Gabon bans harvesting of four species

Gabon’s government has banned the harvesting of four timber species, according to the latest International Tropical Timber Organisation market report.

Afo, douka, moabi and ozigo harvesting have been banned from the start of the year and producers have been given three months to dispose of their stocks.

Moabi is a major species for the French market, but there is an oversupply in the country at the moment.

However, it is thought the ban could impact the viability of some Gabonese concession areas.