Beyond Wood :

the value of non-timber forest products

A workshop for young foresters held at the Eden Project, Cornwall, UK  2-5 December 2004

 Sponsors

Commonwealth Forestry Association

Scottish Forestry Trust

International Forestry Students Association

Background

Over 150 non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as roots, bark, fruit, latex and fungi, are traded by forest-dwelling people throughout the world.  In many countries these resources are critical, especially for the rural poor and women, and may provide them with their only source of personal income, medicine, construction material, and dietary variety. In contrast, in other countries the potential of NTFPs to provide income and maintain indigenous knowledge remains largely under-exploited.  However, there remain differences of opinion concerning the best way to utilise NTFPs to improve the livelihoods of rural poor, whilst protecting biodiversity and ensuring sustainability. This presents a challenge to forest managers, ecologists, socio-economists and policy level decision makers.

Workshop objective

To increase awareness amongst young foresters (both students and young professionals) of the importance of NTFPs and the complex nature of their conservation, development and utilisation. 

Lessons learned will enable these forest managers of the future to give a high priority to responsible and sustainable forest management, give due concern to the people who depend on the forest for their livelihood and open up new resources to communities and First Nations.

Trainers and participants

Click here for a list of trainers and participants.