Even in these times of economic recession, the global demand for high-grade tropical hardwoods has never been higher, it has been claimed.

According to new figures, annual demand is around 90 million cubic metres, with present demand is satisfied mostly from the deforestation of unsustainable natural forests.

Green campaigners have suggested it is inevitable shortages will appear in the coming decades, as supply sources run out.

Last year, Ireland imported some €90m worth of tropical timber.

Fergal Mulloy, Chairman of TEAK 21 the Irish organisation, which promotes sustainable forest development in tropical countries, said: "Apart from the devastation of natural habitats by deforestation and the communities they affect, the world has little time to prepare for inevitable tropical hardwood shortages.

"Establishing well managed plantations of teak and other tropical hardwoods provides a sustainable and certifiable resource that can enrich local communities. Such plantations will also help protect remaining tropical rainforests as reservoirs of biological richness and diversity," he said.

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To achieve successful hardwood plantations, a number of issues have to be dealt with according to Mr Mulloy, particularly those associated with price transparency.

He said: "Lack of market information and, in many cases, deliberate price distortion, is working to the detriment of growers, especially impoverished small-scale communities."

In the current issue of Tropical Forest Update, the newsletter of the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO), of which Ireland is a member.

Raymond M. Keogh, Irish teak specialist and International Co-ordinator of TEAK 21, has proposed that a standard international pricing mechanism be implemented without delay to address this situation.

Mr Keogh said: "With a relatively small input in terms of human and financial resources, the pricing mechanism would produce immediate results and provide a rapid benchmark for plantation teak prices worldwide.

"The proposed mechanism is likely to have a significant and positive impact on the entire sector as its implementation would bring transparency to teak pricing and alleviate poverty by allowing community growers to know the value of their resources."

He added: "In the current downturn of the Irish economy, it is time to turn our thoughts to those who face an even greater downturn in their fortunes. It is an opportunity for Ireland to put something back in lieu of the tropical woods Ireland used in the good times."

(PR/JM)