Increasing research on non-wood forest resources

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends scientific investigation of the development and utilization of non-timber forest products. It also recommends promoting/popularizing non-wood forest products and other forms of forest resources, apart from fuelwood (e.g. medicinal plants, dyes, fibres, gums, resins, fodder, cultural products, rattan, bamboo) through programmes and social forestry/participatory forest activities, including research on their processing and use.