If conservation initiatives include asking range country people not to hunt or place bee hives or remove wood from the rain forest PIC believes that it is imperative for people to be offered economic alternatives.
In 1993, to generate income to fund conservation initiatives, PIC researched and began purchasing conservation-themed merchandise for re-sale. Over time, original designs and concepts were added to the merchandise portfolio. Then, in 1995, PIC started an Artisan Project to provide economic opportunities so local people don’t have to use forest resources to care for their families.
Following the success of the prototype, the Artisan Project was increased to include additional cooperatives, expanding to 16 cooperatives today, representing 400 people. PIC works with these cooperatives using fair trade practices, carefully planning and using safeguards to: (1) make sure that forest resources are never used to make artisan items, (2) that the growth of cooperatives is carefully monitored to ensure not only quality control but also that attention is paid to local cultures, (3) that artisans have ownership in managing their co-ops, and (4) that artisans retain a working partnership with the organizing project.
Meaningful Conservation Impact
In 2001, PIC began partnering with basket makers in a tiny village adjacent to Nyungwe National Park. These women were gathering firewood from the forest everyday, which was depleting the forest’s resources and wildlife habitats. However, with money earned from selling their baskets to PIC, the women are now able to purchase charcoal made from non-rainforest woods for cooking and heating. Since this program began, the women have removed 85% less wood from the forest than before and these women now have confirmation that conservation programs are benefiting their families.
Our experience shows that the artisan project is providing economic alternatives to men and women is helping preserve the rainforest and the animals that live there and has increased positive discussions between our conservation partners and the artisans.
Zoos can increase their conservation message by purchasing unique hand-crafted artisans items for donors, sell them at their gift shops or can incorporate artisan items into conference events. PIC artisan items are sold at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Houston Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Oklahoma City Zoo and at the Louisville Zoo.
SUPPORT PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION