Fokienia hodginsii is a conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae. The genus Fokienia is mono-specific and the species is currently distributed throughout Vietnam, southern China and northern Laos. Due to its extensive range the species maintains Low Risk/Near Threatened status under IUCN (2002) guidelines. However, extensive use of the species within Vietnam suggests that Fokienia might be subject to a higher threat than was previously thought. The timber is light, aromatic and resinous and highly prized by local people (who use it in construction through necessity) and rich people (who use it as the timber of choice) alike. Little is currently known about this species though it is clear that wild stocks are dwindling rapidly. Trade of this species is large both domestically and internationally though the extent is not clear at this stage. The ecology is also poorly known and research must be conducted to assess stage. whether current exploitation of this species is threatening its existence in Vietnam (and further, China and Laos) and, if it is as is thought to be, how can the use of this species be managed sustainably. In order to produce a management plan for the species in Vietnam various topics must be thoroughly researched and worked upon through a variety of approaches. These topics are: legalities and government policy regarding the harvesting and trade of Fokienia (in Vietnam), including a review of current harvesting quotas; domestic and international trade and use statistics for Fokienia; current available (standing) volume of timber; ecology of the species in the wild and in cultivation; and other aspects that impinge on management plan development such as research into information available from China and Laos.
This paper aims to highlight some of the issues surrounding Fokienia and, where possible, suggest suitable avenues for approach.
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