New laws, new needs: the role of wood science in global policy efforts to reduce illegal logging and associated trade

Abstract

This article describes new laws and policies that are being put in place to reduce illegal logging and associated trade in illegally sourced wood products. We place special emphasis on the demands posed by the Lacey Act in the United States, and highlight the subsequent needs for new knowledge and capacity in the field of basic and applied wood science. These needs include clear links among botanical and trade names; efficient and user-friendly methods for identifying the species and provenance of timber and derived fiber products, and for tracking these products from their origin to point of sale; and enhanced technologies and training for law enforcement activities.