But carvers are familiar with the hardwoods and have few incentives to make the switch. Hardwoods cost little more than good woods. Carving hardwoods is also more convenient, because there is no need to cure the timber first. The key is to give carvers an incentive to switch to good woods. People and Plants is using posters and a video to convey the message to prospective buyers.
Certification gives consumers an ethical choice.
The People and Plants Programme has embarked on a campaign to achieve FSC certification for Kenyan carvings and raise awareness among importers, exporters and tourists about this alternative. Much progress has already been made. A pilot cooperative is working on fulfilling the preconditions for certification, such as the development of a management plan. At the second International FSC Trade Fair in the UK in June, People and Plants used the Kenyan work as a case study to raise awareness about the need to reduce the costs and administrative burden of getting FSC certification. Susanne Schmitt coordinates the People and Plants Programme and works with the WWF International Plants Conservation Unit.