One of the world's largest shipping firms has announced a moratorium on all timber shipments from The Gambia.

An investigation by BBC "Africa Eye" in March this year revealed that vast quantities of West African rosewood have been transported through Gambian territory.

The destination for many of these shipments was China, according to the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA). Gambian authorities have previously denied any involvement in smuggling.

Rosewood belongs to those tropical tree species widely used in the furniture industry in Asia, particularly in China. In terms of volume, rosewood is the most trafficked natural product in the world.