GreenWood/Madera Verde is a community-based sustainable forestry initiative in Latin America. Its mission is to increase the value of the forest to its inhabitants through appropriate woodworking technology. In turn, the forest dwellers are able to earn more by managing their forest than they would make from conventional agriculture or destructive logging.
GreenWood was launched in 1993 through the efforts of Curtis Buchanan (Jonesborough,TN), Brian Boggs (Asheville, NC) and Scott Landis (South Berwick, ME). It has trained more than 40 artisans, adding to the forest economy of more than five different communities. Employing mainly handtools and lesser known wood species, these artisans have produced a wide range of furniture, craft products and boat and guitar parts.
GreenWood has partnered with prestigous groups such as the World Wildlife Fund, Rainforest Alliance, the Nature Conservancy and Mystic Seaport. GreenWood is a registered 501 (C)(3) non-profit, educational organization.
