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North Carolina firm helps local artisans while saving the rainforest Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology July 23, 2005 Can a company generate income while helping local artisans and protecting the environment in far off lands? A Durham, North Carolina firm is doing just that. Since 1993, Forests of the World has imported and distributed "fair-trade" products made by people living in and around some of the planet's most endangered forests. Today Forests of the World has grown to work in over 15 countries and with more than 40 artisan groups including a sizeable operation in Madagascar where as many as 100 local people design products made from raffia, a fiber obtained from a palm endemic to the island. Forests of the World estimates that since 1994, it has sold over $1.5 million worth of raffia products from Madagascar, about $400,000 of which has been returned to the country. The entire supply chain, from harvesters of raffia to artisans to exporters, benefit from this sustainable business.
The company has also established The Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization charged with helping artisans develop green business management and promote environmental education. The Forest Foundation even arranges ecotours for people interested in seeing these green businesses firsthand. Products handcrafted by Forests of the World's artisans can be found in dozens of stores around the United States, Canada, and Central America. The firm also sells directly to the public once a month from their Durham store. You can learn more at their website, forestsoftheworld.com This article used copy and information from forestsoftheworld.com.
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