Brazil has created a special commission to set environmentally sustainable standards to allow the restart of mahogany harvesting in the Amazon during the second half of 2003.
The government is extending the moratorium on mahogany exploitation, in place since October 2001, for another 150 days while the commission completes its work. However, the new decree does not prohibit transport and trade of the species, included in earlier decrees.
Greenpeace has welcomed the decision to establish sustainability standards according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Appendix II but believes 150 days is not long enough to complete the ground work.
It says the new government needs time to stengthen its staff, test new inspection systems, implement legislation and give incentives to encourage good management of forest resources.
