ABG Assurances with IPCI: protecting musical bows made from pernambuco wood
From the moment they were introduced, pernambuco bows quickly won over musicians thanks to their unique qualities.
IPCI has been working for many years to plant trees in order to protect the species and help prevent a ban on pernambuco production. If the species were to become endangered, current regulations would no longer allow the sale or transport of bows made from this wood.
This is why
ABG Assurances supports the initiative led by this association.
The status of pernambuco wood is currently in the balance in Brazil
To protect the environment, Brazil is considering limiting the use of pernambuco wood. At present, this wood is listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning that its trade is authorised but closely monitored due to its endangered status. Under these conditions, musicians are still able to travel freely with their bows.
However, pernambuco wood could potentially be moved to Appendix I of CITES, as is the case with ivory. If this were to happen, the
sale, purchase, transport, or even repair of bows made from
pernambuco wood would be prohibited.
The impact on the musical world: the rationale behind ABG Assurances’ commitment
A change in the status of pernambuco wood would have serious consequences for musicians’ daily lives. Bow owners would no longer be able to travel with their instruments without repeatedly applying for strictly regulated authorisations.
Furthermore, such a change would lead to a significant reduction in musical production. To date, there is no viable alternative to pernambuco wood for bow making that can match its acoustic performance.
An action plan to promote the responsible use of pernambuco
It is possible to promote the responsible and controlled use of pernambuco wood. IPCI is helping to reintroduce the species through the planting of hundreds of thousands of new seedlings. In protected areas where harvesting is offset by replanting, the continued use of pernambuco wood remains possible.
ABG Assurances supports this initiative alongside bow makers and musicians to protect both their tools and their passion. You can learn more about the initiatives led by IPCI in support of this effort.
