Managing non-timber forest resources

There is a wide variety of non-wood products produced from trees. They include gums, resins, and exudates, certain extractives, oils, dyes, pesticides, and specialty chemicals. Also parts of trees used for medicine, food or fodder.

Non timber forest products (NTFPs) have been traditionally important worldwide. In many areas, animal and plant resources derived from forests remain central to subsistence and local economies. The FAO estimated that eighty percent of the population of the "developing" world use NTFPs to meet some of their health and nutritional needs.

Non timber forest products (NTFPs) are also a rapidly growing market sector. The estimated total value in world trade in NTFP is approximately US $1,100 million (SPC 1999), and the market has grown by nearly 20% annually over the last several years. Future development of NTFPs offers potential for increasing income, expanding opportunities, and diversifying enterprises in rural areas.

1. Instituting integrated forest management
2. Increasing community management of forests
3. Improving forest resource management
4. Harvesting local tree varieties

1. Using rattan
2. Producing resins
3. Improving fodder plants
4. Improving environmentally sound methods for forest harvesting

1. Using forested resources
2. Increasing crop diversity
3. Combating desertification

1. Increasing research on non-wood forest resources

1. Ensuring profitable wood industry

1. Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme
2. Center for International Forestry Research
3. NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS USE AND MANAGEMENT
4. NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS IN SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
5. Non Timber Forest Products
6. Non-timber forest products – From restoration to income generation