Why? “The US is the single largest consumer market for illegal pernambuco finished bows in the world”. This was a recent quote from a US CITES official. The bows to which he was referring were sold legally to musicians, teachers, students, however, many were made of illegally cut wood from Brazil. The Alliance is strongly opposed to this illegal cutting that threatens pernambuco as well as our musical traditions. We must join forces with musicians and music stores to put an end to illegal cutting, wasteful practices and to expand support for conservation.

Buyers and owners will want assurance that their bows are legal and safe to own and travel with internationally. Bow makers have a crucially important role to play by promoting awareness and compliance with the law, showing support for combating trafficking of pernambuco wood and bows, demonstrating commitment to the conservation of pernambuco, and helping to avoid further restrictions in the future.