Illegal logging, particularly in West Africa, has triggered a devastating chain reaction of ecological, social, and economic crises. One of its most glaring impacts is the disruption of ecosystems upon which millions of people depend for survival. In regions plagued by massive deforestation, such as Gambia and Senegal, fish populations in rivers and lakes are dwindling, and soil quality is rapidly deteriorating. These environmental damages place already impoverished communities at heightened risk of starvation and economic collapse.
The crisis goes beyond environmental degradation. Local communities are increasingly vulnerable to violence and exploitation by criminal smuggling networks. These groups, driven by greed and operating with impunity, show no regard for the lives or livelihoods of the people they exploit. The unchecked power of these networks reflects the growing failure of governments and international systems to adequately address the illegal timber trade, leaving communities to fend for themselves against well-organized and well-funded criminal syndicates.
At the heart of this crisis is rosewood (Dalbergia spp.), a family of tropical tree species coveted for its use in high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative works. While rosewood grows throughout the Guinea Forest region, spanning 11 countries, the epicenter of smuggling operations lies in Gambia and Senegal. These countries are key transit points for an illicit trade that undermines local economies and destroys natural resources at an alarming rate.
Despite international awareness and attempts to curb this environmental crime, including investigations and strategies to combat the illegal trade, progress remains limited. Overharvesting continues unchecked, and the rapid disappearance of rosewood highlights the inefficacy of current interventions. The global demand for this valuable timber, particularly from Asia, Europe, and the United States, fuels the cycle of destruction, making the region a battleground for environmental exploitation.
This ongoing crisis demands critical attention. Addressing it requires more than surface-level strategies or temporary solutions; it necessitates structural change, greater accountability from global markets, and a commitment to safeguarding the ecosystems and communities most affected. Until these measures are implemented, West Africa will remain on the frontline of a crisis that underscores the true cost of humanity’s unsustainable appetite for luxury.
Current situation
Despite the international community working to protect the environment and forest resources, rosewood smuggling in The Gambia and Senegal continues to flourish. This is fuelled by the high demand for rosewood from developed countries in Europe, Asia and the USA, which produce high quality furniture in antique historical styles, as well as a premium type of parquet flooring, which requires large quantities of raw materials. Today, rosewood smuggling is a serious environmental problem for both The Gambia and Senegal. The two states are at the crossroads of smuggling routes across the North Atlantic Ocean.
Senegal and Gambia
In addition, illegal logging poses a danger to the life and health of the local population, who are forced to work for a couple of dollars a day due to poverty and the need to feed their families. Often the transported logs weigh up to 400kg and they do not float on water. Every year, at least 3 people in a crew are reported to be crushed to death by a log. In Gambia, it is estimated that several thousand tons of one-off timber are felled each year, with much of the timber being shipped to Asian countries where demand remains high. For example, according to BBC Africa Eye research, China imported more than 300,000 tons of timber from The Gambia between 2017-2020 at a value of more than $100 million and this despite the Gambia announcing a decade ago that its reserves were catastrophically thinning.
In 2022, timber exports were banned and all licenses revoked, ports were banned from loading logs onto any ships, but despite the bans the illegal trade continues. According to an Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) report analyzing polysander smuggling, the region has seen unprecedented instances of ban violations and environmental crimes. The export bans are being violated primarily by high-ranking officials, notably Environment Minister Lamine Dibba, through the established parastatal Jagne Narr Procurement & Agency Services (JagneNarr), through which the illegal activities continue. In addition to power circles, Africa’s criminal circles also control the highly profitable activities. The logistics of the supply of smuggled polysander are largely controlled by the armed rebel group, the Movimento de Forces Démocratiques de Casamance (MFDS). The timber trade is their main source of income.
The rate of global tree cover loss has approximately doubled since 2001, to an annual loss approaching an area the size of Italy.
Global tree cover loss
In 2022, exports from Gambia totaled 17.4 million, making it the 77th largest exporter of sawn timber in the world. In the same year, the main destinations for timber exports from Gambia are: China ($12.4 million), Chinese Taipei ($4.93 million), Germany ($99), Ireland ($88), and the Netherlands ($88). However, according to the data cited in the EIA report exports are significantly understated with The Gambia reporting $444 million less in export data than importers between 2010 and 2018.
To combat smuggling, the Gambian government is working with international organizations such as Interpol and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), but the effectiveness of this cooperation is limited by corruption in the authorities, a lack of resources and a lack of sustainable community development programs.
The situation in Senegal mirrors that of The Gambia concerning illegal logging. An Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) report estimates that approximately 1.6 million trees were illegally felled in Senegal and smuggled into The Gambia between June 2012 and April 2020. Senegal’s President Macky Sall has described the illegal felling of rosewood as a catastrophe and has pledged to increase penalties for such activities, stating: “Illegal logging is destroying our forests, destroying biodiversity and jeopardising the living conditions of our population.” The Environmental Investigation Agency proved, that valuable trees are taken from the southern Casamance region of Senegal and smuggled through the port of Gambia for export. Senegal has repeatedly conducted raids to stop illegal exports and, as in Gambia, recent years have shown that smugglers are able to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Corrupt officials often turn a blind eye to illegal operations, exacerbating problems in the industry.
Rosewood is massively exploited and exported
Local activists in Senegal have been vocal about the devastating effects of illegal rosewood logging on the environment and local communities. One activist lamented, “Every tree cut down is not only a loss of our nature, but also a loss of cultural heritage. The rosewood is part of our world, and its disappearance is harmful to the entire ecosystem.” Eyewitnesses have also highlighted the socioeconomic impact, stating, “People who depend on forest resources for survival are left destitute while our forests are cut down for the profit of a few. We must protect our resources to secure our children’s future.” These sentiments reflect the broader crisis in regions like Casamance, where illegal logging has led to significant environmental degradation and economic hardship for local populations.
‘Chinese interest’
Illegal timber trafficking in West Africa, particularly in Senegal and Mali, is driven by both local and international actors, with devastating consequences for the environment, local communities, and regional stability. The terrorist group JNIM, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has established a protection racket for illegal loggers, enabling timber smuggling despite Senegal’s export ban. Their operations are reportedly linked to Chinese demand, with rosewood being exported to satisfy the luxury furniture market. JNIM operatives have been found with weapons manufactured by NORINCO, a Chinese state-owned defense contractor, which recently expanded its presence in Senegal, raising concerns about China’s indirect role in destabilizing the region. Illegal logging destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and accelerates soil degradation, undermining the livelihoods of local populations who rely on forests for sustenance and income. This illicit trade exacerbates crime, fosters corruption, and erodes trust in government institutions, as local communities face increased poverty and insecurity. Addressing this crisis requires international cooperation to curb demand for illegal timber, hold complicit entities accountable, and strengthen governance in affected regions.
Combating Illicit Timber Trade by International Organizations
The illegal timber trade in Senegal and Gambia has attracted global attention due to its devastating environmental and socio-economic impacts. To address this complex problem, various international organizations have implemented strategies and collaborated with local governments to curb smuggling and restore ecosystems. Below are notable initiatives and examples of their application in Senegal and Gambia.
1. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
CITES has played a pivotal role in regulating the trade of endangered species, including rosewood. Both Senegal and Gambia participate in CITES conferences, which aim to establish measures against illegal logging. In 2018, CITES organized training programs for local officials and communities, emphasizing the importance of protecting rosewood and implementing export controls. However, enforcement remains a challenge as smuggling persists due to high demand and corruption.
2. Reforestation and Community Engagement: Wood for Life Campaign
Reforestation campaigns have been integral in combating deforestation. In Senegal, former Environment Minister Haidar El Ali launched a large-scale project to restore over 10,000 hectares of deforested land. This effort not only replenished critical forest ecosystems but also involved local communities in planting rare and endangered tree species. By integrating reforestation with community education, this campaign has been instrumental in promoting sustainable forestry practices.
3. TRAFFIC Monitoring and Law Enforcement
TRAFFIC, an organization monitoring wildlife and timber trade, has worked to analyze and disrupt smuggling routes between Senegal and Gambia. In 2022, Gambian authorities arrested several suspects linked to organized crime groups smuggling rosewood. These arrests followed intelligence-sharing efforts that traced the timber from Senegal to export hubs in Gambia. Such operations highlight the importance of collaboration between countries and organizations in tackling cross-border crimes.
4. Global Forest Watch Technology and Mapping
Global Forest Watch provides real-time data and mapping tools to monitor forest loss and detect illegal logging activities. In Senegal, local authorities used these tools in 2021 to identify smuggling hotspots, leading to the interception of rosewood shipments and the arrest of smugglers. This technology-driven approach has proven critical in regions where limited resources make traditional enforcement difficult.
5. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and UNEP Initiatives
The WWF and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have collaborated with Senegalese and Gambian governments to establish protected areas and reserves. These measures help conserve vital ecosystems and reduce illegal logging. For example, reserves created under this initiative have shown improvements in biodiversity and forest regeneration. Additionally, these organizations work with local governments to strengthen forest protection laws and enforce CITES regulations. For instance, obtaining permits for rosewood trade has been made mandatory under CITES, with WWF and UNEP ensuring strict compliance.
Conclusion
The illegal logging and smuggling of rosewood in Senegal and Gambia remain critical issues that continue to devastate the region’s ecosystems, economies, and communities. Despite efforts by international organizations, local governments, and environmental groups, the trade in this valuable timber persists due to high demand, weak enforcement, and corruption. Initiatives by organizations like CITES, WWF, UNEP, TRAFFIC, and Global Forest Watch provide essential tools to monitor, control, and prevent illegal logging, but significant challenges remain in implementation.
The efforts to curb illegal timber trade must be multifaceted, combining strict legal frameworks, enhanced international cooperation, and community-driven conservation programs. Reforestation projects, strengthened law enforcement, and technological solutions are crucial in reducing illegal activities and fostering sustainable forestry practices. However, true success in tackling this issue requires a shift in the global approach to environmental protection—one that prioritizes long-term ecological sustainability over short-term economic gain.
For countries like Senegal and Gambia, the protection of their forests is not just an environmental necessity, but a social and economic imperative. By addressing the root causes of illegal logging, improving governance, and enforcing international regulations, the international community can help preserve these vital ecosystems and improve the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them. Ultimately, the fate of West Africa’s forests—and the people who rely on them—depends on the collective action of governments, organizations, and individuals committed to creating a sustainable future.
Special thanks to the team at Assettracing.com for their valuable input in research capacities, advice, and support with resources in preparing this research.
© 2024 United Action Foundation. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the United Action Foundation, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.