Recherche forestière : libre accès
Libre accès

Abstrait

Development of Root-Carving Industry Leads to Ecological and Environmental Degradation in China

Xiaoyan Wang, Weimin Xi, Niels Anten and Huaxing Bi1

Root-carving artwork is among the most highly appreciated traditional forms of art in China because of its ornamental and collection value. However, this ancient and highly appreciated art form is in fact currently a major cause of environmental damage. We argue that the state and local forestry administrations and related industry associations should develop more effective measures to better manage the root-carving industry and thus reduce environmental damage currently associated with it. This article presents some insights on this issue, including suggested improvements for supervision of the illegal excavation of tree roots in mountain areas; tracing the source of the root-carving artwork raw materials; formulating detailed regulations supervising root diggers; enforcing rules and regulations to market trading of root-carving raw materials and artworks and imposing heavy fines for the artworks that are carved from roots of rare and protected species.