A recent investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has revealed that India is the second largest importer of “conflict wood” from Myanmar, following China. Despite the ongoing issues associated with the illegal timber trade and the threat to biodiversity, India has not enacted a ban on the importation of teak from Myanmar. This teak is not only contributing to deforestation in Myanmar but also financially supporting the country’s military regime.
The Significance of “Conflict Wood”
The term “conflict wood” began to be used more frequently following the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021. The military junta seized control of Myanma Timber Enterprises (MTE), effectively monopolizing the valuable timber and teak trade within the country. These sales have become a crucial element of financial support for the military regime. With Western sanctions on timber trade, India has emerged as a popular destination for illegal timber trade. Forest Watch reports that Indian companies imported over USD 10 million worth of teak between February 2021 and April 2022.
What Makes Myanmar Teak Unique?
Teak wood from Myanmar’s forests is highly sought after due to its durability and resistance to water and termites. It’s typically used for luxury items like high-end furniture, veneers, and ship-decking. However, the country’s diminishing forest cover and teak reserves ironically increase the value of the wood. Over the last two decades, Myanmar has lost forest cover equivalent to the size of Switzerland.
Status of Teak Species
Teak, primarily found in India, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, meets approximately 1% of the global annual timber demand. It is an endangered species according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. African teak, known by several other names including Afrormosia, Kokrodua and Assamela, is also endangered and listed on Appendix II of CITES.
Attempts to Control Illegal Teak Harvesting
The European Union (EU) introduced regulations in 2013 to prevent illegal timber from entering their markets. In February 2021, following the military coup in Myanmar, both the EU and the US imposed sanctions on all timber trade with the country. However, teak from Myanmar continues to flow into the US and some EU countries due to existing loopholes in the regulations.
Addressing Regulatory Loopholes
Timber traders suggest leveraging technology like DNA testing to trace the origin of teak from Myanmar. However, this is a relatively new concept and not yet commonly used in India. There are also legal loopholes in the export regulations for teak to EU countries, with some Indian companies not specifying the origin of the wood or using vague language in transit documents.
Technological Solutions to Counter Illegal Teak Trade
Scientific advancements have the potential to significantly curb illegal timber trade. Law enforcement personnel in Brazil, for instance, have been trained to take macroscopic anatomical photographs of timber shipments they stop. DNA profiling can identify a sawn wood’s parent tree, while isotope analysis can help pinpoint a piece of wood’s geographical origin. Near Infrared Spectroscopy is another technique that may be used to detect the traits and properties of wood.
Addressing the Regulatory Gap
One possible solution to the illegal trade in teak is a more effective collaboration between international and national regulatory bodies. This could involve listing certain species in CITES, finding scientific alternatives to natural wood, and developing genetically modified teak to meet demand and reduce the appeal of the illegal market.
