Wood anatomy - the role of macroscopic and microscopic wood identification against illegal logging

Abstract

Illegal logging is one of the chief causes of worldwide deforestation and, by releasing green-house-relevant gasses, contributes to climate change. Moreover, trade with illegal timber and wood products creates market disadvantages for products from sustainable forestry. As a contribution to global forest protection, international laws and timber regulations are enacted, such as the European Timber Regulation (EUTR), and the USA Lacey Act. These regulations prohibit the import and trade of illegally forested wood and require that timber and timber products have to be produced in accordance with the respective national legislation. Controls are based on a due diligence system requiring a correct declaration of the wood species (botanical name) and origin of the timber (KOCH ET AL. 2016). The clear identification of internationally traded timber is also of prime importance in enforcing CITES policies regarding protected species (KOCH ET AL. 2008). .