ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we summarize some of the major conclusions from this book on the impact of woodcarving for livelihoods, economies and resources. We then identify practices and policies that promote vibrant and sustainable woodcarving industries. While woodcarving has mostly positive impacts upon livelihoods, carving can negatively affect plant species and ecosystems. We have to work towards changing this. Woodcarving is largely hidden from the attention of policy-makers and project implementers in the development, forestry and tourism sectors – a general feature of trade in forest products. With foresight and a supportive policy framework, the situation can be turned around before ‘serial over-exploitation’ of most favoured species takes place (see Chapter 14). Good examples of successful interventions have been recorded in some places (for example, Bali in Indonesia and South Africa; see Box 16.1). With good policy and practice, woodcarving can, on a sustainable basis, secure millions of livelihoods, contribute to national economies, enhance tourism, enrich culture and add considerable value to wood. We need to have proper resource management, expand cultivation of woodcarving species, capture value and expand markets, promote good prices for good quality and sustainable practices, exploit new technologies and develop better policies.
