Our readers’ comments on on the launch of Wonasa, the World Natural Stone Association:

on November, 12th, Rodrigo Silva, CEO of the Royal Group Brazil (Mail) wrote:

„It´s always interesting to see the leaders of the stone business building up an institution focused on the marketing and valuation of the stone. Phrases and words to convince the use and the importance of the stones never miss.

But let´s go deeper. Our company for example produces soapstone technical parts for wood burning stoves and fireplaces. We are also one of the leading suppliers of the mineral talc, used for carving and sculptures.

My question is very simple: does this new institution know enough about all stones and applications or is it only interested on the marketing of certain stones? I think that the first aim of any institution should be the grouping of all different companies from all expertise areas to provide concrete and wide information to the global market.

They have to consider that the market not only needs information but options.“

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on November, 6th, Paul Daniel, Freelance Contributor to Stone Industry Journals Worldwide (Mail), wrote:

„You seem to agree with WONASA´s basic objectives. Yet you state that ,WONASA would be well advised to join forces with the established national and trans-national stone industry organisations rather than pursue new paths’. There is bound to be some overlap in effort, and this should obviously be kept to a minimum, nevertheless I feel that WONASA´s efforts should be wholeheartedy supported. There is room on this planet for all wishing to broaden the market for any worthy product. I was present at the inaugural Press Conference on 29 October. I heard Mr Anil Taneja announce from the podium that the annual turnover of the global dimension stone business had been calculated as around 65 bn $, and there were 8 – 10 million employees. Mr Taneja stressed that ,We are at the start of a 1000 km long journey : there is a very long way to go, with no time limit, and we may not even survive the whole journey. But we believe that WONASA´s aims, in particular to spread the message of natural stone´s unique properties in a way that reaches the man in the street, are worthy of support´. Whilst agreeing that existing associations and WONASA must work together, I fully support WONASA´s global ambitions and wish the Association every success.

Many in our branch used to complain that ,There are too many stone exhibitions in the world’. Mature companies however calculate at which exhibition or exhibitions their money is best spent, and do not attend other shows. If WONASA succeeds, it will be because stone companies appreciate the benefits.“

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on November, 3rd, 2010, Mr. Andrea G. Maoro (Mail) from Singapore wrote:

„My 1.5 cents of comments are:

1. 500 US-$ membership: The membership should be worldwide free of charge. Willing donation and contribution are accepted.

2. Wonasa: Do not require the cooperation of anybody. can stand on his on. Tale of Indians who helped build America… By understanding India’s caliber Albert Einstein once said: We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.

Best Regards, Andrea G. Maoro (Mr.), Managing Director, La Mar Diamant (S.E.A.), Stone Forensics Consultants in Natural Stone.“