Description

By: NTFP Exchange Programme, TVision, LP3M
Running time: 00:20:00
Released: 2009
Format: PAL Video DVD
Language: English

Gaharu or Eaglewood is an amazing patologic phenomenon. The substance is formed when a damaged Aquillaria responds to bacterial or fungal attack. The damaged trees produce a fragrant, protecting resin/oil that gradually hardens and turns into black lumps.

Gaharu is commonly used to make high-quality incense. The Chinese describe it as a 'nice, profound yet balanced' fragrance. Due to its high price on the market (reaching US$ 400/kg), the substance is hunted by many. Systematic hunting for the species starts from Sumatera, Kalimantan and Papua New Guinea. The high market pressure has led to uncontrolled, destructive and unsustainable exploitation of the species and threatens its existence.