From 14 to 25 November, the CITES conference of the parties will be organised in Panama (CoP19).

In an open letter European orchestras call upon representatives of the European Union and those of its Member States to reject the proposal on the classification of Pernambuco wood in CITES Appendix I, which will be discussed at CoP19.

As it is stated in the letter “such a classification would result in, on the one hand, impossible administrative and financial burdens - and, in some cases, even prevent international travel altogether-, and thus jeopardise the organisation of international tours and master classes which are fundamental to our cultural activities across the world.”

EU Member States will vote on the EU position on agenda points at CoP19 on 11 November. Until then, we try to collect a maximum signatories by orchestras based in Europe.  

Brazil proposes to list Pernambuco in CITES Annex I, which represents the highest level of protection. Pernambuco is commonly used for the making of bows and cannot be replaced by any other material. 90-100% of string instrument players in music ensembles and orchestras use bows made off Pernambuco.

Sign the open letter here.

See the signatories list.