Pterocarpus erinaceus, commonly known as “fake teak”, now has an action plan for its sustainable management and a Non-Prejudicial Business Opinion (ACNP). Classified in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), this species was widely exploited during the period 2009 to 2016. This situation led the government to adopt a moratorium on 22 June 2016 on the cutting, marketing, import and re-export of Pterocarpus erinaceus logs in Togo.

The priority action plan for the management of pterocarpus erinaceus populations in Togo currently available has four (04) components. The first focuses on the assessment of the potential of Pterocarpus erinaceus wood in protected areas and rural areas in partner countries, the second takes into account the strengthening of laws on illegal trade in Pterocarpus erinaceus wood in the West African subregion, the third is related to research on Pterocarpus erinaceus forestry and finally the fourth focuses on the implementation of pilot plantations in various ecological areas of the species. Each component contains several actions to be carried out at different time horizons, namely short, medium and long term actions.

In addition, on the basis of the priority actions identified, project ideas are proposed for the effective implementation of this management plan for Pterocarpus.

Like Togo, the European Union is concerned about Pterocarpus erinaceus, which is why it launched “the CITES program on tree species” in 2017. A subregional program that has benefited Benin, Nigeria and Togo. The choice of Pterocarpus erinaceus by the three countries submitted for funding is explained by the threat that this species is experiencing in the three countries mentioned above.

Launched in February 2020, the 12-month “action plan and capacity building for the sustainable management of Pterocarpus erinaceus” project is expected to end in 2021, but due to Covid, some consultations have been delayed. With the presentation of the results on 26 August 2022 and their adoption by the stakeholders, the country has achieved its objective and can honor itself for having respected its commitments to the technical partner, which is CITES.