Wood or resin? Opportunities and threats in Okoume resin sector development in Gabon
Okoume (Aucoumea klaineana, Burseraceae) is the most exploited timber tree species in Gabon (Central Africa), because of its great qualities for the production of veneer plywood. This tree is also known from a long time by Gabonese for making torches and as a substitute for incense. With the opening of international trade, the exploitation of okoume resin provides new and sustainable opportunities for the valuation of this species. This resin is sold in the markets of the Gabonese capital, Libreville, but also in Senegal and Europe. However, the European circuit, potentially the most profitable, is diverted to private interests and does not participate in the socio-economic development of the country, especially of that of rural people who often live in poverty. If this constraint can be lifted, the development of the sector will imply new management strategies and silvicutural recommendations according to resin vs timber production. The tappers' current silvicultural practices should be adapted to ensure higher production of better quality resin. Training and organization will be key for the development of this economic sector.
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | conference_item biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
IUFRO
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| Subjects: | K10 - Production forestière, E70 - Commerce, commercialisation et distribution, E14 - Économie et politique du développement, |
| Online Access: | http://agritrop.cirad.fr/564747/ http://agritrop.cirad.fr/564747/1/document_564747.pdf |
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| Summary: | Okoume (Aucoumea klaineana, Burseraceae) is the most exploited timber tree species in Gabon (Central Africa), because of its great qualities for the production of veneer plywood. This tree is also known from a long time by Gabonese for making torches and as a substitute for incense. With the opening of international trade, the exploitation of okoume resin provides new and sustainable opportunities for the valuation of this species. This resin is sold in the markets of the Gabonese capital, Libreville, but also in Senegal and Europe. However, the European circuit, potentially the most profitable, is diverted to private interests and does not participate in the socio-economic development of the country, especially of that of rural people who often live in poverty. If this constraint can be lifted, the development of the sector will imply new management strategies and silvicutural recommendations according to resin vs timber production. The tappers' current silvicultural practices should be adapted to ensure higher production of better quality resin. Training and organization will be key for the development of this economic sector. |
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