Q. Recently, which country has successfully prevented 'Agarwood' from being included in CITES's Review of Significant Trade (RST)?
Answer:
India
Notes: India has successfully prevented Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) from being included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Review of Significant Trade. Agarwood, or gaharu, is resinous heartwood from fast-growing subtropical trees found in West Bengal and North-Eastern India. It thrives in high rainfall areas with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C and requires sandy loam or slightly acidic soils. Valued for incense, perfumes, and medicine, agarwood also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Despite its critical endangered status on the IUCN Red List and listing in CITES Appendix II, India's efforts have impacted its trade regulation.