Abstract Detail

Enriching basic and applied botany through multi-stakeholder collaborations

Finch, Kristen [1], Cronn, Rich [2], Jones, Andy [3], Lancaster, Cady [4], Lebow, Beth [5].

Combatting Illegal Logging via Global Collaboration and Innovation in Wood Identification Technologies.

Deforestation and the overexploitation of tree species threatens biodiversity, exacerbates climate change, and leads to the loss of millions of dollars to US and international economies. Legal systems are in place to protect forest species and conserve biodiversity, but by some estimates, 15 – 30% of wood traded globally has been harvested illegally, and illegal logging accounts for 50 – 90% of forestry activities across tropical forests globally. Laws that protect timber species require importers to declare species and locations of harvest. Yet, these laws remain difficult to enforce due to the sheer scale of illegal logging and the challenges of identifying species and their origin after harvest, transportation, and processing. In this talk, we discuss the importance of high quality reference collections for identification and issues of taxonomic uncertainty and human error (e.g., genera Cedrela and Dalbergia). Additionally, we will explore the global impact of illegal logging and the challenge of balancing motivations across international stakeholders. The Wood Identification and Screening Center in collaboration with US Forest Service International Programs serves as a research and educational hub for the development wood identification technologies for applications to combat illegal logging.

1 - Oregon State University, Wood Science and Engineering, Richardson Hall 103, 3180 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
2 - USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
3 - Oregon State University, Botany and Plant Pathology, Cordley Hall 2082 , 2701 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
4 - Oregon State University, Wood Science and Engineering, Richardson Hall 103, 3180 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
5 - USDA Forest Service International Programs, Illegal Logging and Associated Trade, 1 Thomas Circle, NW, Suite 400, Washington DC, Washington DC, 20005, USA

Keywords:
DART TOF Mass Spectrometry
forensic genetics
forensic chemistry
rosewood
Spanish cedar.

Presentation Type: Colloquium Presentations
Session: COL03, Enriching basic and applied botany through multi-stakeholder collaborations
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Thursday, July 30th, 2020
Time: 12:00 PM
Number: COL03008
Abstract ID:649
Candidate for Awards:None