Strengthening the Creative Industries for Development in ... - unctad

PART 3. CREATIVE INDUSTRIES POLICY REVIEW 41
Education and training on IPR issues is a must, particularly on issues related to copyrights and
trademarks. Artists and authors should know better what their rights are so that the value of the
creative works is not underpriced. This training and information should not be restricted to the artists
working in centres in the main cities, but should be spread throughout each province.
Action: A specific education package of 2–3 days free of charge could be target to creative workers
and implemented in each province. Ideally, it should cover: training and human development;
government supporting institutions; IPR basic information; basic trade techniques including market
access; some knowledge of environment; and cultural protection.
3.11 CREATIVITY AND BIODIVERSITY
Developing countries are often endowed with rich biodiversity but they face the big challenge of
finding the right balance between the sustainable use and the conservation of their biodiversity. In
recent years, a positive trend towards ethical consumerism and eco-ethical fashion is emerging. The
fashion industry can play an increasingly important role in preserving natural heritage, encouraging
sustainable consumption patterns and shaping a new consumer culture. The fashion industry provides
an opportunity for developing countries to shift up the economic ladder by using their creative talents
in harmony with the best use of the nature, including the use of natural fibers and environmentallyfriendly
processes. Many businesses are embracing innovative approaches in dealing with global
supply chains, worker’s rights and environmental issues.
Action: Responsible business initiatives are needed by both SMEs and multinational companies. It is
important to use processes that consume less water and energy to avoid the abusive use of animal
species for the use of skins.
Action: Efforts should be made to promote the use of biodegradable, the use of organic products,
natural fibres and use of local material. The use of pesticides and insecticides should be avoided as
well as chemical processes that harm the fauna and flora.
Creative industry products are not only cultural ambassadors; every product represents a specific
attitude towards our planet and environment. Artists and cultural operators have a chance to play a role
by promoting products as a vehicle for social, cultural, and economic transformation. The main
challenge remains in bridging awareness between designers and product managers, producers and coproducers,
consumers and citizens.
Action: A positive dialogue is needed to engage business and consumers to come together to conserve
biodiversity. Throughout supply chains, partnerships among farmers, NGOs, and government are
needed at a global scale. The eco-fashion, interior design and natural cosmetics industries in particular
are booming sectors, providing jobs and export revenue from the sustainable use of biodiversity.
Figure 11: Sustainable fashion show during the National Conference on Culture, Maputo, 2009
Photo by Edna dos Santos-Duisenberg