Work with certification agencies to adapt the FSC certification scheme for wood production on small farms and the producers of 'atypical' products, such as woodcarvings. Create demand for 'Good Wood' carvings - encourage fair trade organisations, big importers and exporters to support the initiative by buying 'Good Wood' carvings. As soon as possible, encourage these buyers to commit to purchase only certified carvings. In collaboration with the Mennonite Central Committee, Oxfam, Aid to Artisans and other NGOs active in the field, build the capacity of carvers to improve the quality, design and marketing of their carvings. Work with the Kenyan Forest Department to restrict hardwood supplies, while encouraging the planting of 'Good Woods' and native hardwoods.
Certification gives consumers an ethical choice.
Many consumers nowadays would like to do the right thing and buy foods and wood products, which give both people and the environment a 'fair deal'. Pressure of consumer demand can provide a strong motive to switch to more sustainable alternatives. In the case of Kenyan carvings, a switch to 'Good Woods' will benefit the carvers because their livelihoods will be better assured. It will benefit small-holding farmers, encouraged to grow and sell 'Good Wood' trees. It will take some of pressure off invaluable forests.