Buying souvenirs is one of the most popular activities while traveling, but think twice before you buy them.
When visiting Georgia, it’s tempting to take a piece of this lovely country with you. Flea markets and roadside sellers often offer unique items, but some of these souvenirs come with a hidden cost, Georgia’s environment, heritage, and culture.
What are illegal souvenirs?
Some items sold as souvenirs are illegal to buy to sell, or export from Georgia. There include:
- Bear pelt
- Fox hide
- Wolf hide
- Horns of Caucasian ibex
- Horn of Alpine chamois
- Any type of taxidermy trophy
- Fragment of stalactites and stalagmites
- Seeds of plants facing the threat of extinction
- Coins, paintings, jewels, inscriptions and armor with cultural heritage significance
- Any stolen art items
They may look like rare gems, but they are often gathered by illegal hunting, theft, poaching or destruction of natural and historical sites.
Why not to buy them?
-You would be supporting animal cruelty. Wildlife products, such as, hides, horns, or taxidermy, are often the result of illegal hunting. This results in the decline of vulnerable species and disrupts Georgia’s fragile ecosystem.
– You would be damaging natural heritage. Breaking off a piece of a stalactite might feel like taking a tiny piece of a cave home, but these natural formations take thousands of years to grow and are protected by law.
– You may be fueling plant extinction. Some sellers offer seeds of rare plants. Removing them from their natural habitat contributes to ecological imbalance.
– You would be trafficking cultural artifacts. Purchasing an antique coin, painting, or armor without official documentation could be an act of cultural theft. These items are part of Georgia’s heritage and protected by law.
What can you get instead?
You can always buy locally made crafts like traditional ceramics, textiles, felt, or enamel from various different places. Go for nature-friendly products like jams, teas, and honey. You can support a sustainable business that respects both the environment and culture.
