From the Daily Nation in Kenya – Who knew woodcarving could be an environmental problem?
…it [the jacaranda tree] is its wood that has the potential to affect forest conservation in a big way in Kenya. It is now being promoted in the Sh3 billion a year carving industry. It may just be one to save hardwood indigenous trees artisans have used for generations and that are becoming extinct.
According to the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), the sector employs more than 60,000 people, who support a further 300,000. The biggest market for the artefacts, mostly of wild animals, is export and tourism.
Studies show the carving industry’s demand for indigenous trees far outstrips supply. As many as 100,000 trees are cut down annually to feed its insatiable appetite. MORE
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