Buyer Beware! Illegal Artesan Goods Sold on Atlantic Coast

[Papatara]

Be aware that a number of items which are banned on the international market are openly sold on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua.

For example, beautiful jewelry and trinkets made of hawksbill turtle shell, black coral, and manatee bone are available just outside the gate of the airport in Bilwi as well as in the market and other sites. In the market and some stores, you may also see jaguar, ocelot, giant anteater, and other skins offered for sale. I´ve also seen similar offerings in Waspam.

These are items that you may NOT legally take into most other countries!

There are some legal offerings mixed here as well. The polished coconut shell jewelry is quite attractive I believe.

[Joshua Berman]

Thanks, Papatara -- great information.

On a related note, check out this article I wrote: http://blog.joshuaberman.net/09-12/7-ways-to-reduce-your-impact-on-endangered-wildlife-while-traveling-in-belize-and-other-countries.html

[zairaong]

thanks for sharing this info..