It is true that as Society becomes more mechanized, a Global heritage maybe becoming lost to future generations. Globally many artisans are struggling simply to survive.

Many craftspeople around the World live in very remote communities, and have often diversified from farming. They are utilizing traditional skills which have been handed down from generation to generation. These skills include needlework, metalwork, woodwork, and weaving.

Sadly many artisans around the World have suffered severe hardships. We often hear about the strife in Africa, but did you realize for example many many artisans living in Cambodia and Vietnam died during the terrible times of the Khmer Rouge. The traditional handicrafts of these countries all but died out. Happily now, people are beginning to rebuild their lives, to return to normality and begin trading again. All of this of course takes time, and is not easy.

Worldwide there are many fabulous traditional crafts to discover - handmade cashmere blankets from Nepal; hand woven bedspreads from India, with the most exotic of hand embroidery; sublime embroidery from Vietnam - a Country famous for this type of work; beautiful hand carving from Indonesia; wonderful tribal craft from Africa - well the list is practically endless!

It is so important that the West continues to support and encourage the uptake of these ancient crafts - otherwise they may be lost. But even more importantly we must begin to trade more ethically, and ensure that no artisan is exploited in any way. This means working towards exemplar business trading, not just offering a fair wage for work they produce, but making sure that working conditions are acceptable, that people are protected and respected.

Business leaders need to be committed to being more socially aware and responsible, and more environmentally aware, and to act with integrity in all business dealings with such craftspeople.

We live in an ever changing World, and we all have a duty of care to nurture those economies who need us most.