Gabon’s military junta has taken a controversial step by easing restrictions on the logging of the rare kevazingo tree, a hardwood species that takes an astonishing 500 years to reach its full height of 40 meters (130 feet). Known for its exceptional beauty and durability, kevazingo wood is highly sought after in Asia, where it is used to craft elegant tables, speciality guitars, and other luxury items.
The previous government of Gabon had outlawed kevazingo logging in 2018 due to rampant trafficking. However, a loophole allowed the sale and export of fallen trees that had been on the ground for at least six months or had been seized from illegal loggers. Exactly one year after the military seized power, the council of ministers approved a new decree allowing kevazingo logging in “sustainably managed concessions.” These concessions will be monitored using a geo-referencing system, ensuring transparency and accountability. The decree also mandates that a CITES permit, which regulates international trade in wild animals and plants, is required for exporting finished products made from kevazingo wood.
The ministers stated that the new regulations aim to stimulate economic development in forest regions and create employment opportunities by promoting local processing of kevazingo wood. Gabon boasts an impressive 27 million hectares of forest cover, making it one of the world’s most forested countries. Forestry is a significant industry for the nation, but the previous government’s efforts to combat illegal logging and wildlife trade faced challenges. Despite efforts to protect the kevazingo tree and other valuable species, Gabon remained a hub for poachers and illicit trade. In 2019, the then-president, Ali Bongo, dismissed his vice president and forests minister after a significant amount of illegally logged kevazingo wood that had been seized went missing.
The junta’s decision to relax logging restrictions on the kevazingo tree has sparked debate. Some argue that it could lead to renewed exploitation of this vulnerable species and threaten its long-term survival. Others believe that the new regulations, with their focus on sustainability and transparency, could provide a path for responsible harvesting and economic growth in Gabon’s forest regions. The effectiveness of these measures and the impact on kevazingo populations will be closely monitored in the years to come.
