International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative France Europe

In 2000, bowmakers from France, Germany, and the United States responded to the serious depletion of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and pernambuco populations by forming the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative (IPCI) to develop an action plan. As pernambuco is the main wood used in the manufacture of bows for professional and experienced musicians and is endemic to the Atlantic rainforest, its survival is essential to bow making and the wider musical community. Without pernambuco, stringed instrument music and cultural heritage around the world would not exist as we know it today. It was understood at the time, as it is today, that bow makers should work with Brazilian partners to do everything possible to help conserve the species.

Today, there are four international IPCI organizations known collectively as IPCI: IPCI-Canada, IPCI France-Europe, IPCI-Germany, and IPCI-USA. IPCI represents approximately 400 artisan members in 24 countries. Each member makes 10 to 20 bows per year—requiring the amount of wood provided by one mature tree over its entire lifetime of bow making.

IPCI's mission is to:

1) preserve the genetic diversity of paubrasilia echinata,

2) conserve and restore the species, and

3) establish a framework for its future sustainable use. All program expenses are funded by group members, the vast majority of whom are bowmakers.
IPCI has developed its fundraising capacity to support its long-term commitment to conservation.