The Non-Timber Forest Products Task Force, in the Philippines, has been running its handicraft programme for five years. It aims at poverty alleviation and the sustainable use of non-timber forest resources. Throughout these years, the programme has faced many difficulties –for instance, meeting the volume that was demanded or having to adjust their products to the demands– but these have been solved by streamlining the production process and by expanding the number of producers. A key factor has been the establishment of the Custom Made Crafts Centre (CMCC), as an intermediary between the communities and the market. CMCC sells the products on the local market and is now targeting the European market. Included is an example of how increasing markets can help support the sustainable use of natural resources as well as safeguarding important local customs in the producer country.
