Pernambuco bows saved from increased CITES restrictions

The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), the Musicians’ Union (MU), the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and UK Music have celebrated a decision not to place new restrictions on the international movement of bows made of Pernambuco wood.

The ISM, MU, ABO and UK Music briefed UK government officials from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on the importance of Pernambuco wood for musicians. Briefed officials then became instrumental in helping to change an initial proposal made by the Pernambuco's native Brazil which would place restrictions on the movement of the material.

Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the ISM, said, ‘This is a huge relief for the entire string music world… We thank the officials at DEFRA and APHA for listening to our concerns and speaking up on behalf of musicians and bow makers internationally. This is an example of how the industry and government can work together effectively to support musicians.’

In August the industry grew concerned about a potential proposal which requested that Pernambuco wood be moved from Appendix II to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This would signify that the species is threatened with extinction and would require additional permits for the material to be brought across borders. This would affect the international travel of string musicians as well as seriously restricting the bow-making industry.

However, this has been replaced with a new proposal, passed unanimously at the Conference of the Parties Panama City (COP19) earlier this month. Pernambuco will keep its Appendix II listing but CITES permit requirements will apply to all Pernambuco products the first time they leave Brazil, with re-exports of finished bows exempt from permit requirements.

Dave Webster, head of international for the MU, said: ‘This is a significant victory for musicians right across the globe. My thanks go to MU members who responded to our survey. This outcome provides real peace of mind for our members and all musicians with Pernambuco bows.’