.” In addition, Noonan states, “ ‘When a musician is invited to take an international performance, they only bring their very best instruments.’ Often these are old instruments that contain CITES-listed material—Brazilian rosewood, African elephant ivory, tortoiseshell, etc. ‘Our concern is to make a path for instruments with pre-CITES material.’ … Noonan expressed the music industry’s appreciation for efforts made by the Parties and ‘encouraged further streamlining and guidance to ensure compliance.’ ” For League resources on travel with musical instruments, click here.
Posted October 12, 2016
