Plenty of sympathy for curio carvers

Reaction to the controversial ‘curio carvers’ at Alkantstrand has been overwhelmingly in favour of the wood sculptors.

While some voiced concerns over the source of the timber used to create the curios, and the possibility of long-term deforestation of the immediate area, most online readers gave a massive ‘thumbs up’ to allowing the group of carvers to continue to exercise their undoubted talents.

They are praised for their skill and hard work and especially for the fact that what they are doing is enabling an honest living – as opposed to a life of crime for survival.

The carvers also add to the tourism appeal of the beachfront area.

Others say the potential damage to the environment is far less than, say, the effect of mining or industrial emissions – although being ‘less wrong’ does not make something ‘right’.

It was reassuring to note on inspection that all the large sections of wood being used had apparently been donated by garden service and tree felling companies.

Indeed, one respondent in that sector has revealed himself as one of the timber donors.

The bottom line is: as with all activities of this nature, the rights of people to earn a living must be balanced with the interests of conservation authorities and the pertaining legislation for protected and indigenous trees.

The suggestion that all timber donated be accompanied with a letter from the donor, will ensure that the origin of the wood can be traced and verified.

Regular spot checks will ensure that this process is being followed.

Added to that, a walkabout of the dune forest area at Alkantstrand and resultant inventory would give a base from which deforestation can be monitored.

Judging from the positive comments of our readers, in all probability these curio carvers can expect to be inundated with free timber from which to continue their brilliant work and will never again have to search the bushes for material.