Project/activity information

Gonystylus Spp., widely known as ramin in tropical timber trade, is one of the most valuable tree genera in Indonesia. The strong demand for ramin products had led to its over-exploitation and scarcity as evidenced by the dwindling supply of ramin timber in recent years. In order to conserve this precious genus, the Government of Indonesia has ratified its inclusion in the CITES List, and recently issued a policy banning its harvest and trade. While the economic value of ramin products is recognized in Indonesia, reliable information on the resource base, distribution, silviculture and conservation is not available. This pre-project aims at providing baseline information on ramin. Its specific objectives are: a) to provide baseline data on ramin covering its resource base potential, distribution, conservation, and constraints to plantation development; and b) to prepare a full project proposal based on the results of the data collection. Major outputs of the pre-project include: - Data on ramin resource potential and conservation status compiled; - State-of-the-art of ramin plantations and planting problems identified; and - A full project proposal for submission to potential donors formulated.