Eco Harvest Wood: From Disaster To Sustainable Success

wood fsc rainforest alliance nicaragua photo

In 2007 Hurricane Felix tore through Nicaragua, destroying thousands of acres of prime forest. Greg Marsh knew the area well; he had been working with the indigenous Miskitu people since 1999. He set up a business to harvest the red laurel and cocobolo knocked down by the hurricane and export it.

Greg Marsh of Eco Harvest from Lloyd Alter on Vimeo.

Shaky start; I forgot my tripod

They worked with the Rainforest Alliance and Forest Stewardship Council to get FSC certification. It is nice stuff, the kinds of wood I usually keep away from because it is often sourced in rainforests under threat and cut illegally.

I asked how big a supply there was and how long it would last, and was told "twenty-five years."

They have a nursery as well, planting four trees for every one they harvest, replanting areas cleared by the hurricane.

Nice hardwoods from indigenous peoples who are properly paid: that is a wood you can feel good about. Eco Harvest Wood, found at the Green Building Festival.