6 SPECIAL FEATURES
MARKETING OF January and from April to May. Outbreak %TRADITIONAL NWFPS and abundance vary annually, as determined by the availability of rainfall Are insects valuable? Synopsis of mopane and the presence of host-tree leaves worms (Colophospermum mopane). Low rainfall Mopane worms are the larvae of the moth and scarcity of host-tree leaves limit the Imbrasia belina and are widely consumed in abundance of the worms, since there is a rural areas of southern Africa for their shortage of fresh mopane leaves on which nutrition and income-generation they feed. Despite the value of mopane opportunities. They are mostly consumed in worms, primarily for livelihoods, their the rural areas of countries such as abundance has been limited in recent Botswana and Zimbabwe and the Limpopo years. The causes of this low supply are and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa. uncertain, but could relate to unfavourable Mopane worms are good nutritional conditions resulting from climate change supplements for the majority of people in (low rainfall and high temperatures) and among artisans to improve the quality of rural areas, since they provide the destruction of the mopane worms’ host bark cloth products. Vincent Musubire, approximately 65 percent protein, tree. Absence of rules that regulate the chairperson of the association, said that 51 percent fats and amino acids. The harvesting of mopane worms has also "when we look at it critically, bark cloth has availability of mopane worms creates increased competition for harvesting a big future but not in the traditional sense seasonal employment for rural women. between the local people and outsiders, of burying people. It has value and can Sixty-five percent of rural dwellers in the and this also affects their life cycle. All generate income, which is where I am southern Africa mopane belt collect mopane these factors hamper the wealth and putting the emphasis." He said that worms for subsistence use, while 35 percent nutritional supplement that mopane prospects for the bark cloth market were sell them at the nearby urban markets. worms can provide, and increase the promising, especially internationally. "We Women and children are mainly involved vulnerability of rural people to want to ensure that the crafts from bark in collection and sale of the worms but, in malnutrition. (Contributed by: Rudzani cloth produced by women and men meet recent years, men too have been engaged, Makhado, Assistant Director, Forestry the quality requirements of the local and attracted by income-earning opportunities. Research, Forestry Policy and Strategy, international craft market. That is why we Mopane worms are sold along the streets Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, are not leaving it to the local community to in urban areas and in areas where elderly P/Bag x 313, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; produce. I'm linking up with skilled young people receive their pensions. Trading of e-mail: [email protected] graduates of industrial art and design to mopane worms is currently a commercial and Martin Potgieter, Department of work with local craftspeople to produce business with good economic returns. Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, quality products", he said. During a good year, dried mopane worms P/Bag x 1106, Sovenga, South Africa; Nuwa Wamala Nyanzi, an artist and sold by an urban vendor at Thohoyandou, e-mail: [email protected]) owner of a crafts business in Kampala, South Africa, can make a turnover of about confirmed that the demand for bark cloth US$2 975. Mopane worms are currently Bark cloth makes comeback on among tourists is high but that it is not processed and traded locally and international fashion scene being marketed widely enough at internationally as snacks and canned Kampala. Bark cloth, a fabric historically international craft expos. Nyanzi also products. The commercial trade of mopane used by the Buganda in central Uganda to added that bark cloth production is worms in Botswana, Zimbabwe and the wrap their dead before burial, is making a suffering because there are few Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces of comeback in the form of trendy crafts, craftspeople who have the skill to make South Africa contributes multimillion rands clothing and household goods. The cloth, quality bark cloth. Traditionally, to the gross domestic product (GDP). This made from Ficus natalensis trees, was craftspeople of the Ngonge clan have shows the lucrative trade for mopane supplanted by the introduction of cotton by manufactured bark cloth for the Baganda worms. The price for selling the worms, Arab caravan traders in the nineteenth royal family and the rest of the community; however, is determined by the number of century. Now bark cloth crafts such as however, many have died without passing buyers, abundance of the worms and table mats, bedcovers, jackets, purses and on their skill. distance from the market. An abundant wide-brimmed hats are finding their way Bark cloth is recognized as part of the supply of mopane worms results in a drop on to the international market. world's collective heritage by the United in price because of oversupply in the Bark cloth is exported to Germany, Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural market, a situation that is reversed when Japan, Australia, the United States of Organization (UNESCO). Head of the the supply is no longer abundant. Distance America and Canada where significant Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, from the market increases price since populations of Ugandans live. There is also Augustine Omare Okurut, said that transport costs need to be recovered. huge demand from neighbouring Kenya. "research is being conducted on the Consequently, all these factors determine Kenyan traders blend the cloth and export making of bark cloth, how to preserve it the income that can be generated from the products to Europe and the United and how it can be exploited for the benefit selling mopane worms. States. of the local and international community". The outbreak of mopane worms occurs The Mwangwe Rural Development (Source: Inter Press Service [Uganda], 12 twice a year, normally from December to Association works to raise consciousness February 2009.)
NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIAL FEATURES 7
Chambira palm: baskets bring a new way Pitching an international enterprise to of life to Peruvians the villagers was almost as easy. Mr Shany San Antonio de Pintuyacu, Peru. Women in turned a somewhat haphazard local craft – T. ferdinandiana this remote Amazon village can weave women making a few baskets, selling them fruits have a fibres from the branch of the chambira in a local shop, and then making a few long history of palm tree into practically anything they more – into something more like mass Aboriginal need – fishing nets, hammocks, purses, production, with higher returns to the dietary use. skirts and dental floss. But for the last year producers. Commercial they have put their hopes in baskets, Artisans get US$10–12 for each basket, attention weaving hundreds to build up an inventory which sells for $40 in the United States. was drawn for export to the United States of America. About a third of that goes into shipping and to the species Their first international buyers are the San distribution, and the rest is retailer profit, as a source of Diego Natural History Museum and San meaning that the company distributing the vitamin C over Diego Zoo, and they plan to sell to other baskets gets a little more per unit than 20 years ago. But, museums and home décor purveyors. each maker. Mr Shany and PROCREL unlike the more established The enterprise is one of many ventures receive nothing. markets for carvings, didgeridoos, in the Amazon aimed at “productive The artisans’ cut may not seem sandalwood oil and bush tucker, which conservation”, which advocates say will substantial, Mr Shany said, but it is more have been in operation since at least the save the rain forest by transforming it into a than double previous monthly earnings. 1970s, commercial harvesting of T. renewable economic resource for local Two years ago, households in this region ferdinandiana only started in 1996. people. earned as little as $30 a month selling fish However, the fact that the final product The government of Loreto, Peru’s and palm frond roofing at city markets, he produced from T. ferdinandiana – densely forested and least populous region, said. Today, experienced weavers can earn naturally occurring ascorbic acid – has organized the basket project, which is up to $100 a month. (Source: The New York been commercially available for a long financed by grants from two non-profit Times [United States of America], 19 time, enables T. ferdinandiana products groups, Nature & Culture International and January 2009.) to link into an existing niche market. the Moore Foundation. The changes in Loreto may correspond Ecoenterprises and Terminalia to a broader shift in Peru’s attitude towards ferdinandiana: “best laid plans” and conservation. Last spring, motivated by the Australian policy lessons enrichment plantings. However, even the signing of a free trade agreement with the In a recent article in Economic Botany, A.B. establishment of commercial horticultural United States of America, the country set Cunningham et al. review practical policy production within Australia faces several up an environment ministry, which has lessons from trade in a dietary supplement challenges. already started to focus on deforestation. (or nutraceutical) processed from For Australia to maintain and develop The basket project is the brainchild of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Combretaceae), the international market, future Noam Shany, an Israeli agronomist and which contains extremely high levels of development of this bush food must entrepreneur. A bird-watching trip in 2005 natural ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Most include: (i) implementation of existing led him to a remote village on the Tahuayo production is from wild harvesting by international and national policies on the River, an Amazon tributary. There, he said, Aboriginal people, who get US$14/kg for protection of genetic resources; he noticed striking local baskets for sale in picked, sorted fruit. However, the main (ii) formation of a producer association a tourist lodge. Australian company involved is struggling to increase production efficiencies; Mr Shany, who had previously sold to get the 12 tonnes/year it requires, and (iii) functioning partnerships between artificial plants to Walmart and cacti to could market much more. Although Aboriginal producers and commercial nurseries in California and Australia, Aboriginal people ideally should benefit partners that guarantee and expand decided to put his retail experience to an economically from the harvest of T. reliable supply and develop cultural environmental use. ferdinandiana, there are major challenges branding and certification as marketing In 2006, he helped found PROCREL, a to this objective, including Australia’s high tools; and (iv) scientific research into biodiversity programme that has worked labour costs compared with Asia, Africa improving T. ferdinandiana fruit yields and with the regional government to establish and Latin America where T. ferdinandiana production methods, based on improved three vast protected reserves. The basket can be grown. In addition, although resource management and efficient programme is one of several conservation Australia is a signatory to and plays a processing methods. (Source: Economic initiatives intended to help indigenous leading role in the international Convention Botany, 63(1), 2009.) peoples benefit from the conservation on Biodiversity (CBD), this has meant little efforts. in practice so far. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Pitching Peruvian handicrafts to retailers “Cultural branding” and certification of THE AUTHOR: in the United States was easy. “These organic, wild harvested T. ferdinandiana A.B. Cunningham, School for baskets represent so much more than fruit collected by Aboriginal people working Environmental Research, Charles Darwin simply a basket,” said Nancy Stevens, in partnership with commercial companies University, Darwin NT 0909, Australia. manager of retail and wholesale operations offer a possibility for Aboriginal people to Fax: +61 8 9336 6783; for the San Diego Natural History Museum. continue to benefit from wild harvest or e-mail: [email protected]
NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 8 SPECIAL FEATURES
First FSC-labelled gin from Belgium unique system shaped by human beings – to the alternatives, they do not have the The first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)- aromatic and medicinal plants, mushrooms, information to enable them to make labelled gin was launched on the Belgium natural grazing with extensive livestock sustainable choices that take into market in December 2008. Made from the farming and game complete this fantastic consideration wider society concerns, green pine cones of Pinus sylvestris, a ecosystem and provide rural populations because of the absence of labelling about common tree in the Flemish region, the with work and sources of income. the type of stoppers used in the wine. launch of this gin also marks the first FSC- These landscapes also support one of the The cork oak forests and cork case study certified NTFP originating from Belgium. highest levels of biodiversity among forest is one of the best examples of how a Known as dennenknopje, “little pine habitats (they are listed in the EC Habitats consumer’s choice, through an informed cone” in Dutch, the gin is made from cones Directive – 92/43/EEC), reaching levels of purchasing decision, can contribute to that are collected from the FSC-certified 60–100 flowering plant species per 0.1 ha, as supporting high biodiversity levels and Domeinbos Pijnven forest. Owned by the well as species-rich grasslands with up to sustainable economic activities. Flemish Government, it is managed as part 135 species per 0.1 ha. They also provide (Contributed by: Nuno Mendes Calado of a larger FSC group that has been certified habitat requirements for a large number of (Secretário-Geral), UNAC-União da Floresta since 2006. Certification under FSC’s endangered species (Iberian lynx, Iberian Mediterrânica, Av. Colégio Militar, Lote 1786, Principles and Criteria for responsible forest imperial eagle, the black vulture, the black 1549-012 Lisbon, Portugal. Fax: +351 21 710 management ensures that the natural forest stork, etc.), and large numbers of wintering 00 37; e-mail: [email protected] complexity is maintained and social issues birds from northern Europe, together with a www.unac.pt) are considered, while securing long-term rich diversity of fauna. supplies of forest products. The sustainable cork use for wine bottle Honey and wax: a sticky challenge Distilleerderij Leukenheide is the family- stoppers is the strongest economic activity. The Blue Mountains or Nilgiris region of India owned company responsible for producing The cork oak tree has a lifespan of around are considered one of the most ecologically the gin. Founded in 1833, it is the oldest 170–200 years, during which time it will be fragile areas in the region. The Nilgiris hills traditional gin distillery in the region. The stripped about 15–18 times (every nine have varied flora, ranging from scrub and dry company achieved the FSC chain of custody years). After the harvest, the bark renews deciduous to moist evergreen and montane certification in May 2008, facilitating itself until it is ready to be harvested again; or shola forests. The Nilgiris total land area of completion of the supply chain from none of the trees are cut. 2 749 km2 has long faced threats from Domeinbos Pijnven forest by processing the Through cork, the European Union (EU) is encroachment and illegal felling of timber; its gin and labelling the bottle with the FSC also the world leader in the wine stopper greatest threat now is the expanding tea and label. sector – perhaps one of the few cases in coffee plantations, which cover about The eye-catching FSC-labelled gin which a natural product persistently holds 50 percent of the entire cultivated area. Thus, promotes FSC in the country and has on to its leadership of the market. With a protecting what is left of the forest is crucial strengthened local identity for this relatively total cork market value of about €1.5 billion, to conserving its flora and fauna. forest-rich region. It also demonstrates that with EU exports worth €0.47 billion, cork The new system of economics and land responsible management of forests can stoppers also account for 70 percent of the use has significantly affected the traditions bring new and interesting opportunities, not international wine stopper trade. and culture of the Adivasis, the collective only for recreational purposes, but also Besides their superior quality as closures, term used to describe the indigenous within the economic perspective of cork stoppers have numerous advantages peoples of India. Numbering about 30 000, responsible forest product harvesting. (environmental and social values) that the Adivasis of the Nilgiris are known for (Source: Forest Stewardship Council, clearly distinguish them from alternative living in harmony with nature, as seen in 19 January 2009.) wine stoppers, specifically plastic stoppers their daily lives and survival strategies. and screw tops (aluminium). Honey gathering is a traditional activity Consumers’ contribution towards Cork for bottle stoppers accounts for with a long history in the Nilgiris. For the biodiversity – the cork case study almost 70 percent of the total value of the Adivasis living in the region, marketing Cork oak forests extend over an area of cork market, ensuring a vital role in support from the Keystone Foundation, almost 2.2 million ha, concentrated mainly in maintaining the economic value of cork and using fair-trade practices, was crucial in the Mediterranean region, in southern the low-intensity use of cork oak forests. finding local markets for this traditional Europe and North Africa. There has been a significant decrease in product, increasing their incomes and Cork oak forests are an effective barrier the cork stopper market because of the against the desertification affecting a large increase in the market share of alternative part of the Mediterranean region, playing a wine stoppers (plastic stoppers and screw key role in ecological processes, such as tops), supported by a huge marketing water retention, soil conservation and campaign and by what some retailers are carbon storage (carbon sink of over choosing for the wine consumer. This 14 million tonnes annually) – environmental change in the global closure market is services with a non-market value reducing the economic value of cork forests, (externalities). which represents a major threat to the In the undergrowth of cork oak forests, sustainability of these important landscapes. and supported by its features of multiple- Even though wine drinkers continue use low-intensity agroforestry systems – a overwhelmingly to prefer cork wine closures
NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIAL FEATURES 9
protecting biodiversity. In 1995, this NGO appropriate technology for processing, established its base in the Nilgiris after Keystone began bottling honey and forming conducting a survey of honey gatherers and beeswax into hand-rolled candles and beekeepers in the state of Tamil Nadu. The comb foundation sheets. Initially, it was organization works in the field of difficult to find a market for these products. environment and development, and the Local people in the towns of Nilgiris had no initiative in the Nilgiris was an attempt to knowledge about the Adivasis or their harmonize the needs of ecology with the special niche in collecting forest products. demands of the local economy. Keystone increased its efforts to inform Traditional beliefs, customs and consumers about the honey and the people superstitions guide the honey-gathering behind it. Because of the high-quality activity. When collecting from the Idigh products and regular supply, local people cliffs, the Adivasis use forest vines as from the towns started buying the goods Fourteen people's organizations and ladders; collecting honey from trees is and the clientele steadily increased. The NGOs participate in the Centre's easier, since they simply climb up the products eventually infiltrated the tourist programmes in manufacturing and trees. In both methods, smokers made of market and now more than 60 percent of marketing community handicrafts. The fresh leaves and dry twigs are used to flush goods are sold in small towns in the operations of CMCC also support small out the bees. The gatherers use their Nilgiris. cottage industries in Manila and nearby spears to collect the honeycombs, which provinces, as well as urban poor are then placed in bamboo baskets and FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: enterprises. Moreover, several craft carried to the village. Snehlata Nath, Director of the Keystone designers and experts contribute their time On average, one honeycomb yields Foundation, Keystone Centre, PB 35, and effort in coming up with unique and between 8 and 15 kg of honey. During the Groves Hill Road, Kotagiri 643 217, Nilgiris high-quality products for CMCC. peak season, which lasts about two District, Tamil Nadu, India. The Centre supports ten cultural months, a group of honey gatherers can E-mail: [email protected]; communities, each with an array of unique collect up to 500 kg of honey. In 1994, honey www.keystone-foundation.net/web/home/ handicraft products – basketry, hand could be sold to traders for Rs18–30 weaving, bead work and embroidery. For (around US$0.45–0.75) per kg in bulk; if Custom-made Crafts Centre: creating new these communities, handicraft-making is a bottled, it could be sold for Rs40 ($1) per markets and appropriate strategies for heightened expression of their cultures and kg. Thus, a gatherer's average income communities traditions. At the same time, it is a would be about Rs3 000 (approximately A non-traditional approach to the traditional economic activity as well, with $75) during the honey season. In 2008, the development of traditional crafts has handicrafts being bartered for household price had increased to Rs80 ($2) per kg but allowed a unique marketing programme in needs. When the market economy became the level of compensation is still quite low, the Philippines to bring the benefits of well- increasingly influential in their given the amount of effort and skill involved planned marketing strategies to indigenous communities, the economic value of crafts in honey gathering. peoples' communities. gained more importance and, eventually, To address this issue, Keystone initiated Hinabol is a colourful loom-woven cloth handicraft-making metamorphosed into an training for a number of honey gatherers in made of abaca fibre produced in Bukidnon important source of livelihood. The the Kotagiri district. The training focused Province, in the southern Philippines. It is indigenous artisans learned that they could on both indigenous knowledge and one of the handcrafted traditions whose earn cash by selling their handicrafts. modern/scientific aspects of honey cultural value is recognized through the Treating the crafts as novelty products, collection. After the training, the honey alternative marketing centre, Custom-made tourists bought one or two as souvenirs, extracted by the gatherers had a better Crafts Centre (CMCC), which offers a thus starting the handicrafts trade. quality and a longer shelf-life. Keystone collection of products from indigenous However, the market economy exposed started a processing and marketing unit as artisans. Their materials are made from the indigenous communities to risks. While well, where Adivasis could sell their non-timber forest resources and the designs they profited from selling handicrafts, they produce, such as honey and beeswax. In are drawn from timeless traditions that have also learned that the market could be fickle addition, Keystone incorporated fair-trade been fashioned into functional items for and unstable. They have to scout constantly principles in procuring honey, which home or personal use. for regular buyers. Without them, cash increased the confidence of the Adivasis. A livelihood programme of the Non- flows tend to be irregular. Soon, more honey started arriving and Timber Forest Products – Task Force CMCC faced similar problems. Gaining more people were trained. News about the Philippines, CMCC is a marketing initiative access to appropriate and new markets, “honey unit” spread by word of mouth in that provides a stable source of income and meeting market requirements were the community. The unit conducts regular and better returns for artisans, as well as constant worries. Hence, its livelihood training for newcomers and now sells over a venue for expressing traditional art programme was designed to weave varied eight tonnes of honey and beeswax every forms. It balances the needs of both but interrelated socio-economic, cultural year in the region. It also has over 2 000 consumers and producers by and environmental considerations in its Adivasi honey gatherers in its network. "customizing" the crafts to the tastes of production and marketing planning. Finding local markets. After the modern market while respecting the (Source: From seeds to beads. Tales, tips and experimenting and developing the artisans' traditions and lifestyles. tools for building a community-based NTFP
NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 10 SPECIAL FEATURES
enterprise. Non-Timber Forest Products hired as the export agent to market Exchange Programme for South and Amazonian oils and butters produced by Southeast Asia. ISBN 978-971-93388-1-9.) Engefar, a cosmetics raw materials supplier located in the state of Pará. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Engefar's products are oils and butters THE AUTHOR: extracted from exotic fruit pulps and seeds Nola Andaya, Crafts Coordinator or Arlynn of the rain forest, such as buriti (Mauritia Aquino, Consultant, Non-Timber Forest flexuosa), açaí (Euterpe oleracea), copaiba Products – Task Force Philippines, (Copaifera spp.), muru-muru (Astrocaryum 92-A Masikap Extension, Barangay murumuru) and andiroba (Carapa Central, Diliman, Quezon City 1100, guianensis). These raw materials have Philippines. Fax: +63 2-426 2757; functional elements that are desirable to e-mail: [email protected]; www.ntfp.org upgrade formulations. For example, açaí Marketing and export of yarina oil, extracted from the açaí berry pulp, can (Phytelephas macrocarpa) in Loreto, Peru International logos for local products in add antioxidants to moisturizing creams Yarina, known locally as tagua or vegetable Nepal and shampoos, while buriti oil is widely ivory, is a native species used by Amazonian Kathmandu. Nepali lokta paper and Nepali used as a solar filter for skin protection. communities: the leaves for roofing houses, pashmina, together with their own brands, According to John Laurino, Unit's Chief the fruits for food and the seeds for the are set to rule the international market. Executive Officer: "We are amazed to see manufacture of organic buttons. Nepali lokta paper is being promoted with such fast positive feedback from major The purchase price of the fruit in the the brand “Nepalokta, the new spirit in cosmetics ingredients distributors all over community before being transferred to the paper”, while Nepali pashmina has the world; it is like we are offering them a manufacturing plant is US$0.17/kg without developed its brand name as “Chyangra golden raw material, capable to upgrade the shell and $0.23/kg shelled. One kilogram pashmina”. their product's profile." He believes that the is equivalent to 20–25 seeds, depending on Nepali lokta paper has already had its Amazonian oils he just added to his the size of the fruit. The trade of the leaves is brand registered with the EU and also portfolio may represent a US$20 carried out locally in the communities and received approval to be used in government million/year business in a couple of years. can sometimes be found at Iquitos city. correspondence work. The Nepal (Source: PR.com, 13 May 2009.) Pashmina Industries Association (NPIA) has been trying to register its brand logo. Guatemalan maya nut producers “After the cabinet approval, now Nepali participate in the Terra Madre event in Italy PROCESSING THE SEEDS lokta paper will be used in official The Equilibrium Fund is an NGO with a documenting work. The decision has mission to alleviate poverty, malnutrition The local producers gather the seeds in brought Nepali handmade paper back to and deforestation by teaching rural and the field, either in clusters or the ripe fruit life,” said Milan Dev Bhattarai, President of indigenous women about the nutrition, that has fallen to the ground, removing Nepal Handmade Paper Association uses and processing of maya nut the seeds and at the same time removing (HANDPASS) during the Nepalokta brand (Brosimum alicastrum). In October 2008, the skin and the mesocarp. Once clean, promotion programme today. two members of the Cooperative for Rural the seeds are stored in polypropylene Use of Nepali handmade paper in the Women's Development (CODEMUR), a bags of 50 kg to be transported to artisan past was compulsory in government legal partner organization of the Equilibrium communities for drying, where the correspondence, but was suddenly phased Fund, were invited to share maya nut primary processing starts – drying of the out from government offices. The property products at the world's largest food fair, shelled seeds and their classification by ownership certificates issued by the Terra Madre, in Turin, Italy. size, quality and condition. Ministry of Land Reform and the certificate There they had the opportunity to mingle The seeds are placed on black plastic to of citizenship and passport issued by the and exchange ideas with over 1 500 small dry in the sun for 20–30 days (in some Home Ministry used to be made from producers from 142 countries. In cases, even more), taking care that they handmade paper but, after 1998, the conjunction with Terra Madre and the do not get wet in the rain. After this Government started using imported paper Italian Slow Food Foundation, CODEMUR period, the seeds have hardened enough for these purposes. has decided to form a Maya Nut Presidium, to be classified and stored according to According to Bhattarai, in 2008 the total dedicated to the preservation of the maya size, with any impurities or seeds in poor export of Nepali lokta paper was more than nut as a traditional food for Central condition having been removed. The Rs300 million directly and about Rs200 America. dried seeds are then transported to the million indirectly through tourists arriving purchaser’s plant. These companies fulfil in Nepal. (Source: The Himalayan Times, FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: the role of transformers-exporters and are 13 April 2009.) The Equilibrium Fund, PO Box 2371, responsible for the secondary processing Crested Butte, CO 81224, of the seeds, which is the transformation Brazilian brokering company to market United States of America. into semi-finished products for buttons Amazonian NWFP oils E-mail: [email protected]; and handicrafts. Unit Brazil, a brokering company www.theequilibriumfund.org/page.cfm?p headquartered in São Paulo, has just been ageid=2889
NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIAL FEATURES 11
Some of the processors of yarina, such fact has been shown to have management as Amazon Ivory EIRL, which is responsible benefits. These benefits include increased for the development of different types of AMLA, THE INDIAN GOOSEBERRY productivity through resprouting of amla handicrafts, and Marfil del Amazonas SAC, trees and subsequently higher levels of which is responsible for the production of fruit production, as well as reduced risk of discs for buttons, have driven the further mistletoe infection. However, commercial development of this resource neither mistletoe removal by hand nor in the Loreto region, e.g. the basin of the branch cutting appears to offer a viable river Yanayacu Pucate at the Reserva control strategy in isolation. A multifarious Nacional Pacaya Samiria. strategy, including new approaches to The main markets for vegetable ivory management, is probably needed to and its derivatives are Italy, the United safeguard the role of this resource in local States of America, Germany, France, Chile, livelihoods and future work will aim at the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, the Amla is an important medicinal plant developing such a strategy as part of Netherlands, Spain and Belgium, with species, its fruit being used extensively ongoing participatory management great export demand in 2005 in Costa Rica in the traditional Indian medicine undertaken by the Ashoka Trust for (US$48 723), Spain ($11 863) and Germany system, Ayurveda. Amla berries are Research in Ecology and Environment ($8 458). At present, it is also being also used for making pickles, jams and (ATREE). exported to the Asian market and has cosmetics and are an important food This study, conducted by scientists from become an activity that contributes to the resource for a number of ungulate ETH Zürich and Imperial College London, in effective preservation of the Amazon species. Trade in the south of India is association with ATREE has shown that environment. (Contributed by: Joe Sixto largely from wild extraction but several local harvesting practices may not be as Saldaña Rojas, Red Ambiental Loretana cultivars are grown in commercial damaging as first suspected and indeed (RAL), Av. Guardia Republicana (ex- plantations in Uttar Pradesh, may have significant management benefits. Guayabamaba) Nº 163 - a 100 metros del Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Local NTFP harvesting and management C.O.A, Loreto, Peru. E-mail: Andhra Pradesh, and also in some practices should be evaluated objectively [email protected] or areas of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. without preconceptions about their efficacy. [email protected]; The economic value of amla fruits The recognition and acceptance of their www.redambientalloretana.org) (including processed products) has benefits (as well as deficiencies) within been estimated at between Rs200 and scientifically driven management and 250 million (US$5–6.25 million) but policy frameworks may have significant %BERRIES demand appears to be growing and value. (Contributed by: Lucy Rist, ETH market potential is considered to be Zürich, Institute for Terrestrial Ecosystems, Mistletoe infection of amla, the value much higher. Professorship Ecosystem Management, of local management practices Universitaetstrasse 22, Zürich 8092, Amla (Phyllanthus emblica and Switzerland. E-mail: [email protected]; P. indofischeri) is an NTFP of significant http://www.ecology.ethz.ch/) livelihood importance in southern India mistletoe infection widespread in the BRT and wider economic importance sanctuary, affecting over half of the amla Summer berries in British Columbia, throughout the rest of the country. A population, but that it is particularly Canada three-year study completed last year at severe in those trees of greatest Wild berries abound in the summer. Berry the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) reproductive value. Infection quality can vary greatly depending on wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka characteristics and resource values differ habitat. The berries can be either sold investigated the scale of mistletoe between the two Phyllanthus species, the fresh or made into a variety of value-added infection, its ecological and economic species of greatest value (P. emblica) products, such as preserves, baked goods implications, and the potential of being that most seriously affected. and even wine. alternative management approaches to Institutional perspectives on the With the exception of blueberries and offer a solution to this threat to management of these two species conflict huckleberries, most wild berries do not sustainable harvesting (see Non-Wood with local practices. The Karnataka Forest currently have a large commercial market News 14/07). Department advocates removal of (i.e. it may be difficult to find a buyer for Forest surveys, mistletoe removal mistletoes by hand and has promoted this the berries). Therefore, it is not easy to experiments and mistletoe seed strategy to harvesters. In contrast, estimate prices that might be obtained for deposition surveys were employed to harvesters consider removal by hand to be the various berries. The best option for assess the prevalence of mistletoe both impractical and ineffective and fresh berries is to sell directly to a infection in the amla population, therefore prefer to chop off the infected restaurant, grocery store or at a farmers’ characteristics of infection in relation to branches in order to remove mistletoes, a market. This will also increase the price resource value and the appropriateness of practice most commonly implemented paid per litre, especially if the berries are local versus institutional management during the annual harvest. This cutting of of high quality and clean. approaches to the problem. The findings of branches by amla collectors was There are many species in the Rubus this study suggest that not only is previously considered destructive but in genus (the raspberry clan), all of which
NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 12 SPECIAL FEATURES
have edible berries. It is interesting to note good tea when dried, and have been used plus the cost of the jar, label and sugar). that the new shoots (branches) of most by many Aboriginal peoples for a variety of (Source: Wendy Cocksedge and Michelle Rubus species can be eaten in the spring health ailments. Leaves and twigs can be Schroeder (eds). 2007. A Harvester’s when they are still soft and bendable (the harvested at any time but are best when Handbook. A guide to commercial non- skin is peeled and they are eaten raw or harvested in late autumn. timber forest products in British cooked). The shoots do not store well and Processing berries can add value to the Columbia. Victoria, British Columbia, have therefore not yet become a popular product. Wild berry jam generally sells for Canada, Royal Roads University, Centre for commercial product. All the species of around US$6 per 250 ml jar (with about Non-Timber Resources.) Rubus have leaves and twigs that make a four jars of jam from one litre of berries,
SALMONBERRY (RUBUS SPECTABILIS) Although huckleberry and blueberry bushes will grow in the shade, they Salmonberries grow in thickets, with erect require light to produce berries. Good branches up to 13 ft (4 m) tall, although berry bushes are found most often in averaging about 5 ft (1.5 m). They are very clear-cuts and young forests, mature common all along coastal British forests where there are gaps in the Columbia, from low up to subalpine canopy, along forest edges, and along elevations and thrive in wet areas – beside streams and lakes. Berries found in partial streams, lake edges, depressed areas shade tend to be juicier and sweeter than within forests, and also on disturbed sites. those produced on plants growing in Salmonberries have a high moisture direct sunlight (such as in a clear-cut). content, so do not store as well as other Berries are used either fresh or as a Thousands of Thai berry pickers invited to berries when fresh (they become mushy value-added product. Huckleberry Finland very quickly). Although they are often preserves are very popular. Picking the Finnish berry farms and suppliers invite considered more of a “weed” than a berries individually by hand results in the thousands of seasonal workers from delicacy, they are actually very tasty and least amount of damage to the plant, Thailand to Finland to pick wild berries have good commercial potential. They although this method can be quite slow. next summer. make a sweet jam with a distinctively A small berry comb can be dragged According to First Secretary Vesa beautiful colour. through the bush, pulling off the berries. Häkkinen from the Unit for Passports and Berry combs can be purchased, or a wide- Visas at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, a HUCKLEBERRY AND WILD BLUEBERRY toothed hair comb or pick can simply be total of 3 500 prequalification assessments (VACCINIUM SPP.) used. Combs should be used carefully to for visas to Finland have so far been avoid excessive damage to the foliage. submitted to the Finnish representation in There are a variety of huckleberry and Using a comb also requires sorting the Bangkok. blueberry species that grow in the berries once picked to remove leaves and Häkkinen adds that the problem Pacific Northwest, including Alaska imperfect berries. A standard method of evidently is that the further away the berry blueberry (Vaccinium alaskaense), red sorting is to roll the berries down a wet pickers, the higher the related expenses. A huckleberry (V. parvifolium), oval-leaved board or rough blanket – the leaves will flight ticket alone costs more than a berry blueberry (V. ovalifolium) and evergreen stick to the board or become caught in picker’s annual income would be in huckleberry (V. ovatum) at lower the blanket while the berries roll to the Thailand. In addition, the picker has to pay elevations, and black huckleberry bottom. for a visa and possibly even a fee to an (V. membranaceum) and cascade To maintain quality for both the agent in Thailand. In Finland, he or she has huckleberry (V. deliciosum) at higher Rubus spectabilis and Vaccinium spp. to pay for accommodation, transport, petrol elevations. All are edible and delicious. mentioned above, the berries should be and food. Huckleberries and blueberries are very cooled (recommended to about 5 °C) as “The process involves unscrupulous common and appear along the whole soon as possible after picking. Do not collection of money at nearly every stage. I coastal area of British Columbia. Red wash the berries prior to storing them in regard it as a kind of extortion. It is not huckleberry and evergreen huckleberry a fridge or cooler, as this will decrease trafficking in human beings but it is occur at low elevations, with evergreen their storage life. Berries should be something similar. Juridically, everybody huckleberry often found close to the taken to a buyer within a day or two comes here at their own risk, like self- ocean. Alaskan blueberry and oval- after picking, unless they are frozen. financing entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, it is leaved blueberry occur from low to When transporting, take care to use a major ethical issue,” said Häkkinen. subalpine elevations, and black wide shallow containers or baskets to A total of some 12 000 foreign berry huckleberry and cascade huckleberry are avoid crushing. If you plan on making pickers arrive in Finland every year. Most of found at middle to high (alpine) preserves, freeze the berries first as this them come from the neighbouring areas of elevations. helps break the cell walls of the berry. the Russian Federation and the Baltic states. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs recommends that berry farms should
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increasingly hire pickers who come from Antioxidant in berries stops wrinkles neighbouring countries. Then it would be Data are mounting that phytochemicals easier to react to the situation if prospects found in a host of berries can improve JUNIPER “BERRIES” for the berry crop appear to be worse than health from the inside. Now comes usual. research just presented at the In certain dishes there is “When berry pickers come to Finland Experimental Biology 2009 meeting held in no substitute for juniper, from far-off countries with high hopes of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of with its unique aroma: earning money and the berry-picking America, that a specific type of antioxidant piney, woodsy and season turns out to be worse than phytochemical called ellagic acid holds the vaguely peppery. It is expected, they have no money for a return promise of enhancing our bodies on the especially popular when trip,” Häkkinen adds. outside, too. In fact, it may hold the key to used with game, but it is Most seasonal Thai workers come to slowing down or even stopping skin ageing also good with pork, Finland in order to pick wild berries. In successfully. beef and duck, and is a practice, berry farms and berry-processing Researchers in the laboratory of standard addition to dishes containing companies invite berry pickers to Finland Dr Young-Hee Kang at Hallym University in sauerkraut. Contemporary cooks have and then buy the berries they have picked. the Republic of Korea have found that been more playful with juniper, dancing The income may be low if the berry crop topical application of ellagic acid markedly around its association with gin or remains poor but, if the season is good, prevents the two major causes of wrinkles – abandoning it altogether for new many can earn a year’s income from the destruction of collagen and associations that sound promising. picking wild blueberries and lingonberries inflammation. The "berries" are actually the modified and selling them to berry buyers. Ellagic acid is found in many fruits, cones of the conifer Juniperus communis; Berry pickers from Thailand are vegetables and nuts but it is especially underripe berries are preferred by gin preferred as they are in a league of their abundant in raspberries, strawberries, makers while overripe specimens are own, says Export Manager Ben Strömsten cranberries and pomegranates. gathered for culinary purposes. Green or from Riitan Herkku. “They are diligent Scientists from the University of ripe, the berries have a lot of pinene, the pickers and easy team members,” he says. Louisville and Fox Chase Cancer Center essential oil that gives rosemary its (Source: ScandAsia.com, 3 May 2009.) published research recently in the distinctive snap, and they contain some of International Journal of Molecular Science the same compounds that give citrus Berry products showcased that strongly suggests ellagic acid can also fruits their fresh scent. But in riper berries Many new developments in functional food reduce damage to DNA and, in fact, may the sharper notes give way to a softer, and the nutraceutical industry were shared help repair faulty DNA. (Source: Natural vegetal aroma. (Source: The Seattle Times at the Vitafoods International and Finished News, 24 April 2009.) [United States of America], 17 May 2009.) Products Expo, running from 5 to 7 May 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland. Açaí berry, superfood or superfraud? Premium Ingredients International will Is the açaí berry a superfood or a be at the show with its unique product, superfraud? For years, the media has fictitious açaí berry review sites and açaí LingonMax™. Extracted from the been raving about the açaí berry and its diet blogs. These açaí scam companies lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), health benefits, but a recent rash of would promise “free trials” and guarantee LingonMax is a natural skincare ingredient negative publicity has forced people to ask that you would lose “30 pounds in one effectively shown to increase skin moisture, the question – is açaí the real deal? week”. The açaí that they sell is of very low decrease skin spots, reduce wrinkles and “The media tends to like juicy stories – quality, was never endorsed by any decrease sensitivity. (Source: NPI center either something very positive or celebrities and the only weight you lose is news, 22 April 2009.) something very negative. Of course, the in your wallet. truth usually lies in the middle. This is the “We have been raising red flags about case with the açaí berry,” states Bob these açaí scam companies for over a year Peters, Director of Communications for now,” states Peters. “However, it is unfair PowerSupplements. to say that the açaí berry is a scam or fraud The açaí berry comes from the açaí simply because there are some fraudulent palm trees in the Amazon rain forest. companies selling açaí supplements. If The berry is very high in antioxidants, consumers do their research and look for healthy omega fats, vitamins, minerals the Perfect Açaí Consumer Bill of Rights and phytonutrients. Because of its seal, they will be fine.” (Source: impressive nutritional profile, it has TransWorld News, 8 April 2009.) been called a superfruit or superfood. The mention of the açaí berry on the “Miracle fruit” turns sour things sweet Oprah television show in the United States The small fruit has the colour of a of America set off an avalanche of positive cranberry, the shape of an almond and publicity on the berry as a superfruit. tastes like a flavourless gum. But after Unfortunately, in 2008 a number of chewing the fruit and rubbing the pulp marketing companies decided to create against the tongue, the berry, known by
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the scene and people are having fun with it. expects to make it commercially available It motivated us to go back and do between late 2008 and mid-2009. research." Bartoshuk said she has not Oubli has long been used as a food seen any reports of dangers from eating source by West Africans and was first the berries, but warned against premature synthesized into a sugar alternative in 1994 health benefit claims. (Source: CNN by researchers from the University of [United States of America], 25 March Wisconsin at Madison, United States of 2009.) America. Because the University of Wisconsin Guarana beverage used an artificial process to extract the BAWLS is the brainchild of entrepreneur brazzein sweetener from oubli berries, it Hoby Buppert, Chief Executive Officer of was able to obtain patents over the Hobarama, LLC, who named the beverage sweetener itself. No credit was given or for the caffeinated “bounce” the drink payment made to the indigenous Africans packs. Widely distributed, BAWLS is a who had used the sweetener for centuries, the promising name "miracle fruit" or premium, non-alcoholic, carbonated drawing accusations that the university had Synsepalum dulcificum, releases a beverage made from the guarana berry engaged in "biopiracy". The university sweetening potency that alters the taste harvested in the Amazonian rain forest. retains several patents over the ingredient buds. For about 15 to 30 minutes, The caffeine found in BAWLS contains brazzein. (Source: Natural News [United everything sour is sweet. Lemons lose the same amount of caffeine as coffee and States of America], 22 December 2008.) p their zing and taste like candy. Oranges nearly three times that of traditional sodas become sickeningly sweet. because of a naturally occurring form of Through word of mouth, these miracle the stimulant found in the guarana berry. fruits have inspired “taste-tripping” (Source: BevNET [United States of parties, where foodies and curious eaters America], 5 March 2009.) pay US$10–35 to try the berries, which are native to West Africa. Maqui superberry About five months ago, a hospital in Novelle International, the first company to Miami, Florida (United States of America) introduce maqui berry (Aristotelia began studying whether the fruit's chilensis)-based supplements, has added sweetening effects could restore the SuperFruit Energy Powder to its product appetite of cancer patients whose list. The maqui-based SuperFruit Energy chemotherapy treatments have left them Powder boasts a premier energy blend of with dulled taste buds. Dr Mike Cusnir, a rhodiola, rosea, Siberian ginseng, yerba lead researcher on the project and maté and B vitamins. Maqui is the highest oncologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, antioxidant superfruit in the world filed for an investigational new drug delivering a high value of oxggen radical application, which is required by the US absorbance capacity ( ORAC) of almost Food and Drug Administration to use an double the açaí berry. unapproved product in a new patient Recently Novelle donated specialized population. His study seeks 40 cancer computer equipment to serve Mapuche patients. If the results show promise of Indian schools. "The Mapuche Indian helping cancer patients to maintain a families have used the maqui berry as a healthy body weight and appetite, there food supplement and for health care for will be further studies, Cusnir said. The centuries. Novelle is honoured to support process is expected to take several years. their education and help sustain their land Linda Bartoshuk, a professor at the through organic certification and University of Florida's Center for Smell sustainable harvest practices," said Annie and Taste, is also working to understand Eng, President and Founder of Novelle. better how the berry works. In the 1970s, (Source: Market Watch [United States of she studied the fruit while working for the America], 2 March 2009.) United States Army and Navy laboratories. Bartoshuk explains that the miracle fruit Berry-based natural sweetener contains a natural protein, called "brazzein" to hit the market in 2009 miraculin, which has sugar molecules that A new sweetener derived from the berry of bind to the tongue. When acid enters the the West African plant oubli Facing it, always facing it, that's the way mouth, the sugar molecules press into the (Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baillon) has to get through. Face it. sweet receptors. been successfully synthesized in a form Joseph Conrad "This new resurgence of interest is compatible with mass production and the fascinating," said Bartoshuk. "It popped on company Natur Research Ingredients
NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009