Bow tip using pernambuco wood. Photo courtesy of L'atelier d'Arthur.
On November 25, a decision was reached at the 19th meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Panama City, Panama to advance protections for pernambuco, the Brazilian wood used in bows for stringed instruments. The decision will support travel and trade with existing bows made of the wood and will also support conservation efforts. “Musicians are grateful for the ongoing opportunity to engage in international music making while they also partner with bow makers and CITES management authorities globally toward next steps that will advance essential conservation efforts for pernambuco,” said Heather Noonan, vice president for Advocacy for the League of American Orchestras. “Musicians have a unique capacity to be ambassadors for the species they hold in their hands, concert after concert.”
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