International Non-Timber Forest Product Issues

Summary

Perceived as socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable, non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have held special charm as alternatives to forest management focussed exclusively on timber. This paper examines themes central to development of NTFPs as management and conservation strategies in the developing world. Following brief descriptions of seven product types, the paper reviews research on the promise of sustainable prosperity through NTFPs. Critiques of economic valuation and commercialization suggest that NTFP development strategies are not without social, economic, and ecological problems. The paper concludes with a list of eight major issues relating to the extraction and trade of non-timber forest products.

Key Words:

• Extractive reserves
• economic valuation
• commercialization
• third world
• non-timber forest products