Fortalecimiento del control gubernamental sobre el trasiego ilegal de maderas mediante el uso de tecnologías de análisis de autenticación: uso del XyloTron en Costa Rica

Timber harvesting in tropical ecosystems is associated with factors that are contrary to good forest
management practices, with illegal logging and illegal trade being one of the factors that contribute
to the gradual loss of forest cover. Although Costa Rica has the tools to conserve its forests through
a legal framework that regulates the cutting, harvesting, transport and marketing of timber, the
reality is that illegal logging of valuable species that are the most vulnerable to extinction continues.
It is difficult for forestry control authorities or customs officials to know which tree species are found
in timber products or where they come from. This is why scientific evidence is needed to support or
refute claims of origin and species in traded products. Internationally, a geo-referenced collection
of wood reference samples (xylarium) has been developed, supported by specimens with herbarium
vouchers. The WorldForestID program started in 2021 in collaboration with SINAC, UNA and the
TEC, the first field collection of wood and botanical samples according to the scientific protocol
developed for authentication technologies. From 2022 and with the donation of the XyloTron wood
identification technology, it is up to the universities to initiate new research for the authentication of
new species within the WorldForestID platform and make the best use of the international XyloTron
platform. This proposal seeks to strengthen the processes of detection and prevention of illegal
timber trade through the generation of specialized knowledge and information. At this stage, the
validation of photography with the use of XyloTron and the generation of knowledge for new species
will be considered. At the suggestion of SINAC, the genera Handroanthus spp, Tabebuia spp. and
Roseodendron spp. are of interest, which are contemplated for CITES Appendix II in 2022.

Consolidar la base de datos sobre maderas de especies arboreas bajo
amenaza de extinción en apéndice CITES por medio de los estándares de la plataforma
WorldForestID, visión artificial y el uso del Xylotron: identificación automática de maderas.

Manejo sostenible del bosque natural y Gestión de servicios eco-sistémicos de los
recursos forestales (Escuela de Ingeniería Forestal).