An international row over the export of African baobab trees has deepened in South Africa, with five large trees languishing in Durban for three months. The trees were intercepted on July 17, when the exporter, Corné Maré of Divine Landscapes, failed to produce a valid licence for their removal, possession, transport, or export. Although baobabs are not an endangered species, they are listed as a specially protected species under the National Forests Act.
The export row has significant implications, with the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) refusing to grant a licence for the export of the trees. Maré's company, Divine Landscapes, boasts on its website that it's "Your expert in monster-sized baobab export." Maré has insisted that the baobabs were not poached from the wild but were obtained from private gardens with the full consent of the respective owners.
The DFFE has provided some information on the intended destination of the trees, stating that they were scheduled for export to Georgia, Europe. However, the department has since clammed up on providing any further information on the identity of both the exporter and importer, citing the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia) or potential prejudice to legal proceedings.
The row has drawn parallels with a similar incident in Kenya, where eight African baobab trees were uprooted and exported to Georgia, only to wither and die soon after arrival. The Kenyan trees were destined for the Shekvetili Dendrological Park, a 60ha private tree reserve on the banks of the Black Sea established by Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Ivanishvili, a former prime minister of Georgia, has a well-documented passion for tree collecting. His Shekvetili Dendrological Park is home to a vast collection of trees, and it is unclear whether he is involved in the attempted export of the South African baobabs. Daily Maverick has made several efforts to contact Ivanishvili, but no response has been received.
Maré is facing several criminal charges for the abortive baobab export and has appeared in the Durban Magistrates' Court. His case has been postponed until January, pending further investigation. Maré's attorneys have stated that their client recognises the importance of complying with applicable legislation and took steps to engage with the Department and seek a resolution through prescribed processes.
The incident has raised questions about the secrecy surrounding the export of South Africa's natural heritage and the involvement of wealthy collectors. The DFFE's reluctance to provide information on the exporter and importer has sparked concerns about the potential for exploitation of South Africa's natural resources.
Key points
- The export row has significant implications for the conservation of baobabs in South Africa.
- Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili's involvement in tree collecting has raised questions about his potential role in the attempted export of the South African baobabs.
- The incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency in the export of South Africa's natural heritage.
