Eaglewood in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Papua New Guinea is arguably one of the last frontiers in the world where the exploitation of natural stands of eaglewood is possible. The trade in eaglewood first commenced in the late 1990s. Prior to the demand for export of eaglewood, the tree species had not been regarded as having any cultural or commercial importance. To date, only one species of eaglewood, Gyrinops ledermannii, is known to occur in Papua New Guinea. The lack of information and awareness of eaglewood is creating major problems exacerbated by the remoteness of producers and landowners who harvest the resin wood. There is an urgent need to develop a practical plan for scientifically-based biological conservation and management of eaglewood. This paper provides a general overview of eaglewood with specific reference to Papua New Guinea. Summary information on the recommendation contained in the strategy document on biological conservation and management of eaglewood is also presented.