Ditching exotics not the answer to tropical deforestation

While I was inspired by Andrew Hartley’s vision of wood becoming a more valued commodity (Momentum for action, TTJ November 27/December 4) , I was dismayed that he seems to assume this should apply only to wood from rich industrialised countries.

Mr Hartley suggests that any product which is “hand carved from exotic hardwoods” must be “environmentally destructive”, saying that “even the most unenlightened people know that exotic hardwoods need to be protected, not turned into tourist tat”.

However, enlightened people know that avoidance of “exotic hardwoods” is no solution to the problem of tropical deforestation.

Producing “tourist tat” – more politely described as encouraging local woodland crafts – is a very good way of adding value to community woodlands and promoting their sustainable use. I’m sure any small woodland owner in the UK selling to local furniture and walking stick makers would agree with this.

These forests are being lost not because of over-exploitation of wood by local craftsmen, but because much more money may be made in the short term by converting woodland over to commercial cash crops.

So please, Mr Hartley, next time you see a product that is “hand carved from exotic hardwood”, do the tropical forest a favour and buy it. That way you’ll be supporting local communities and adding value to wood and woodlands in countries where these assets are still seriously undervalued.

You’ll also be able to place this hand-crafted object on your mantelpiece and admire its wonderful capacity to keep on storing carbon. Or you might like to burn it – as this seems to be your preferred solution to climate change.

Rupert Oliver
Forest Industries Intelligence Ltd