Teak is an endangered species due to the exploitation of the tree for

its wood. It is used to manufacture teak furniture both indoor and 

outdoor. It is one of the most valued timber in the world due to its 

durability, and easy maintenance. It is also used due to its insects, 

termites’ attacks, and humidity resistance. It is reported to be the

“gold standard” for decay resistance. Teak is an easy to work wood in

all the possible regards. In addition to its wide wood use, teak plant

supports the ecosystem through aeration of the environment and erosion prevention. 

 

In 2013, as Myanmar put an end to the cutting down of teak trees, the 

country of Ecuador stepped in to fill the void and has reportedly been 

exporting 95 percent of its teak wood to India. Ecuador makes a 

$30 million profit from teak export.

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“Teak isn’t native to Ecuador and is exhibiting invasive behavior to survive.” There are not any natural agents to rapidly dissolve its leaves, it draws an extensive amount of water and minerals, thus negatively affecting other trees/crops around. “When teak is extracted, the land is unprotected and has no minerals. We have to grow sicapé, a small plant that requires heavy watering, to restore the land. The plant is unfit for human consumption, but cattle can eat it,” says Durán. The country has set in motion a deforestation with the use of farmers clearing patches to set up teak plantations. Teak is ready to be cut within 6 to 8 years and reportedly

can grow at least 6 times if the root remains undamaged. But with a main root running 6m underground, it is difficult to uproot. The flora and Fauna diversity of Latin America is being ravaged, the Global Forest Watch has reported a loss of about 0.4 million ha tree cover between 2001 and 2015. A published study by the American Ornithological Society states that the amount of bird species in the teak plantations of Mizoram has decreased because teak does not have a nest, amongst other needs for animals from the region.

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In addition to the negative effect of the use of tea tree on a foreign land, there is also a health hazard component for Ecuadorians in the teak wood trade between India and Ecuador. Methyl bromide, used to fumigate teak and known to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been banned under the Montreal protocol. It was also banned in Ecuador in 2015. Before the ban, India only imported fumigated teak and allowed unfumigated teak after the ban until 2016 when it ceased. But in January 2017, after Ecuador got the green light from India to use another chemical – aluminum phosphide – to exported teak. Unfortunately, this chemical is also hazardous and can cause liver and kidney damage.