You may have been following the news that a second ancient Maya reference to 2012 had been discovered in Mexico, one which is currently making the rounds on the internet as more proof that December 21 2012 will mark the end of the world.

The Maya of Belize have depended upon rosewood for thousands of years, selectively harvesting the beautiful timber in a sustainable manner from forests near their villages for a range of uses, from traditional marimbas and other musical instruments, to the sturdy posts that support their homes. With overseas markets such as China putting more demand on a limited supply of the slow growing trees, the Maya need all the help they can get.