Home / Environment / Gughar Plant Gains Global Protection Status
Gughar Plant Gains Global Protection Status
15 Dec
Summary
- Gughar, a medicinal plant, now listed in CITES Appendix II.
- This listing combats the growing threat of illegal trade.
- The status ensures transparent and traceable international trade.
Gughar, a protected medicinal plant found in Pakistan's Karoonjar Hills, has now been granted international protection by its inclusion in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). This significant development occurred recently at the 20th Conference of the Parties held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, following successful diplomatic efforts by the Pakistani delegation.
The new CITES status is crucial for addressing the escalating illegal trade in gughar, particularly after India imposed a ban on its extraction. The plant's resin, known for its potent medicinal properties, is in high global demand for treating a wide array of ailments, including inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Under CITES Appendix II, international trade in gughar will now be subject to strict, science-based controls, requiring permits and ensuring that specimens are legally acquired and sustainably sourced. This measure aims to promote global traceability and transparency in the plant's trade, thereby aiding in the recovery of its depleted population and safeguarding its future.
