AQUILARIA MALACCENSIS (AGARWOOD)

India has successfully prevented inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

AQUILARIA MALACCENSIS:

• It was listed in Appendix II of CITES for the first time in 1995 based on India’s proposal at CoP9 in 1994.
• The removal of India from the RST for Aquilaria malaccensis was achieved based on a non-detriment findings (NDFs) study of the plant species by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
• Significance: Since agarwood is cultivated in different parts of India, especially in the northeast, the development is going to benefit lakhs of farmers in certain districts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.

ABOUT

• The CITES also notified a new export quota of highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood and oil of agarwood from India from April 2024.
• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered CITES: Appendix II
• Unscientific extraction and extensive exploitation have decimated the species.
• India is home to only two species of Aquilaria namely A. malaccensis and A. khasiana.

USES:

• It is highly valued for its traditional use in the form of incense sticks, and the plant extracts (agarwood oil) are also used in water-based perfumes.
• It is used in the fragrance industry, in the preparation of medicines, and in the formulation of air fresheners and purifiers.
• The essential oil extracted from agarwood has anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, analgesic, and antioxidant properties.