40 COUNTRY COMPASS

%BANGLADESH The study reveals that the villagers of Magurchara Punji and Baligaon collected Implications of livelihood dependence 11 categories of NTFPs from LNP: betel on NTFPs in Lawachara National Park leaves; bamboo; cane; fuelwood; Nowadays it is indisputable that NTFPs mushrooms; wild vegetables, such as play a significant and often critical role in bamboo shoots, taro, thankuni (Centella the quality and even survival of life of very asiatica); wild fruits such as chapalish large numbers of rural poor households in (Artocarpus chaplasha), kau (Garcinia most tropical developing countries such as cowa), jackfruit, cane fruits, bananas, Bangladesh. In fact, their role and dewa (Artocarpus lacucha); different kinds importance are diverse, helping of medicinal plants; birds, such as horikol households achieve self-sufficiency, food (orange-breasted green pigeon) and %ARMENIA security, income generation, accumulation jungle fowl; animals; and fish. The of savings and risk minimization. It has villagers’ income from these NTFPs in Armenia Tree Project works with Yale's also increasingly been recognized that the LNP is given in the table. Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry collection and use of NTFPs are The study illustrates that local people The Armenia Tree Project (ATP) recently ecologically less destructive than timber meet their fuelwood demands from the completed a two-year project to develop harvesting, and development and forest either by collecting it themselves, or sustainable forestry training models for promotion of such products could provide a by purchasing it from the market. The Armenia. Through a collaborative effort sounder basis for sustainable forest Khasia communities in the interior village with Yale University's Global Institute of management and community upliftment. depend highly on the park, since their only Sustainable Forestry, ATP conducted an NTFPs play a role in the household source of cash is betel leaf cultivation on analysis of the forests around the village economy of not only the poor, but also the forest lands. All households – except a few of Margahovit. rich. wealthy homes in the village located "The degradation of forested areas in The present study was conducted at outside the park – collect bamboo, cane, Armenia necessitates a new and bold Lawachara National Park (LNP), located in wild vegetables and medicinal plants for approach to forestry practices," stated ATP the division of Sylhet in northeastern their domestic consumption. For Khasia Executive Director Jeff Masarjian. "With Bangladesh. Approximately 167 plant households in the interior village, the Yale's expertise, ATP has been able to species and 276 animal species are found hunting of wild animals and birds is a part collaborate with forestry officials to bring within the park, which covers an area of of their traditional culture. cutting-edge forestry training to Armenia. It 1 250 ha. There are 14 villages in and These findings suggest that an is our hope that the project will literally around LNP: two are located within the understanding of the role of NTFPs in the reshape the nation's landscape and ensure a park and the rest in the area surrounding it. livelihoods of local communities should be sustainable future for its population." The study was conducted in LNP with the incorporated in the formulation of ATP presented a new Sustainable aim of investigating and comparing the role comanagement policies for all protected Forestry Manual to stakeholders in of NTFPs in the livelihoods of the areas. (Contributed by: Md. Parvez Rana, Armenia and developed a seminar training communities of two villages: Magurchara Department of Forestry and model to use as a guide. The manual is Punji, within LNP and Baligaon, which is Environmental Science, School of currently being published in eastern adjacent to the park. These villages were Agriculture and Mineral Sciences, Armenia, and an English-language version chosen because they are both easily Shahjalal University of Science and is available on the ATP Web site. accessible and depend heavily on forest Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh. In addition, ATP assisted the local resources from the park. E-mail: [email protected]) community of Margahovit in identifying NTFPs, bringing environmental education Local people’s income from various NTFPs in the Lawachara National Park, Bangladesh into the local schools and through stakeholder meetings that outlined the NTFPs Respondents* Income (US$) benefits and challenges of community Betel leaves 40 (88.89) 857.14–928.57/first three months before winter forestry. "An assessment was made of 428.57–500/last three months after winter plants, herbs and other NTFPs that may be Fuelwood 28 (62.22) 2.29–2.43/day harvested for generating alternative Cane 20 (44.44) 2.14–2.29/day income for residents living in proximity to Bamboo 15 (33.33) 2–2.29/day the forests," explained Masarjian. Mushrooms 12 (26.67) 28.57–35.71/month Wild vegetables 10 (22.22) 171.43–214.29/year "The collaboration between ATP and Yale Wild fruits 9 (20.00) 142.86–157.14/year has been a great success," concluded Medicinal plants 19 (42.22) 185.71–228.57/year Dr Oliver, Director of the Yale Global Birds 5 (11.11) 1.43–1.71/day Institute of Sustainable Forestry. ATP is Animals 1 (2.22) 2.14–2.43/day currently developing a plan to conduct Fish 2 (4.44) 1.43–1.71/day sustainable forestry training seminars *Note: same respondent earned income from more than one product. Figures in parentheses indicate throughout Armenia. (Source: The percentage of respondents. Armenian Reporter [Armenia], 8 April 2009.)

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 41

A look at a parasitic plant: Cuscuta reflexa tribal people process Cuscuta by boiling it cool shade where neighbours rest and pass Roxb. and adding some onion, chilli and salt. They the time by chatting or sitting together for Cuscuta is a rootless parasitic plant with a then eat it with rice. It is used by various decision-making. thread-like herbaceous stem that twines communities in Bangladesh. There is scope to look into the growth and on woody or herbaceous hosts from which yield of the plant, medicinal usages and it obtains nutrients by means of haustoria. processing as food. (Contributed by: ATM Leaves are reduced to small functionless Emdad Hossain, Ph.D., Divisional Officer [Soil] scales. The plant’s English name is dodder; and Shukla Rani Basak, Research Officer, in Bangladesh it is known by a variety of Forest Botany [Taxonomy], Bangladesh Forest names: swarnalata, sunno lata, tarulata, Research Institute [BFRI], PB 273, Chittagong, algusi, haldi, algusilata. It belongs to the Bangladesh 1000. Fax: +880-031-681566; family Cuscutaceae under the genus one e-mail: [email protected] Cuscuta, which is enriched with 170 [email protected] species in the tropical and temperate zone. Its distribution is worldwide and includes six genera in Bangladesh: C. reflexa, Authors’ recipe for a tasty meal using %BENIN C. chittagongensis, C. hyalina, C. australis, dodder C. campestris and C. chinensis. Of these, 1 kg dodder stems Première évaluation de la biodiversité des C. reflexa is the most common and widely 59–75 ml edible oil Odonates, des Cétoines et des Rhopalocères distributed in Bangladesh. It grows on 50 g chopped onion de la forêt marécageuse de Lokoli (Sud- trees, herbs and shrubs as a parasite. It 10–15 green chilli (according to taste) Bénin) flowers during January to February and 5–10 cardamom seeds La forêt marécageuse de Lokoli a été fruits in February to March. 10 g carminative cumin seeds prospectée en 2006 pour établir un premier Cuscuta species have been found to (Cuminum cyminum – Jira-Bengali) inventaire des Odonata, Coleoptera cetoniidae grow on many host plants, such as Ziziphus Turmeric (for colour) et Lepidoptera rhopalocera: sur 24 espèces mauritania, Mikania scandens, Eupatorium Salt d’Odonates recensées, 13 sont nouvelles pour odoratum, Ixora sp., Acacia auriculiformis, Wash the collected thread-like le Bénin, parmi lesquelles Oxythemis A. nilotica and Bouganvillea sp. Like other herbaceous stems and cut into pieces phoenicosceles Ris, espèce rare, et vegetables, dodder is a source of various of 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm). Boil for 4–5 Ceriagrion citrinum Campion, classée comme nutrient elements, such as carbohydrates, minutes and then make a mould by vulnérable sur la liste rouge de l’UICN et protein and vitamins. Cooking it makes it as pasting. Then fry the dodder mould in justifiant à elle seule la protection du site. tasty as other vegetables but, for medicinal edible oil with the chopped onion and Douze espèces de Cétoines ont été purposes, it needs decoction and the add chilli (if used), cardamom, cumin, recensées, pour la plupart typiquement addition of some other elements. turmeric and salt. Cook for 2–5 forestières; Cyprolais aurata (Westwood) se A test was made for its growth and usages. minutes. Allow to cool and serve. révèle une espèce typique des forêts C. reflexa was grown to spread over the inondées et Grammopyga cincta Kolbe n’est host, Ixora sp., during 2007 to 2008 inside connue au Bénin que de Lokoli et de la vallée the Bangladesh Forest Research Institute de l’Ouémé; sur 75 espèces de Rhopalocères, campus. Its green weight was 500–600 Certain women were found to collect 28 sont nouvelles pour le Bénin et 9 g/m2; height of the host (Ixora sp.) was Cuscuta and were asked why they did it. Some seulement sont strictement inféodées à des 81–90 cm, while in the control plot (without replied that this information could not be milieux forestiers. Eurema hapale Mabille, C. reflexa) it reached a height of 103–200 disclosed to the male, but they told the female E. desjardinsii regularis Butler et Acraea cm. The difference might have occurred author that Cuscuta species were used for encedana Pierre, espèces peu communes, through the parasitic effect of C. reflexa. curing stomach aches, for energy and sont inféodées aux milieux humides. La forêt Luxuriant growth (C. reflexa) vigour was antifertility purposes. Some of the women marécageuse de Lokoli, unique au Bénin sur observed during post-monsoon (mid- used dodder extract on their heads, believing le plan écologique et contribuant à la September to mid-October) when sampling it would make the head cool and protect biodiversité régionale, devrait was done. Its greenish-yellow colour against hair loss. One scientist at the impérativement être élevée au statut de changes to yellowish-green when it Bangladesh Forest Research Institute advised réserve naturelle. matures. The stalk colour was pale and the that his late father added a few drops of honey (Source: extrait d’un article par Séverin diameter reduced during the drought to the juice of Cuscuta, which he took against Tchibozo, Henri-Pierre Aberlenc, Philippe period (February to April). The diameter of coughs and for the well-being of the stomach. Ryckewaert et Philippe Le Gall.) C. reflexa was 3.1 mm on Ixora. sp. and The plant is also regarded as an alterative Acacia auriculiformis, but 3.3 mm on purgative and anthelmintic. In addition, the POUR PLUS D’INFORMATIONS, CONTACTER: Mikania scandens during the optimum decoction of stems is useful in constipation, M. Séverin Tchibozo, Centre de recherche growth period in September. In the light, liver complaints and bilious affections; seeds pour la gestion de la biodiversité et du the growth vigour of C. reflexa was better are taken as a depurative; and the fruits are terroir (CERGET), 04 B.P. 0385 Cotonou, than on the shaded site. used to combat fever and coughs. Bénin. Télécopie: (+229) 21303084; courriel: Dodder is rich in food value, even higher This species was also found to be used for [email protected]; www.cerget.org/ ou than many vegetables and fruits. Generally, ornamental purposes, as well as to provide www.arccona.com

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 42 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

% BHUTAN training. “It involves hard work. However, “District- and gewog-level data are highly we have better tools,” she said, displaying a useful for national planning and policy- set of tools provided free from the training making purposes, as well as for programme. A Thrimshing farmer said, researchers and rural development however, that they would still continue to projects. Data on land suited for agricultural produce traditional products besides the production are vital in a country where new ones, which include lampshades, farming is limited by steep and rugged hangers, ladles, tissue paper holders, trays mountain terrain, altitude and the high and other utility products. priority given to forest cover,” states the The Government has assured them of media release. “Forest-related data are good marketing, at least in the beginning. needed to determine the quantity of wood Meanwhile, Ap Sangay has got back the being harvested for various purposes and spring in his step and can be seen in the income generated by farmers from the Thimphu’s market vending his wares. sale of NWFPs.” (Source: Kuensel Online (Source: Kuensel Online [Bhutan], 22 [Bhutan], 16 March 2009.) Boost for bamboo-product makers February 2009.) With a crash course in cane furniture making from Guwahati under his belt, Ap Bamboo demise in Bhutan BOLIVIA (PLURINATIONAL Sangay Wangdi from Thrimshing set out for Dying bamboo on the hills of Jarey gewog % STATE OF) Thimphu not long ago with two freshly built in Lhuentse, northeastern Bhutan, creates bamboo chairs and a table – hoping to sell a resource crisis for the villagers who The importance of plant knowledge them all. But he returned home, his depend on bamboo for roofing and other How important is traditional plant furniture on the back of a bus, his domestic purposes. knowledge in the Amazon? According to a demeanour anything but jaunty. Villagers have started penetrating recent study among the Tsimane' in the He never imagined it would turn out this deeper into the forests, but say there are Amazonian Plurinational State of Bolivia, way. For years, Ap Sangay, 64, had been not many bamboos around. “Whatever’s each standard deviation of maternal selling Kangpar and Thrimshing bamboo available is very far and difficult to ethnobotanical knowledge increases the products in Thimphu. He sold bangchungs, transport,” said a villager. “We’ve started likelihood of good child health by more ara palangs, quivers, mats, hats, and dalas scaling the other side of Jarey hill in the than 50 percent. And the study raises the (bichap) to Thimphu residents. His was a hope of finding bamboos to reroof our question: What will be the cost – to the modest business. Ap Sangay found out that houses before the monsoon sets in.” Tsimane' and other indigenous peoples – if cheaper and better furniture – made of Elders in the village said that they have such ethnobotanical knowledge is lost? wood – had broken into his market. It was never faced such problems in the past. The Tsimane' number about 8 000 not that he had not been aware of this in (Source: Kuensel Online [Bhutan], 10 April people who live in approximately 100 the past. But bamboo products still ruled 2009.) villages along the Maniqui River and the the roost. Discovering that wooden ones interior of the Pilon Lajas region of the had nudged him out of the market was, CountrySTAT-Bhutan Bolivian Amazon. Tsimane' villages are indeed, a bitter pill to swallow. Bamboo The recently launched CountrySTAT- small, with an average of about 24 furniture making was his main source of Bhutan is a Web-based system for households linked by kinship and income. disseminating national food and marriage. At the time of the study, no But he did not want to switch to wooden agricultural statistical data together with household had electricity or running water products. Moreover, Thrimshing Kangpar metadata for analysis and policy-making. and half the villages were inaccessible by farmers, from whom he bought bamboo Developed over the past 18 months with road. The Tsimane' have traditionally lived products, depended on his business doing financial and technical support from the by slash-and-burn agriculture, gathering, well. For them too, bamboo meant money. FAO-Netherlands Partnership Programme hunting and fishing. However, since the The solution was some interesting new (FNPP), Country STAT-Bhutan aims to 1970s, their territory has been encroached designs, not to mention marketing skills. It provide reliable information on key sectors upon by colonist farmers, logging firms, was with this realization that 70 people of the country’s agriculture-dependent cattle ranchers and oil companies. The jumped at the opportunity to participate in economy to relevant stakeholders. The Tsimane' now increasingly interact with the a ten-day bamboo-product development system contains statistical data on land market economy through the sale of goods training, sponsored by the United Nations use, agricultural production (crops, and wage labour, primarily on cattle Development Programme (UNDP) and the livestock and forests), export and import of ranches, logging camps and farms. Netherlands Development Organisation agricultural products, agricultural inputs, Such integration into the market (SNV) recently. They were taught to make commodity prices, farm machinery and economy brings about changes in new designs by blending traditional development infrastructure. occupation, preferences, social weaving styles, but using treated material CountrySTAT-Bhutan will complement organization, and health and nutritional for longer product life. and be compatible with FAO’s FAOSTAT status. The Tsimane' are now starting to When Kuensel visited their villages database. Data are classified as per merge into a culture that places no value recently, Dorji Tshomo, 56, was hard at national, dzongkhag and gewog levels, with on their indigenous knowledge, especially work on the new designs picked up at the national-level data shared with FAOSTAT. their ethnobotanical knowledge. Under this

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 43

pressure, traditional knowledge of older children to younger children. In the honey collection of 1 000 litres. Of these, medicinal plants is starting to disappear, preservation of plant knowledge lies the 400 litres were packaged following hygienic with little to take its place. Too often, as destiny of the people. (Source: RedBolivia practices. In June 2008, the brand name here, the global market holds out the offer Internacional [Bolivia], January 2009.) “Mondulkiri Wild Honey” kicked off its first of Western medicine without providing the promotions in ten shops and NGO-based means to gain access to it. selling outlets in both Mondulkiri Province Thomas McDade and William Leonard %BULGARIA and Phnom Penh. Many environmental and from Northwestern University set out to commercial events were opportunities to learn what impact the loss of traditional Bulgarian honey trade introduce this new product. plant knowledge might have on the health According to the Bulgarian Bee Union, “At the Third Cambodian Nationwide of children. To do this, they assessed the Bulgaria produces 8 000–11 000 tonnes of Trade Fair held in December last year, the health of 330 Tsimane' children, aged from honey each year. The annual consumption community sold around US$799 worth of two to ten years old, and tested their of honey per person is 0.4–0.5 kg (average honey during the four-day event annually mothers and fathers on both their consumption for Europe is 1.5–2 kg per organized to promote Khmer products. This knowledge of local plants and their skills at year). was good exposure for the community’s using them. Local ethnobotanical Between 5 000 and 8 000 tonnes are sold honey and a good opportunity to convey the knowledge was quantified using five within Bulgaria and 3 000–6 000 tonnes are message of linking forest conservation to measures: agreement with local experts on exported. Every year in Europe 140 000– the livelihoods of the community,” said plant uses; botanical knowledge; skills in 150 000 tonnes of honey are traded and Amy Maling, Community Extension using plants; total number of plants used; therefore Bulgaria accounts for only Technical Advisor with WWF’s Eastern and diversity of plants used. Child health 1 percent of the European honey trade. The Plains Landscape Project (EPL). was measured using three variables: major trade partner for Bulgaria is Honey is one of the forest-based concentration of C-reactive protein, a Germany, followed by France, Italy and resources that has the potential to marker of infectious burden; skinfold Spain. generate income among the Phnong thickness, a measure of fat stores; and The Bee Union aims to popularize honey indigenous communities in Mondulkiri. stature, used to calculate height-for-age consumption in Bulgaria because it has Proper handling and good honey harvesting scores, an indicator of nutritional and been proved that the price on the local practices not only result in higher health status. Bulgarian market is better than for export. production, but maintain the intimate The results were striking. For each (Source: Bees for Development Journal, relationship and harmony between people measure of health, mothers with higher 89, December 2008.) and the wilderness. Honey bees need the levels of plant knowledge and use had forest to survive and produce honey. They healthier children, independent of require large trees for nesting and are potentially confounding variables related to important agents of pollination for many education, market participation and plants in the forests. acculturation. Besides improving honey productivity, The Tsimane' ethnomedical tradition the development of the honey enterprise may play a particularly important part in also brings change to the local honey trade protecting health because effective situation. Traditionally, fresh wild honey is commercial medicines are expensive and sold only to Mondulkiri’s local buyers who difficult for the Tsimane' to procure. If offer a low and unstable price. In 2007, for remedies derived from local plants are example, honey was sold for 10 000 riel effective in preventing or treating illness, (around US$2.5) per litre. But with the this would contribute not only to lower increased market in the province and levels of inflammation but also to improved capital of Phnom Penh, the Phnong linear growth and body fat stores by % CAMBODIA collectors sold an average of 18 000 riel reducing allocations of energy to fuelling (around $4.5)/litre in 2008. immunity and fighting infection. Mondulkiri honey going wild According to Maling, the honey collectors Strikingly, although the authors infer a Indigenous Phnong (also referred to as are now collecting information about the direct association between maternal plant Bunong) communities in Krang Thes and number of honeybee nests, a crucial step knowledge and child health, it may be that Pou Chrey communes are operating a for the management of this important NTFP this association is mediated by the children honey enterprise project, a NTFP-based resource. Trees where they collect honey themselves. Tsimane' children spend much livelihood initiative that started in 2007 with are being tagged and mapping of the of their time away from parental support from WWF. The project currently collection areas is being carried out. supervision, playing and foraging in small covers 46 households, all honey collectors, To promote sustainable use of forest peer groups, and the authors report seeing and promotes a sustainable harvesting resources, EPL’s community extension team older children use medicinal plants both practice that respects biodiversity and conducts regular awareness-raising of the for themselves and for younger children. It maintains the intimate relationship and importance of forests among 16 local may be that plant knowledge – like so harmony with the forests. villages and encourages them to protect much other cultural knowledge – is passed, During their harvest period of March to these natural resources, which can sustain not from adults to children, but rather from May 2008, the communities achieved a their livelihood for generations to come.

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 44 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

The increased awareness of local people a much broader project. He promised a The operation was carried out in targeted about the environment and their total of 2 million ha of Cambodian forest to villages with the help of local traditional involvement in livelihood activities, community forestry, although he did not rulers and the local population. The teams conservation and natural resources specify a timeline. Such a plan would put also carried out in-forest and maritime management are a crucial contribution to 20 percent of the country's forests into the patrols during which two elephant tusks, preserving Cambodia’s unique wilderness hands of local communities; currently the three elephant tails and great ape parts were of dry forest Eastern Plains, which harbour figure stands at just 3 percent. (Source: The confiscated. a number of globally important wildlife. Phnom Penh Post, 31 March 2009.) “It is critical for both government and (Source: Voices from the forest, 16, March other stakeholders to examine the alarming 2009.) “Ecstasy oil” distilleries threaten rain wildlife decimation in order to forestall what forests could turn out to be a regrettable carnage FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Authorities, working with conservationists, and irreversible loss of biodiversity,” says Asnarith Tep, Senior Communications Officer, have raided and closed several “ecstasy oil” Martin Tchamba, National Director for WWF WWF Greater Mekong Cambodia Country distilleries in Cambodia's Cardamom Cameroon. “We need to urgently work out the Programme, House 54, Street 352, Boeung Mountains. The distilleries posed a threat causes of the present poaching upsurge and Keng Kang I, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. to the region's rich biological diversity, determine appropriate actions in order to Fax: +855 23 211 909; e-mail: reports Fauna & Flora International (FFI), safeguard key wildlife species in and around [email protected] the conservation group involved in the the parks.” (Source: WWF Cameroon, 7 May operation. 2009.) "The factories had been set up to distill 'sassafras oil', produced by boiling the L’impact du braconnage dans les forets roots and the trunk of the exceptionally tropicales d’Afrique centrale et celles rare Mreah Prew Phnom trees de l’Unité technique opérationnelle (UTO) de (Cinnamomum parthenoxylon) and Deng Deng au Cameroun en particulier exported to neighbouring countries," said L’UTO de Deng Deng est située dans la région FFI. "The oil is used in the production of de l’Est-Cameroun. Les populations qui s’y cosmetics, but can also be used as a trouvent sont inactives à d’autres activités precursor chemical in the altogether more indigènes; pourtant, il y’a souvent une rareté sinister process of producing MDMA – des produits agricoles, situation rare au sein more commonly known as ecstasy.” de telles collectivités rurales d’Afrique avec The distillation process not only un sol fertile. Pour ces populations, le threatens Mreah Prew Phnom trees, but braconnage est la seule source de revenus: damages the surrounding forest d’où la chasse non contrôlée des espèces Community forests signed over ecosystem. Producing sassafras oil is fauniques; d’après mes enquêtes, les to Kampong Thom villagers illegal in Cambodia. (Source: populations exerçant l’activité de braconnage Thirty-two Community Forest Agreements Mongabay.com [Cambodia], 25 February déclarent qu’elles ont des revenus limités; la were signed in Kampong Thom Province in 2009.) chasse serait donc leur seul moyen de survie. late March, formally handing over the Notre objectif est d’assurer la gestion management of 15 000 ha of forest land to durable des ressources naturelles pour un local communities. This is part of a 15-year % CAMEROON développement socioéconomique au sein des social land concession that development collectivités villageoises. Dans ce cas précis, officials say will reduce exposure to Cameroon raid nets key poachers faut-il préserver les ressources tout en deforestation and offer residents a new and huge bushmeat haul laissant les populations dans la pauvreté? source of income. Prompted by concerns about poaching from Cependant, l’ampleur du braconnage est Development groups involved in the WWF, the Cameroon Ministry of Forestry and devenue telle que certaines espèces sont handover say forests in the hands of local Wildlife organized a major week-long désormais menacées d’extinction. La récolte communities have fared better than forests antipoaching operation in the region in actuelle de viande de brousse en Afrique on public land or unregulated private land. tandem with the national military. A centrale est d’environs un million de tonnes "[Villagers] have the most to gain and combined unit of soldiers, police and game par an, soit une valeur de 4 millions de têtes the most to lose from what happens to the rangers uncovered more than 1 000 kg of de bétail. A ce rythme de braconnage, dans forests they depend upon," said Yam Malla, bushmeat, the remains of which included 50 ans, les forets tropicales du bassin du Executive Director of the Regional several protected species: gorillas, Congo deviendront silencieuses, Community Forestry Training Centre. "They elephants and chimpanzees. They also conséquence de la perte de la biodiversité et are the most willing and most able to invest confiscated more than 30 guns from the de la rupture des équilibres naturels. time, effort and their considerable human suspected poachers. Parallèlement, les populations seront resources to ensure the forest is protected WWF is now calling on the Ministry of toujours dans la pauvreté. and well managed." Forestry and Wildlife to push for the swift Résoudre ce problème revient à réaliser Ty Sokun, Director General of the prosecution of the 15 suspected poachers dans de telles régions des projets de la Forestry Administration, said the Kampong arrested to complete last week’s préservation des ressources forestières tout Thom concession could be the beginning of spectacular antipoaching drive properly. en assurant le développement par la mise en

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 45

œuvre de façon durable des fonctions The agriculture and agrifood sector in environnementales, économiques et sociales British Columbia des forêts tropicales. (Contribution de: The agriculture and agrifood sector in Gwomb Bi Hell Emmanuel, Président British Columbia is naturally diverse, fondateur du GFCSD, B.P. 33939 Yaoundé, producing over 350 products from our rich Cameroun. Courriel: [email protected]) and varied land and aquatic resources. Non-timber forest resources (NTFRs) and Life around Ngovayang Forest wild products are part of the natural bounty Environmental experts have started that British Columbians enjoy. Since the implementing field-level microprojects early 1950s with the onset of use of woody aimed at improving the livelihoods of people florals harvested from the forest living in and around the Ngovayang Forest in understorey, to the diversity of NTFRs that the South Region. The initiative to conserve have appeared regularly in the and manage sustainably the biodiversity of marketplace, British Columbian First the Ngovayang Forest was officially launched Nations, harvesters and producers are in November 2008 at a workshop organized contributing at least $600 million per year under the auspices of the Cameroon %CANADA to the economy. Biodiversity Conservation Society (CBCS), an NTFR development can represent affiliate of BirdLife International. The Non-timber forest products get their own important economic opportunities for launching ceremony brought together directory remote and rural communities, in representatives of relevant government Blueberry wine, fiddleheads, bird-watching particular those affected by mountain pine ministries, community-based organizations tours, mushrooms, birds-eye wood beetle, and other resource-dependent and traditional institutions in the area. sculptures and maple butter are just some regions. First Nations communities have a The Ngovayang Forest constitutes an of the items in a new NTFP directory in long history with NTFRs and some have important source of livelihood for the local Atlantic Canada. specifically targeted NTFRs as part of their people, derived from the use of NTFPs. The Called From Our Atlantic Woods, the economic development plans. Supporting management and sustainable harvest of new directory was put together by several community and cultural values is important these products necessitate a better forestry organizations in New Brunswick, to all British Columbians – thoughtful understanding of the collection, processing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, advances and partnerships in appropriate and marketing of the products. Newfoundland and Maine and contains NTFR development can be part of The indigenous people of the area are more than 260 items. sustaining healthy communities. the Bagneli and Bakola, living alongside The Atlantic team, led by INFOR Inc. in Providing some crossover with NTFRs, their Bantou neighbours, who often claim New Brunswick, has been working closely the British Columbian Ministry of ownership of all natural resources in the with the Buy BCwild team on developing an Agriculture and Lands supports an region. online and printed directory similar to that agroforestry programme – an integrated CBCS has long been carrying out research of Buy BCwild. “We are very happy to systems approach that encompasses and activities in the Ngovayang Forest area collaborate with the Royal Roads balances economic, environmental and geared towards enhancing the living University’s Centre for Non-Timber social values. The programme is driven by conditions of the indigenous people while Resources team on this project, which partnerships and identified gaps, needs conserving biodiversity in the region. makes it much easier for us to embark on and interests. Sustainable, ethical The microprojects designed to alleviate this initiative and affords a certain development of NTFRs and services is poverty, following research results in the consistency across borders,” explains essential when capturing the value of the area, touch on improvement of income- Janette Desharnais, Executive Director of forest understorey – without compromising generating activities, sustainable INFOR Inc. “We are constantly discovering cultural or traditional rights, biodiversity harvesting of NTFPs, creation of new and unique NTFPs throughout the and healthy ecosystems. community farms and enhancement skills region – and the producers are very happy British Columbians value their in craft work. These projects are intended to hop on board and promote their goods environment and their diverse cultural to link the livelihood improvement to through our directory. It will be a great tool heritage. Consumers everywhere are biodiversity conservation by strengthening for people seeking local and natural increasingly interested in the detailed story the capacity of the indigenous people. products from the forest land base.” behind a product – who produces it, where CBCS is in the process of implementing The directory is available at it comes from and how it is produced are a five-year development and conservation www.FromOurAtlanticWoods.com now part of the package. A local project on livelihood improvement in the sustainability ethic is one of these key area. For this initiative to have maximum FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: pieces. The Ministry of Agriculture and impact and benefits for the indigenous Janette Desharnais, Executive Director, Lands is pleased to support the Centre for people and the site support groups, INFOR Inc., 1350 Regent St, MCFT, Room 223, Non-Timber Resources in its work to collaboration among, and identification of, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3C 2G6, provide key resources for sustainable, the various stakeholders become of Canada. Fax: +01- 506-454-0652; conscientious development in this paramount importance. (Source: e-mail: [email protected]; emerging sector. (Source: Buy BCwild, Cameroon Tribune, 30 March 2009.) www.fromouratlanticwoods.com/en/index.php 2008/2009.)

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 46 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

products over the past ten years, says Chief valued at $231 million, were sold to FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE Executive Officer Nick Secord. This spring, 45 different countries. AUTHOR: the company opened a processing plant in While the Vancouver Island production is a Ann Eastman, Ph.D., British Columbian Ministry Quebec where about 60 000 tonnes of drop in the ocean compared with the eastern of Agriculture and Lands, PO Box 9120, fiddleheads roll off the conveyor belt every industry, Backlund and his fellow sapsuckers Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 9E2. day. To satisfy demand, the company trucks in produced 3 000 litres of sap in their first E-mail: [email protected] fiddleheads foraged from riverbanks and season. Last year, more than 60 000 litres of forests in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick sap were collected from bigleaf maples all Wild harvesting may come at a cost and Nova Scotia, as well as the northeastern over Vancouver Island. Backlund and his The choice to buy something foraged from a United States of America, Mr Secord says. daughter Katherine do not measure their Canadian forest instead of imported Unlike ramps, harvesting fiddleheads success in how much money they make from broccoli may seem good, but when wild does not endanger the plant – as long as their maple syrup hobby. foods hit the mainstream, the risks of you do not take too many from the same Commercial success, however, was on the overharvesting can threaten the species patch, says Jonathan Forbes, owner of mind of Bram Lucieer of Campbell River, one and large-scale industrial processing can Forbes Wild Foods. He says pickers should of the original six island sap seekers. He did diminish the qualities that attracted people only take three of the seven fronds of each not make syrup. Instead, he produced a rare in the first place. plant or else risk its survival. maple wine. Lucieer's ambition to sell his A few years ago, wild leeks, also known Experts say problems start when people award-winning maple wine in the national as ramps (Allium tricoccum), were enjoyed do not respect these guidelines. "You've got and international market was corked when only by foragers and gourmets who knew people who are aware of how to harvest he ran into the arduous commercial the woodland plant offered a delectable properly and others who just want to make regulations. onion flavour with a hint of garlic. This year, a buck," says Tim Brigham of the Centre It is a huge disappointment since he is the wild relative of the onion is everywhere. for Non-Timber Resources at Royal Roads confident that he tapped into something that But all this attention is not good news for the University on Vancouver Island, a research has the potential to make a large profit with leek, says Gérald Le Gal, President of the centre dedicated to the sustainable use of hardly any overheads. Quebec-based Association for the forest products. "The raw material is virtually free for the Commercialization of Forest Mushrooms Mr Brigham believes that it is possible taking. The commercial profit would be huge. and owner of Gourmet Sauvage, a company for Canadians to harvest wild foods It's not like maple syrup where the reduction that sells prepared wild fruits and commercially from nature in ways that rate is about 40 (litres of sap) to one (litre of vegetables. Mr Le Gal does not think anyone preserve the ecosystem. He is part of a syrup). One litre of sap makes one litre of should be selling ramps. "Don't touch the group trying to put together a national wine," said Lucieer. stuff. It's just too vulnerable," he says. network of sustainable harvesters. Lucieer says he would be willing to share When you pick a ramp, you take the entire As long as harvesting is done his trade secrets to help others take West plant, including the bulb. Once the bulb is sustainably, wild foods can help to protect Coast maple wine to the next level. A gone, there is nothing left of the plant; it will nature, Mr Forbes says. "When people plantation of bigleaf maples would be the first not grow back the next year. The Toronto and realize that the forests provide really good step in making a profitable maple wine or Region Conservation Authority considers it to food, it gives it an ecological value it didn't maple syrup company. (Source: Canada.com be "a species of conservation concern". And have before. Then they may go easy on the [Canada], 23 February 2009.) eating a nice-sized bulb could be the environment." (Source: The Globe and Mail equivalent of dining on an old-growth cedar. [Canada], 21 May 2009.) "It's a really, really, slow-growth plant. A bulb could be 18 to 20 years old," Mr Le Gal says. Tapping trees for that classic Canadian flavour In Quebec, the wild leek saw a similar It has been sweet success for a new breed of surge in popularity in the early 1990s. At sapsuckers who introduced the maple syrup farmers' markets across the province, industry to Vancouver Island seven years ago. bottles of pickled wild leek were snapped A study of demand and supply of up by the hundreds, pushing the species to medicinal plants in India carried out by the the brink. Today, in Quebec, it is illegal to Board during 2007-2008 highlighted sell wild leeks. In an attempt to stop alarming shortages of some of the plants extinction by commercialization, the used by the Ayurvedic industry. provincial government only allows people Ladysmith's Gary Backlund and five %CHINA to harvest 50 bulbs a season for personal others in the Master Woodland Manager use. Chefs are not allowed to cook with programme at Vancouver Island University China introduces traditional medicines into them, and it is forbidden to import them decided to create a West Coast maple syrup basic health care programme from other provinces. industry in 2002. More than 85 percent of Beijing. China is trying to incorporate its Wild leeks are not the only forest product the world's maple syrup is produced in centuries-old traditional medicine, mostly growing in popularity. NorCliff Farms Inc., the Canada and is most commonly made in the based on herbs, into the national basic health country's largest supplier of fiddleheads eastern provinces of Quebec, Ontario, New care programme. (Matteuccia spp.), has seen a 20 percent rise Brunswick and Nova Scotia. In 2007, more The State Council, the country's Cabinet, in demand each year for its fresh and frozen than 40 600 tonnes of Canadian syrup, pledged in a circular on Thursday to enable

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 47

every community and village health service especies se encuentren en alguna centre to provide a traditional medicine categoría de amenaza. La explotación de service for citizens. "Traditional medicines orquídeas de los géneros Anguloa, Cattleya have outstanding advantages. They cost much y Cycnoches, es un factor que incide en las less than Western medicines. They will fit in poblaciones naturales, llevándolas a with the health service in rural areas and diferentes niveles de amenazas. Casos communities," said Professor Ha Xiaoxian similares se documentan para varias from Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese especies de zamias, principalmente Z. Medicine. encephalartoides y Z. wallisii, de las cuales The State Council said that traditional se ha realizado extracción ilegal de medicine hospitals will be on the list of tubérculos y semillas con fines designated hospitals under the country's comerciales, y a nivel de palmas, las que % GABON basic health insurance programmes for both presentan amenaza por sobreexplotación rural and urban residents. In addition, the del recurso son la palma estera Urban hunters do most harm to ape Government welcomes private investors to (Astrocaryum malybo) y las palmas de cera populations in Gabon invest in hospitals or pharmacies of (Ceroxylon sp.), cuyas hojas se extraen Commercial hunters from towns are traditional medicine. It also encourages para la elaboración de ramos para la exacting a much bigger toll on great apes veteran doctors to open their own clinics and Semana Santa. than subsistence hunters from small allows doctors to work at chemists’ shops Fuente: López Camachó, René. 2008. villages, according to an analysis of ape dispensing traditional medicines. Productos forestales no maderables: nest density near human settlements. The circular admitted that the country sees importancia e impacto de su The finding that numbers of gorillas and many problems in passing on and renewing aprovechamiento. Revista Colombia chimpanzees appear to have dwindled the ancient knowledge of traditional Forestal Vol. 11 - diciembre 2008. twice as much near towns in Gabon than medicine. "A lot of valuable knowledge was near villages supports a focus on not passed from the older generation to the PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN, DIRIGIRSE A: conservation efforts that tackle younger and some important therapies were René López Camachó, Universidad Distrital commercial hunting over those that aim to lost." The Government plans to register Francisco José de Caldas, Facultad de Medio convince villagers to give up subsistence ancient medical books, develop a catalogue Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Bogotá, hunting, says Hjalmar Kühl at the Max and set up a digital database for them. It will Colombia. (Correo electrónico: Planck Institute for Evolutionary also support research and publishing of these [email protected]) Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, who books. (Please see page 20 for more information conducted the study with colleagues. More resources will be spent on the on palm fronds.) (Source: New Scientist, 3 March 2009.) education and training of doctors. The central government will support some key research institutes and colleges. It also encourages %ETHIOPIA % GEORGIA apprenticeships for training doctors as an alternative to medical schools, especially in EU grants €251 million to support Breakthrough sustainable forest-use plan rural areas. For thousands of years, doctors development programmes A conservation group in Georgia has of traditional Chinese medicine passed on Addis Ababa. Ethiopia signed a realized a milestone for the Caucasus hot their knowledge through apprentices, multisectoral grant agreement on Thursday spot with a landmark management plan especially from father to son. Even now many amounting to €251 million with the balancing sustainability and development doctors prefer keeping effective and original European Commission to assist its while opening the door for transboundary prescriptions as "family secrets" and only development endeavours in the road sector, cooperation along the West Lesser telling them to people they trust. (Source: productive safety net programmes and Caucasus biodiversity conservation Xinhuanet.com [China], 7 May 2009.) forest management, including technical corridor. assistance to support implementation of its With Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund development strategy. (CEPF) support and input from all % COLOMBIA Of this amount, €6 million will be used for stakeholders, the Association for Nature the sustainable management of Ethiopia's Protection and Sustainable Development La recolección excesiva de productos forests in order to improve food security, (Mta-Bari) has developed the management forestales no madereros strengthen the rural economy and reduce blueprint for the buffer zone surrounding La demanda y el consumo de diversos environmental degradation. It will also be Mtirala National Park. Roughly 20 000 ha of productos del bosque están provocando su used to improve forest conditions and forest- mostly pristine mountain forest fall under agotamiento a un ritmo alarmante, siendo based livelihoods through building up the the purview of the document, which una de las causas subyacentes de la pérdida capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and identifies areas for intervention and lays the de la biodiversidad. Rural Development and the community to groundwork for careful land use. En Colombia, la recolección excesiva, scale up and mainstream participatory forest “The plan contains needed guidelines for con fines comerciales y ornamentales, de management and NTFP development. sustainable use of natural resources and varios grupos de plantas como orquídeas, (Source: The Africa Monitor in AllAfrica.com generation of alternative livelihoods, such zamias y palmas, ha supuesto que varias [Ethiopia], 30 January 2009.) as beekeeping, grape cultivation and

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 48 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

small-scale tourism,” explained Zurab promotes improved rural livelihoods for Manvelidze, Project Coordinator and Mta- women. Bari chairman. “It is the first of its kind in Brazilian Ambassador, Mr Luis THE BAIF STRATEGY FOR KARAYA the hot spot and should serve as an Fernando Serra, tasked the two DEVELOPMENT important template for work in other organizations to use the pact as a protected areas of the Caucasus.” demonstration that it is through fair and BAIF (formerly known as the Bharatiya Unique geology, terrain and climate free trade rather than aid that poverty can Agro Industries Foundation) is currently have made the Caucasus among the most be significantly reduced. Mr Serra implementing integrated tribal biologically diverse regions in the promised to work towards integrating the development projects in tribal areas temperate world. A quarter of its 6 500 economies of the two countries through the across India and has established the species of vascular plants are found promotion of trade. Resource Centre for Tribal nowhere else on Earth – the highest level Although the shea crop is widely Development (RCTD) to ensure strong of endemism in the temperate zone. available in the northern regions of Ghana, technical support to the field However, unsustainable use of forests, the difficulty in harvesting the wild crop and programme. RCTD has recently poaching and overharvesting of decorative the lack of processing facilities has launched a major initiative to promote plants are major threats to the buffer zone contributed towards the downturn of the tree farming of karaya, which is and the park. industry. According to the PBC, Sysgate threatened with extinction in many of Beyond establishing a framework to was chosen because of the company's its natural habitats. counter these threats, the management expertise in providing a special technology The tree, which was a major plan, which has been approved by the to maximize yields from shea processing. livelihood resource from natural forests Georgian Government, has also served as a (Source: Ghana home page – in BAIF’s operational areas, is now launching pad for discussions on ghanaweb.com [Ghana], 27 March 2009.) nearly extinct. BAIF’s plan is to restore transboundary cooperation with Turkey. Its the lost glory of this resource and now Jamili Biosphere Reserve is a short to reestablish it consciously on privately distance from the Mtirala buffer zone and held marginal lands to avoid any borders a proposed protected area in conflict over tenure of natural trees, Georgia’s Machakhela region. Close and ensure long-term sustainable cooperation between the countries would harvesting practices. strengthen conservation in the region, while promoting tourism and other economic opportunities for communities. (Source: CEPF E-News, March 2009.) also not grazed by cattle. If incorporated into farming systems of drought-prone areas, it has great potential to leverage %GHANA extra livelihood support for small and marginal farmers during crisis situations. Ghana to build shea butter processing This medium-sized deciduous tree is plant with Brazilian help leafless in winter and summer. It flowers in The Produce Buying Company (PBC) of January to March and fruits ripen in April to Ghana signed a memorandum of %INDIA May when seed collection is possible. understanding (MOU) with Sysgate Ltd of Capsules need to be harvested before they Brazil to establish a shea nut processing Karaya: an underutilized Indian tree for are too dry otherwise they burst open while plant in the country. The establishment of gum production in tribal areas still on the plant and the seeds are the plant, which is the brainchild of Vice- The karaya tree (Sterculia urens) yields scattered. The seeds are eaten by children President John Mahama, would allow for gum karaya, which is an important NTFP in and monkeys and, therefore, seed the export of shea butter and help Ghana central Indian tribal areas. The tree was collection may be a problem. tap into a fast expanding global shea trade very common in the central Indian forests, To extract gum from the bark, it is projected to gross US$500 million/year but has now nearly disappeared from the necessary to damage it. The traditional within the next five years. The states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya practice of extracting gum from the bark by establishment of the plant would enable Pradesh and Maharashtra through axe also harmed the inner wood. PBC to process between 40 and 100 000 overexploitation. The state of Andhra Accelerated gum extraction has led to a tonnes of nuts annually. Pradesh is at present the major gum rapid decline in natural stands. Vice-President Mahama described the producer. Some problems associated with karaya event as the "first conspicuous step" The karaya tree is native to tropical, dry, gum collection are: towards revamping the shea industry and deciduous forests, preferring an unusual • the supply of substandard quality gum making it a driving force in the natural habitat, occupying hill tops, karaya lowers prices at all levels; development of the savannah area of exposed ridges, rocky crevices, eroded • gum tapping of karaya requires a Ghana. He reported that the shea trade is slopes and similar hostile habitats. It is specialized skill and knowledge in crucial in the socio-economic development extremely resistant to drought and will order to access the best-quality gum of the northern parts of the country and grow on the poorest of dry stony soils. It is while minimizing damage to the tree;

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 49

• since the gum is widely used in the food (Source: Resource Centre for Tribal diversity lies in the protection of ethnic and pharmaceutical industries, both in Development Fact Sheet, 1, September communities, which have traditionally domestic and foreign markets, 2008.) lived in the forests. maintaining high-quality standards is “The vast majority of important plants critical; and FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: are still conserved by tribal communities • proper scientific processes are critical Mr Abhay Gandhe, Programme Organizer, residing in the remote forest areas of in tapping, processing, packing, storing The Resource Centre for Tribal Development the different phytogeographic zones of and marketing gum karaya. (RCTD), BAIF MITTRA Bhavan, opp. Niwas India,” says D.C. Saini, senior scientist Gum karaya is extensively used in the food Homes, behind Bodhale Nagar, off Nasik Pune and taxonomist at the Birbal Sahni industries as an emulsifier, stabilizer and Highway, Nashik 422911, India. E-mail: Institute of Palaeobotany in Lucknow. thickener. It is also used in the pharmaceutical [email protected] or [email protected] Living in close association with industry, as a laxative and in denture nature and natural resources, these adhesives, and in many other industries such Ex situ conservation of giloe (Tinospora indigenous tribes have managed and as petroleum and gas, textiles, paper and cordifolia) – a potential tropical conserved the biodiversity of their pulp, leather and allied products, ammunition mediclimber in India localities. “This vast repository of and explosives, electrical appliances, Tinospora or heart-leaved moonseed knowledge related to plants has been adhesives and cosmetics. (giloe or guduchi in Hindi, Tinospora cared for, nourished and conserved by cordifolia [Willd.] Miers ex Hook. the tribal communities as a common Estimated annual income from the karaya F. & Thoms) is a widely used shrub in property for thousands of years by tree folk and Ayurvedic medicine systems. experience, trial and error and it is • Gum yield from one tapping of one tree: Conservation of this mediclimber species also being freely transmitted from 30–50 g is of utmost importance because of its generation to generation by means of • No. of times a blaze (cut bark) is depleting natural wealth. Most tropical oral communication,” Saini says. tapped/month: 12 and subtropical forests are dominated He explains that tribal people are not • Gum yield/month from one tree: by this woody climber hanging with its only familiar with thousands of 360–600 g aerial roots. commercial plant species in their • Gum yield/year from one tree: The annual demand for giloe was ecosystems but they also have a good 4 320–7 200 kg 2 932.6 tonnes in 2004–05, which is knowledge of the ecological interrelations • Average rate of gum/kg: International increasing with an annual growth rate of of the various components of plant Normalized Ratio (INR) 100 9.1 percent. The shrub is widely used in diversity. Moreover, many plants have • Possible approximate income from one veterinary folk medicine/Ayurvedic been conserved in their natural habitats tree: INR 500. medicine for its general tonic, thanks to the people’s deep knowledge of antiperiodic, antispasmodic, anti- beliefs, faith and taboos. (Source: The Opportunities within the karaya gum value inflammatory, antiarthritic, antiallergic Deccan Herald [India], 3 March 2009.) chain and antidiabetic properties. • Other NTFPs are available for a limited Ex situ conservation of the species period, while gum karaya can be can best be achieved through preservation %ITALY harvested all year round. in botanical gardens, herbal gardens • Multiple industrial and household and through cultivation. A recent paper Italian group defends honour of rare applications ensure continuous and by Ankur Sharma and Manmohan white truffle stable demand. J.R. Dobriyal discusses the cultivation The Alba white truffle association, based • There is potential for developing new aspect – for both its conservation and to in the heart of Italy’s truffle country, is value-added products. ensure its sustained supply to the campaigning to defend the image of the • Gum karaya is a natural, non-toxic and pharmaceutical industries. rare fungus as a dispute involving a biodegradable product and therefore restaurant bill heads for the courts. services a growing industry. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: The association is reacting to media • Trees are easy to regenerate through Dr Manmohan J.R. Dobriyal, Assistant reports that an unnamed top executive cuttings, are extremely drought Professor (Forestry), Department of Forest refused to pay a €4 000 (£3 530) bill after tolerant, grow on poor-quality lands Products and Utilization, College of dining on white truffles with five guests at and are not browsed. There is great Horticulture and Forestry (Maharana Pratap Milan’s Michelin-starred Cracco Peck potential for increasing the natural University of Agriculture and Technology), restaurant. resource through community forestry. Jhalawar 326 001 (Rajasthan), India. E-mail: Chef Carlo Cracco – author of White • Technical improvements in post- [email protected] truffle utopia – said that his restaurant harvest management, such as refused to accept the anonymous introducing solar driers and quality Ethnic groups crucial to biodiversity businessman’s offer to foot half the bill or control laboratories at the community With an estimated 10 percent of India’s that there was any confusion over the level, will help increase value. over 46 000 plant species being either weight or price of the truffles before the • The community can be organized into extinct or in the endangered category diners began eating. Cracco said the party collective initiatives for alternative owing to ruthless exploitation, scientists of six consumed about 300 g of truffle, marketing mechanisms. say that the key to conserving plant which cost €10.90 per gram.

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 50 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

“They did not want to see the menus. efforts, the CA-news.org news Web site and the changing social and economic They just said: ‘We want the truffles’,” he reported on 13 May 2009. conditions that drive demand for bushmeat said, adding that they picked two large ones Regionally, just 3.9 percent of Tajikistan to a level where it now exceeds the rate at and were duly informed of the weight. The is forested, Turkmenistan is 8.8 percent which hunted wildlife is replaced in the diner said the truffle had not been weighed, woodland and Uzbekistan is the most forest. newspapers reported, without giving densely forested, with trees covering Finding ways to conserve and protect details as to his identity. 10.1 percent of the country. (Source: endangered and threatened wildlife The media attention comes at a time EURASIANET.org, 15 May 2009.) species without compromising the health when the economic downturn threatens and welfare of the poor rural and urban luxury spending and the purveyors of the families who are almost entirely dependent expensive truffle are keen to keep their on this resource is a challenge that can be customers. credibly met by effecting three proposed Located in Langhe, the hilly southern priorities: (i) shift demand to locally area of the Piedmont region, Alba is the produced alternatives to bushmeat; main area for white truffles – the most (ii) revitalize existing traditional wildlife prized variety of the underground fungus. management practices; and (iii) recognize The town, which has a population of 30 000, the multiple stakeholders with conflicting has held an annual truffle fair in autumn interests as leading social actors involved for nearly 80 years. Walnut forests in rural Kyrgyzstan in bushmeat harvesting, processing and “We are comfortable with the price the Agroforestry is the predominant way of life marketing. restaurant charged,” said Alberto Cirio, in forested parts of southern Kyrgyzstan These priorities are suggested as among head of the Association for the and walnut forests are a major part of the the key elements of a wildlife management International Fair of the Alba White Truffle, cultural landscape. Local farmers lease policy and strategy that should be designed which organizes the annual event. “But we forest plots from the state and these so as to deal with the threatening want to make sure we avoid provide a wide range of NTFPs. bushmeat crisis in Liberia. (Source: Nature misunderstandings in the future.” NTFPs, including walnuts, wild apples, and Faune, 23(2), 2008.) Mr Cirio said the association would rosehips and mushrooms provide an encourage restaurants to agree on a set of important source of subsistence food; FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT rules to make sure truffles are weighed other useful products include firewood, hay THE AUTHOR: and grated on the dishes in front of the and medicinal herbs. Collecting, Samuel N. Koffa, Ph.D., Senior Research clients, with the price on display. (Source: processing and marketing NTFPs – mostly Scientist and Consultant, Agroforestry, The Independent [United Kingdom], 18 walnuts – are also sources of potentially Community Forestry, Plantations Silviculture, February 2009.) high and much-needed cash income for Biodiversity Conservation. ELWA, Paynesville, local households. Monrovia, Liberia. E-mail: [email protected] The prime role of NTFPs from walnut (Please also see page 37 for more information %KRYGYZSTAN forests is to contribute to local people’s on bushmeat.) basic subsistence needs. However, Increasingly forested but fruit and nut because of the strong variations in yields, trees still endangered the role of these forests as a reliable %MALAYSIA A new map of Kyrgyzstan reveals that source of income is limited. (Source: id21 7 percent of the country is woodland, slightly insights, 77, May 2009.) Agarwood Research Centre in Melaka more than previously thought. However, Melaka. An agarwood research centre experts are warning that 90 percent of will be set up by the Melaka Biotechnology Central Asia’s fruit and nut trees have been % LIBERIA Corporation (PBM) to carry out research lost during the past 50 years. According to on the various uses and development of the map produced by the Kyrgyz-Swiss Redefining a wildlife management the fragrant wood in the country. PBM Forestry Support Programme, 1.39 million strategy to stem imminent bushmeat Chief Executive Officer Professor Dr ha of Kyrgyzstan are forested. crisis in Liberia Ramli Hitam said the research would Flora & Fauna International (FFI), a Bushmeat is a renewable natural resource be used to create a profile of agarwood conservation non-profit organization, is that remains central to meeting the income and perfume and for marking the cautioning that 44 tree species in and food security needs of resource- agarwood trees. “It is also to find the Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, dependent households in the Central and best technology to produce agarwood Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are facing West Africa region, as well as other regions resin," he told Bernama here today. extinction. Many of these trees are the wild in the developing world. In Liberia, as is Recently, Malaysian Agarwood ancestors of domesticated fruit and nut variably true in the region, there are Association President Datuk Seri Syed trees, including walnut, cherry and apricot. heightened concerns about the impending Razlan Jamalullail had suggested that an Some 3 percent of the Kyrgyz state loss or reduction of this resource because Aquilaria research centre be set up to carry budget is earmarked for environmental of the harvesting methods used, the out a study on agarwood, which is useful in protection. The lack of funding is widely overcentralized strategies and policies the making of perfumery and cosmetic acknowledged to "hamper" conservation governing wildlife use and management, products, as well as medicine.

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 51

Dr Ramli Hitam said there were various que además con esta planta se puede de hongos, como el hongo de pan (Boletus species of agarwood and that the research producir aceite de calidad similar al aceite edulis), el duraznito (Cantharellus would be useful to determine which of de oliva, así como a través del mismo aceite cibarius), el hongo de huevo (Amanita them could produce the most and highest- se puede producir biodiesel y hasta etanol. caesarea) y un hongo codiciado por los quality resin. He said that for research and «Esto no lo estamos inventando, si no japoneses: el matsutake (Tricholoma development purposes, the corporation que lo estamos redescubriendo, porque en magnivelare). had planted agarwood in a 40-ha area in el mundo el aceite de Moringa se La organización comunitaria de segundo the state, adding that the Forestry comercializa, por eso digo que nosotros en nivel Pueblos Mancomunados constituye Department also had its own agarwood Sinaloa, estamos comenzando a hacer lo un territorio agrario de 30 000 hectáreas farm. (Source: Bernama [Malaysia], 17 que otros países ya han desarrollado con ubicado en la Sierra Norte de Oaxaca entre February 2009.) este árbol». (Fuente: Noroeste, México, 1 2100 y hasta 3300 msnm. Allí se de febrero de 2009.) encuentran ocho pequeñas comunidades que cuentan con una población de origen % MEXICO Bamboo planting boosted zapoteca de 3 500 habitantes. A finales de The Mexican Government and the United los años 70, las familias de los Pueblos Moringa oleifera: La Moringa – Nations have signed an agreement to boost Mancomunados iniciaron una lucha social Experimentan con planta nutritiva bamboo planting in the country, its National con la finalidad de obtener los permisos El árbol de moringa podría ser el alimento Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) said. del gobierno para realizar su propio del futuro, ya que de esta planta se pueden Some US$715 000 will be used to establish manejo y aprovechamiento comercial de elaborar diversos alimentos nutritivos, the Centre of Bamboo Technology los bosques de pino y pino encino, en una aseguró Leopoldo Martínez Velarde, Development in the east state of Veracruz as superficie de 13 000 hectáreas. En la presidente de la Red de Inventores part of the country's productive reforestation década de 1980, se logró anular la Sinaloenses. strategy. The centre will be the fourth largest concesión proporcionada por el gobierno a Informó que este árbol regularmente in the world, after China, India and Cuba, and empresas privadas y estatales que crece en los cementerios pero que con el bamboo produced there will be sent to the explotaban los bosques; la comunidad apoyo del Instituto Sinaloense de United States of America, Latin America, formó entonces su propia empresa Desarrollo Social se ha logrado tener un Europe and Asia through the Panama Canal. forestal. En el 2002, con el apoyo de la ONG campo experimental de 400 de estos The project will improve the livelihoods of Methodus, Pueblos Mancomunados árboles, ubicado en la colonia Loma de rural people in the mountainous area of the diversificó sus negocios con la creación de Rodriguera. "Éste podría ser un Huatusco municipality in Veracruz and help una unidad de deshidratado, empacado y complemento alimenticio que proporcione them recover lost forest land. (Source: comercialización de frutas y diferentes a las madres y a los lactantes todos los Xinhua [China], 5 January 2009.) especies de hongos silvestres. nutrientes básicos para un sano desarrollo, La recolección y comercialización en ya que es un nutriente de rápido La envasadora y comercializadora fresco del matsutake a Japón es una aprovechamiento y sumamente de hongos silvestres en Los Pueblos actividad que inició a mediados de los 90 económico". Mancomunados de Oaxaca, México con la llegada de los primeros La hoja verde de la moringa gramo por En México, el conocimiento extenso sobre el compradores japoneses a la región. Debido gramo contiene siete veces más nutrientes uso culinario, las propiedades medicinales y a los altos precios pagados a los y más vitamina C que la naranja, así como el uso ritual de los hongos silvestres forman recolectores (8 a 30 USD/kg), la oferta de más calcio que la leche y el queso, detalló. parte de la riqueza cultural de las hongos matsutake ha perdurado a pesar Martínez Velarde, quien también explicó poblaciones indígenas y rurales. Según los de la reducción del número de expertos, de las 140 000 especies presentes compradores. Con la creación de la unidad en el país, 200 son las que se consumen y 50 de deshidratado de hongos, se abrió para se consideran medicinales. Según las los recolectores nuevas opciones de estadísticas oficiales, los hongos ingresos, a través del aprovechamiento de comercializados en el mercado nacional e especies más abundantes en los bosques. internacional representan entre 450 000 y El boletus, hongo de huevo, duraznito y 850 000 USD por año, en beneficio de 3 000 otras especies son deshidratados, hogares rurales. empacados y distribuidos directamente por En el estado de Oaxaca, los hongos la empresa comunal a diferentes tiendas silvestres representan un producto forestal de productos gourmet ubicadas en varias no maderero (PFNM) ampliamente ciudades del país. conocido por los indígenas que habitan en Considerando que la demanda de los bosques templados y en particular en hongos silvestres en el mercado interno y la región de la Sierra Norte, y se colectan externo es aún insuficiente y que la dentro de las áreas de uso común de los operación de la empresa requiere procesar ejidos y las comunidades indígenas. En ciertos volúmenes para garantizar su diferentes lugares de este estado (uno de rentabilidad, la envasadora y empacadora los más pobre del país) se consumen y de Pueblos Mancomunados tiene cuatro Moringa olifera comercializan varias especies comestibles retos principales: (i) lograr la máxima

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 52 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

valorización de los hongos en el mercado %MOZAMBIQUE Economic potential of NTFPs in Nepal: para poder ofrecer a los recolectores una myth or reality? remuneración atractiva por sus colectas; Hidden forest In a recent article in the Journal of Forest (ii) extender las áreas de aprovechamiento Using Google Earth to create an ecological and Livelihood, Mani Ram Banjade and a través de asociarse con otras map of the Mozambique highlands, Naya Sharma Paudel discussed the comunidades de la región y del estado; (iii) conservationist Julian Bayliss accidentally worldwide shift in forest policies away from promover el buen manejo y la conservación discovered what is now thought to be the a narrow focus on timber towards an de las áreas de producción; y (iv) largest piece of mid-altitude rain forest in emphasis on NTFPs and problems in Nepal establecer esquemas de comercialización southern Africa. associated with this shift. que permitan valorizar la calidad y origen The discovery of 7 000 ha of virgin rain The reasons given for promoting NTFPs del producto. forest in northern Mozambique has caused against timber are the following. Las empresas forestales comunitarias y huge excitement in the scientific 1) Although timber is found in surplus in las iniciativas privadas vinculadas han community. “It's extremely rare in this day many high altitude forests, it is permitido generar empleos y favorecer la and age to make such discoveries, inaccessible for the city markets formación de recursos humanos dentro de especially in Africa, and to be the first because of a lack of road networks in los Pueblos Mancomunados. biologist to enter such a huge area of many high mountain areas. In these En Oaxaca, los fenómenos migratorios untouched rain forest – well, it's a dream places, transportation of and trading in no se han visto frenados con el desarrollo come true for a field-based conservationist high-value NTFPs, even in low volume, is de empresas forestales; sin embargo, such as myself, and to be the one who more cost-effective compared with estos procesos, iniciados a finales de la discovered it is incredible,” says Bayliss. timber. década de 1980 en varias comunidades The canopies of Mount Mabu have so far 2) Harvesting of NTFPs, particularly those indígenas, están contribuyendo a generar yielded five new species of butterfly and of herb and shrub origins and also parts empleos más atractivos para la población two species of snake. (Source: The of trees such as leaves, flowers, fruits joven que opta por permanecer en sus Guardian Weekly [United Kingdom], and exudates, is ecologically less comunidades. Para mantenerla en su 20 February 2009.) destructive as compared with the región de origen, se requerirá mejorar la harvesting of trees themselves. infraestructura social de las comunidades 3) Timber production needs a relatively y desarrollar iniciativas de diferentes %NEPAL long time; it may take decades to get a índoles (culturales, educativas o harvest, whereas NTFPs take less time, deportivas) que permitan competir con los Potential of managing wild mushroom in i.e. they have a short gestation period. ingresos que genera la migración a los community forests for community benefit Generally, poor people who are Estados Unidos. De la permanencia de los A recent paper by A.K. Das et al. is based on a dependent on forests cannot wait for jóvenes calificados en la comunidad study conducted to assess the impacts of long periods of time to receive returns dependerá sin duda el futuro de estas managing wild mushrooms in community from the management of their forests. pequeñas empresas forestales, que tantos forests. The study reveals that a small 4) The poor have better access to NTFPs esfuerzos costaron a las generaciones community forest area of Tibrikot, near than to timber because while timber is anteriores. (Fuente: Desarrollo de Pokhara, alone contains 90 varieties of wild sold, NTFPs may be collected free of pequeñas y medianas empresas forestales mushrooms, many of which are edible. The charge in most of the community forests. para la reducción de la pobreza: ethnic users are the main consumers of wild Following the changing global focus, oportunidades y desafíos en mercados mushrooms; moreover, they are well forest policies in Nepal for the last two globalizantes. Memorias de conferencia. acquainted with identifying characteristics, decades have also highlighted NTFPs 2007. Centro Agronómico Tropical de use values, collection, processing, trade and through various policy documents, public Investigación y Enseñanza [CATIE], value addition. meetings, party manifestos and other Turrialba, Costa Rica.) There are more than 14 000 community documents. It is now time to examine their forests in Nepal covering about one-third of economic, social and environmental PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN, DIRIGIRSE AL AUTOR the national forest area, benefiting more outcomes. The original rationales and DE ESTE ESTUDIO DE CASO: than a third of the population. This large promises need to be revisited, because a Fabrice Edouard, Methodus Consultora, resource base is important and vital for critical analysis of the current scale of Crespo 520 A, Col Centro, Oaxaca, Oax CP managing wild mushrooms for community production and management of NTFPs 68000 México. E-mail: [email protected]; benefit. The sustainability of community shows that a misplaced optimism www.raises.org forests is very much linked with increasing regarding the economic potential of NTFPs income-generating activities associated prevails. with forests. (Source: International Journal For the purpose of reflection and re- of Forest Usufructs Management, 9(2), examination, the following questions are July–December 2008.) pertinent. What has been the role of various organizations in NTFP promotion? FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: To what extent have the benefits of NTFPs Professor A.K. Das, Institute of Forestry, been realized? To what extent have the Tribhuvan University, PO Box 43, Pokhara, rationales and promises of NTFP Nepal. E-mail: [email protected] promotion been achieved? What are the

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 53

%NIGERIA

NTFP COLLECTIONS AND SALE IN Socio-economic determinants of cultivation SUSPA CFUG, DOLAKHA of NWFPs in southern Nigeria In a recent article in Biodiversity and The Suspa Community Forestry User Conservation, N.A. Chukwuone examined Group (CFUG) is rich in NTFPs. Almost determinates for the success of NWFP 50 percent of the households of the cultivation in Nigeria. NWFP cultivation, Suspa CFUG are engaged in NTFP although a veritable means of ecosystem and collection, which provides more money biodiversity conservation and improved each day than the daily wages they can natural resource management, has not been earn in the village. The wage rate in the sustained in southern Nigeria (Nigeria’s area is about Nrs50/day (approximately agencies are far from realizing the glorified major forest region), notwithstanding the US$0.75). From the collection of lokta potentials of NTFPs. The endeavours of these unprecedented rate of depletion of the (Daphne bholuwa), a person can earn organizations are not yet putting adequate resource in the wild. from Nrs125–200/day ($2–3). There are efforts into enforcement of policy and the For example, efforts in the past to support other NTFPs, such as machhino, nigalo, regulatory frameworks are not yet cultivation of NWFPs in southern Nigeria argeli and mushrooms, from which harmonized with nor developed in line with under a US Agency for International many of the middle- and richer class policy. Development (USAID)-funded Cross River users are getting better returns. In the field, while promoting discourse on State forestry project, especially through Surprisingly, none of the poorest NTFPs, timber management is receiving less nursery establishment for some rural households were involved in the attention. It would have been better if communities, were not sustained because the collection of NTFPs. When asked why, Community Forestry User Groups (CFUGs) initiative was abandoned by the participants. one of the women said that she did not could put their energy and resources in both Hence, to promote cultivation of NWFPs, this know whether it would fetch a lucrative timber and NWFP management. study ascertained socio-economic factors return and did not even know when it is Furthermore, it would have been better had that influence their cultivation. open to collect. CFUGs accessed the market more A multistage sampling technique was used aggressively. In other words, NTFPs should in the selection of respondents (households) be understood, managed and traded as an from two states in southern Nigeria: Cross additional product and opportunity from River and Enugu. A sample size of 400 challenges so far? Are there any hidden timber, rather than amplifying it as a households was used for the study. The objectives for NTFP promotion? Are there substitute. findings show that cultivation of NWFPs was any trade-offs with timber management Although NTFPs have a comparative positively determined by gender, farming and trade? advantage in some hilly districts, in many occupation (especially of female farmers), NTFPs are rationalized as goods for mid-hill areas, and even more so in the Terai, distance to forests where NWFPs were linking conservation with livelihoods. timber management produces far more collected, proportion of household food from Government and other agencies are income than NTFPs. The need is to make NWFPs and medium wealth category. Age had providing programmes such as research, concerted efforts in releasing the barriers of a negative effect on cultivation until the age of education (training and other awareness marketing and trade in forest products, and 46, after which the effect became positive. programmes), enterprise development and supporting and facilitating individuals and In addition, household size, gender and poverty reduction, with specific focus on communities to harness benefits from forest farming occupation of household heads NTFPs and not on timber. Since the products. It is not helpful to undermine the positively influenced the cultivation of NWFPs Government is reluctant to promote timber value and potential of NTFPs, but it is in plantations as against home gardens, while management, other development agencies important to caution the agencies concerned gender and farming occupation had a positive are only left with the option of supporting to re-examine their perspectives and effect on cultivation of some stands of NWFPs NTFP development rather than timber. practices so as to get benefits from hidden as against home gardens. However, because of the constraining treasures such as NTFPs, rather than Incorporating the findings of this study in regulations and bureaucratic hurdles romanticizing them through exaggerated future intervention projects for NWFP surrounding NTFP trade, both development discourse. NTFP management should be cultivation will help sustain the initiative. agencies and users are left without any understood as complementary to timber (Source: Biodiversity and Conservation, 18: commercial opportunities to harness NTFPs. management and not as a substitute for the 339–353, 2009.) Records of formal trade in NTFPs show potential of timber. (Source: Journal of that the optimism in the discourse on NTFPs Forest and Livelihood, 7(1), December 2008.) FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT is not sufficiently grounded. Although the THE AUTHOR: Government and other development FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: N.A. Chukwuone, Centre for agencies exaggerate NTFPs as a panacea for Mani Ram Banjade, Forest Action Nepal, Entrepreneurship and Development resource conservation and poverty reduction, Satdobato, Lalitpur, PO Box 12207, Research and Department of Agricultural this is largely a rhetoric that raises the Kathmandu, Nepal. Fax: 977 1 5535190; Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, expectations of the people. The reality, e-mail: [email protected] or Enugu, Nigeria. E-mail: however, is that the initiatives taken by these [email protected] [email protected]

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 54 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

Desert encroaches on nation at 600 m per Dios department to provide training and international markets and therefore increase year technical support in sustainable forest the income of Brazil nut harvesters. He Current statistics from the Federal Ministry management and to strengthen markets endorses SmartWood certification because of of Environment show that Nigeria loses for NTFPs, such as the Brazil nut. its comprehensive approach that takes into about 600 m of its arable land mass yearly Brazil nut producers in Madre de Dios – account social, environmental, economic and to desert encroachment. A statement an area known as the "biodiversity capital quality issues. Additionally, many of FSC’s issued yesterday by Special Assistant to the of Peru" for its rich and exuberant criteria are in line with the mission of Minister of Environment, Mr Rotimi Ajayi, vegetation – are receiving support in how to Candela Perú. "Trees that are left standing noted that the Minister, Mr John Odey, was conserve and use their natural resources generate the income needed to improve the worried by the state of things and charged sustainably while also earning a profit. The quality of life of the harvesters in Madre de the people to cultivate non-timber forest Rainforest Alliance and its local partner, Dios," he states. trees to combat desertification in the Comercio Alternativo de Productos No Katherine Pierront, manager of the northern belt of Nigeria. Tradicionales y Desarrollo para Latino Rainforest Alliance's Sustainable Forestry “He said that there was a need to change América Perú (Candela Perú), are working Division in South America, explains, "Our Nigerians’ attitude towards the forest, together to train more than 60 Brazil nut goal is to use this model and replicate the which could only be done by integrating the producers in how to meet the certification experience in other regions in Peru and with needs of the masses into forest requirements of the Forest Stewardship other products." development plans. “We need to work Council (FSC) for their harvested nuts. To date, the total of certified forests in towards a policy on alternative energy use Candela Perú was founded in 1989 with Madre de Dios is 210 280 ha, of which by Nigerians. We need to emphasize the goal of finding forest resources that 179 894 ha are Rainforest Alliance/FSC- NTFPs. This is the only way we can make could provide the residents of Madre de certified. Through similar partnerships our forest management sustainable.” Dios with a steady income while not between the Rainforest Alliance and (Source: ForestPolicyResearch.org, damaging the biodiversity-rich organizations such as Cesvi Perú and the 26 January 2009.) environment, thus assuaging many of the Asociación para la Conservación de la Cuenca social and economic problems in the area. Amazónica, this number will continue to grow The organization currently works with 280 and help to ensure the conservation of Peru's % PERU Brazil nut producers to process and export "biodiversity capital". (Extracted from: the nuts to international markets, mainly Eco-Index [Peru], March 2009.) NGOs, producers partner to ensure the United States of America and Europe. a sustainable Brazil nut industry Candela Perú’s organic production Peru gets US$120 million to protect Commercially harvested in the Plurinational programme involves 171 Brazil nut 55 million ha of Amazon rain forest State of Bolivia, Brazil and Peru, the Brazil producers, including members of the The Japanese Government will loan Peru nut (Bertholletia excelsa) is an important part Grupo Recolectores Orgánicos de Nuez US$120 million to protect 55 million ha of of the region's economy, producing a large Amazónica de Perú (RONAP), based in Amazon rain forest over the next ten years, number of jobs and a considerable source of Madre de Dios. Nearly 70 of RONAP’s Brazil reports El Comercio. The loan, to be income for rural communities. In Peru, Brazil nut producers have achieved Fair Trade distributed in three phases starting next year, nut production is mainly carried out through certification, making it easier for them to has an interest rate of 0.10 percent, payable concessions and small businesses that meet the requirements necessary to over 40 years. extend throughout the entire production achieve FSC certification through the Antonio Brack, Peru's Minister of the chain, from harvesting and processing the Rainforest Alliance's SmartWood Environment, said the loan will be used to nut through selling the final product to certification programme – the world's establish permanent forest reserves, international exporters. leading (FSC) certifier of forest lands. including indigenous territories. Brack As part of USAID’s Initiative for Daniel Navarro, a director at Candela Perú estimated the initiative would avoid emissions Conservation in the Andean Amazon (ICAA), comments: "It is extremely important to us to of 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. the Rainforest Alliance is working with be involved in the whole production process, Peru – home to the fourth largest extent of forest concessionaires in Peru's Madre de but in particular with harvesters who are tropical rain forests after Brazil, the Congo usually at a disadvantage when they try to and Indonesia – has historically had one of access markets – they are our best partners the lowest annual deforestation rates in the and the true guardians of the forest in Madre Amazon basin, but forest loss has been de Dios." Candela is not only interested in increasing in recent years as a result of developing the commercial side of Brazil nut illegal logging, mining, agriculture and production, but it also wants to find expansion of road networks, including the "alternatives that will ensure the paving of a highway that provides access to a conservation and long-term sustainability of remote and biologically rich region in the this incredibly biodiverse region by improving southeastern part of the country. In 2005 – the quality of life for local residents," he adds. the most recent year for which data are Navarro believes that certification is a key available – at least 150 000 ha of forest were tool to improve the Brazil nut production lost, while a similar area was degraded process and maintain the high level of quality through logging and other activities. (Source: that is needed to obtain a niche position in Mongabay.com, 13 May 2009.)

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 55

Dos millones de plantones de camu camu congolaise, et plus particulièrement la part de tous les partenaires pour conduire à La producción de más de diez millones de population rurale, utilise ces ressources au court et moyen termes aux changements alevinos (larvas) de diversas especies de quotidien pour satisfaire leurs besoins de fondamentaux et répondre efficacement à peces para consumo humano destinadas a subsistance et également comme source de toutes les attentes. ser la gran despensa alimentaria frente a los revenus et d’emplois. Pour ces populations La présente stratégie de développement problemas del hambre que se avecinan en el (rurale et citadine), les PFNL constituent une du secteur des PFNL constitue un cadre de futuro, así como también de dos millones de source importante de nourriture, de plantes mise en œuvre du Plan d’action à court et plantones de camu camu (Myrciaria dubia), médicinales, ornementales, d’énergie, de moyen termes. C’est une stratégie qui son parte de los principales proyectos que se matériaux de construction, d’équipements de aboutit à un Plan d’action ambitieux qui, une están ejecutando y que impulsan el pêche, de biens et d’ustensiles. A ce titre, les fois mis en œuvre, favorisera le desarrollo de la Amazonía en el Perú. PFNL contribuent tant à la sécurité développement du secteur des PFNL par la Así lo se reveló el doctor Luis Campos alimentaire qu’à la réduction de la pauvreté. création des PME et PMI. Les instruments de Baca, presidente del Instituto de Malgré l’importance socioéconomique des mise en œuvre du Plan d’action sont la Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana PFNL, ces produits sont encore très peu Direction de la valorisation des ressources (IIAP), en el foro Nuevos Desafíos para el valorisés au Congo. Cette sous-valorisation forestières (DVRF) du Ministère de Desarrollo Sostenible de la Amazonía est la conséquence d’un manque de l’économie forestière (MEF), les divers Peruana que se realizó en el Congreso de la connaissances appropriées du rôle que jouent ministères représentés dans le Groupe de República. La reunión fue organizada ante la ces produits dans l’économie du ménage et la travail sur les PFNL et les programmes de preocupación sobre el futuro de esta vasta sécurité alimentaire dans le pays. Par politique économique du pays. región del planeta que, según estudios ailleurs, l’absence de stratégie de La réussite de la mise en œuvre de cette científicos, se encuentra amenazada por el développement de ces produits empêche leur stratégie dépendra fortement de avance de la acción del hombre y por el exploitation optimale par les différentes l’engagement politique de l’Etat et des irreversible calentamiento global. couches sociales concernées. bailleurs de fonds à consentir les efforts A esa importante cita participaron La gestion des PFNL relève de la Direction nécessaires dans le financement des representantes de instituciones científicas, de la valorisation des ressources forestières dossiers de projets d’investissement. Les expertos, autoridades regionales, todos (DVRF), notamment du service en charge des producteurs, les commerçants et tous les ligados al desarrollo de esta región, y en ella PFNL dans cette Direction qui ne contrôle que acteurs doivent œuvrer pour faire sortir ce no sólo se denunciaron los graves problemas les stocks des PFNL généralement secteur de sa situation informelle. de deforestación, invasiones, caza y pesca alimentaires qui rentrent dans les granges. La réalisation des activités prévues dans indiscriminada, etc. sino que también se Nombreux de ces PFNL échappent au les différents axes stratégiques contribuera à plantearon propuestas y proyectos destinados contrôle de cette direction. Le cadre légal et la sécurité alimentaire et à la réduction de la a enfrentar estos problemas. institutionnel est peu développé. La politique pauvreté. (Source: Stratégie et Plan d’action Campos Baca añadió que la producción de pourrait valoriser les PFNL à travers des national pour le développement du secteur camu camu en la Amazonía, un fruto nativo y stratégies sous-régionales et nationales des produits forestiers non ligneux en de extraordinarias propiedades alimenticias y telles que le Plan de convergence de la République du Congo par Félix Koubouana. medicinales, tiene un potencial de COMIFAC, le PSFE , le PNSA et le DSRP. Août 2008. Projet GCP/RAF/398/GER exportación que será concretado en un Etant donné l’importance socio Renforcement de la sécurité alimentaire en futuro próximo. (Fuente: El Comercio [Perú], économique des PFNL, la FAO à travers le Afrique Centrale à travers la gestion et 4 de febrero de 2009.) projet GCP/RAF/398/GER appuie l’élaboration l’utilisation durable des produits forestiers de politiques et de stratégies nationales et non ligneux.) sous régionales pour le développement du % REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO secteur PFNL en Afrique centrale. Dans ce POUR PLUS D’INFORMATIONS: contexte, le projet apporte un appui technique Visitez le site Stratégie et plan d’action national pour le au Ministère en charge des forêts de la www.fao.org/forestry/media/16168/1/0/ développement du secteur des PFNL République du Congo afin de faciliter le Les différents climats du Congo sont développement d’une stratégie nationale/plan favorables au développement de la diversité d’action pour le développement du secteur % REPUBLIC OF KOREA biologique, plus particulièrement des PFNL dans le pays. ressources naturelles forestières Pour matérialiser la vision et la stratégie, Gorosoe sap: prized elixir from the forests importantes pour le bien-être des le chronogramme de la réalisation des of the Republic of Korea populations rurales et citadines. Parmi ces activités de chaque axe stratégique est At this time of year, villagers climb the hills ressources, le bois d’œuvre n’est accessible proposé. Ce plan d’action a été élaboré dans around Hadong, Republic of Korea, to collect qu’aux sociétés industrielles privées et, un processus participatif par les a treasured elixir – sap from the maple tree dans une certaine mesure, aux sociétés représentants de tous les acteurs présents à known as gorosoe (Acer truncatum, also étatiques. Cependant les produits forestiers l’Atelier national d’élaboration et d’adoption known as painted maple). Unlike North non ligneux (PFNL) sont les produits les de la stratégie et du plan d’action pour le Americans, who collect maple sap to boil plus accessibles aux populations. développement du secteur des produits. Il est down into syrup, Korean villagers and their Les PFNL sont multiples et variés en conçu et proposé en vue de servir de pilier growing number of customers prefer the sap Afrique centrale en général et au Congo en pour le développement du secteur des PFNL. itself, which they credit with a wide range of particulier. La majorité de la population Il doit déboucher sur un engagement de la health benefits.

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 56 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

In this they are not alone. Some people in only one to three holes per tree, depending Japan and northern China drink maple sap, on its size." (Source: The International and birch sap has its fans in the Russian Herald Tribune [United States of America], Federation and other parts of northern 24 February 2009.) Europe. But no one surpasses people in the Republic of Korea in their enthusiasm for Use of forest resources sap, which they can consume in prodigious In a recent paper by Yeo-Chang Youn, the quantities. "The right way is to drink an patterns of forest resource use in the entire mal [20 litres, or about 5 gallons] at Republic of Korea were overviewed together once," said Yeo Man Yong, a 72-year-old with the forest resource availability to forest farmer in Hadong. "That's what we do. And users and in relation to the socio-economic that's what gorosoe lovers from the outside conditions of local people. In the Republic of do when they visit our village." Korea, forest income comes more from %RUSSIAN FEDERATION Drinking gorosoe has long been a NTFPs and forest ecosystem services than springtime ritual for villagers in these from timber. The relationship between the Russian governor says picking rugged hills, for whom the rising of the sap availability of forest resources and the mushrooms and berries can beat crisis in the maples is the first sign of the new income of residents in mountainous villages Moscow. The Governor of the Sverdlovsk season. Some villagers even use the sap, was addressed with a statistical analysis of region in the Urals of the Russian Federation, which tastes like vaguely sweet, weak green results of household surveys conducted in Eduard Rossel, has called on residents to pick tea, in place of water in cooking. Gangwon-do Province. mushrooms and berries to get through the In the past decade, thanks in part to the The result indicates that the mere financial crisis. "We need to resume picking bottling industry and marketing existence of forest resources and related berries and mushrooms. One businessman campaigns by local governments, gorosoe cultural heritages is not enough for local picked 180 tonnes of mushrooms, processed sap has become popular with urban communities to obtain income from forest them and sold them abroad. We can gather dwellers as well. land. Proper arrangements for local them and feed ourselves and others," Rossel Gorosoe sap sells for about 2 500 won, or communities in accessing forest resources said. "So we have three directions of work – US$1.60/litre. Hadong produces 1.2 million and knowledge of making use of the the picking of wild berries and mushrooms, litres of sap a year from its wild maples. resources are required to make the the development of the village and cleaning Although most sap harvesters here are tea relationship constructive for people's up," the Novy region Web site quoted Rossel or persimmon farmers who gather sap on livelihood. A joint management agreement as saying. the side for extra income, some enterprising between forest communities and the forest It is common in the Russian Federation to villagers have begun planting thousands of owner serves both parties for sustainable see people selling produce they have picked maple trees as a primary business venture. forest management in the Republic of Korea, at the roadside or on the fringes of regular Promotional pamphlets advertise the as seen in the case of maple sap collection markets. (Source: RIANOVOSTI, 10 March sap's purported benefits: it is good, they say, within Seoul National University forests. The 2009.) for everything from stomach aches to high traditional knowledge held by local residents blood pressure and diabetes. is of value for income generation for forest- Most of these claims have yet to be dependent communities and is considered %SRI LANKA substantiated, said Kang Ha Young, a an integral part of sustainable forest researcher at the Korea Forest Research management, as seen in the case of native Relief essential to cinnamon industry Institute. "But one thing we have found is that honey beekeeping near protected forest The Export Development Board (EDB) has the sap is rich in minerals, such as calcium, areas managed by the national forest proposed a low-interest loan repayment and is good, for example, for people with authority. However, traditional cultural scheme to support the cinnamon industry, osteoporosis," Kang said. "Somehow, our values may be positive or negative for which is facing a major crisis resulting from ancestors knew what they were doing when ecologically sound forest management, as the global financial meltdown. EDB they named it 'tree good for the bones’.” seen in the pest management policy of the proposed a 12 percent interest scheme for Now that sap-gathering is becoming Government of the Republic of Korea, which smallholders, who comprise over 80 percent more commercial, some environmentalists was formulated based on cultural values of the country’s cinnamon industry, which is have criticized tree tapping as "cruel". Kang rather than on considerations of ecosystem the fourth largest foreign income earner. says that careful tapping is harmless. To health. (Source: Forest Ecology and The Chairman of EDB said that the board ensure this, the national forest authorities Management, 257(10): 2027–2034, April will initially bear 90 percent of the cost of the recently began requiring licences from sap 2009.) machinery used for value addition for collectors and regulating the number of cinnamon and thereafter will bear holes they can bore into each tree. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE 60 percent of the cost. Around 5 percent of Gorosoe farmers, who were doing a brisk AUTHOR: the annual export income from the business selling sap to visitors from Yeo-Chang Youn, Institute of Forestry and Forest cinnamon industry will be allocated as an makeshift stands, acknowledged the need Products, Seoul National University, incentive for those who have been exporting for restraint. “The trees donate their blood to San 56-1, Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul cinnamon since last year. us," said Yang Heung Do, 51. "If you donate 151-742, Republic of Korea. Fax: +82-2-873-3560; Cinnamon producers said that they are too much blood, you get weak. So we drill e-mail: [email protected] unable to sell their produce because of the

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 57

sharp reduction in prices, which were Agricultural Recovery Programme, to survey volume. It is non-perishable and needs little around Rs800–900/kg for fine grades. Prices four counties in southern Sudan. The aim is to further processing, thus increasing its have gone down to around Rs350–400. understand the importance of honey selling marketability. Smallholders are finding it difficult to meet for rural communities and to analyse the There are great challenges: no organized their daily expenses and pay the peelers and potential for developing a successful honey marketing channels exist and this means that other workers. Buyers have cancelled or industry in the region. during the honey harvest season, traders will delayed orders until the world crisis eases. The survey revealed the importance of bargain hard to pay low prices. This is a cause Experts said that over 400 000 people honey within the communities. Owning many of frustration for beekeepers. The lack of depending on the cinnamon industry would hives is considered prestigious and reflects adequate storage containers is a constraint lose their livelihoods if speedy measures are the fact that honey is highly valued for its for trade. A beekeeper who has filled all not taken to support the industry. The United social, cultural and economic benefits. Honey available jerry cans cannot harvest more until Union of Cinnamon Producers said that if the is used for marriage ceremonies, as gifts, for the honey is sold. Traders have the same Government fails to address the issue these medicine and as payment for labour and in limitations. Building a higher-value industry people will have no alternative but to take to exchange for goods. The nutritional benefits will require selling into markets with different the streets. of honey are appreciated and beekeepers quality expectations, and current harvesting The cinnamon industry has called upon reported that their families consume and handling methods are not consistent with the Government to commence a minimum 10–25 percent of all honey harvested. Since these markets. price support scheme for producers, the advent of the cash economy, honey is Bees for Development plans to work institute a low-interest repayment scheme, increasingly valued as a cash commodity and further with Dr Mogga to address some of grant a subsidy for fertilizers and provide sold to traders and lorry drivers who know these problems. Our focus will be to help incentives for exporters. there is a large demand for honey beyond the beekeepers overcome the constraints Sri Lanka has been exporting cinnamon immediate area. associated with storage and bulking, as well since the colonial era and the Ceylon During the survey, Dr Mogga visited four as training beekeepers in improved cinnamon brand is known as the best all communities in four counties. In three of harvesting and handling processes. As over the world. (Source: The Sunday them, honey was considered the most development planners create a vision for a Observer, 18 January 2009.) important source of cash. In many societies, streamlined, commercial honey industry, it is beekeeping is seen as a sideline activity and it important not to lose sight of the current Branding and marketing of cinnamon and is not always the case that beekeepers rank benefits of beekeeping. Rural communities other spices honey as their main source of income. This valued honey for its economic benefits long The Export Development and International result is therefore significant. before supermarkets were invented. Bees Trade Minister of Sri Lanka, Professor G.L. Honey hunting is still common, but have played an important role in preventing Peiris, met representatives of companies in beekeeping is more important. In all the these war-torn communities from even the spice sector to discuss a wide range of areas visited, beekeepers described leaving greater depths of suffering, by providing food issues related to strengthening their trade brood and unripe honeycombs, and they and a tradable commodity. The beekeepers performance. One of the main issues explained how they tried not to disturb the from Bogori explained that a tribal fight in discussed was the concept of branding and queen when harvesting. When beekeepers 2006 resulted in the loss of their cattle. its usefulness in relation to the marketing of report yields of honey harvested, they tend to Against this loss, the resilience of beekeeping cinnamon and other products. Professor combine the volumes they harvest from emerged – it remains and continues to give Peiris explained to industry representatives beekeeping and honey hunting. The results benefits, much appreciated by the the measures that had been taken by his show that honey is valued as a source of communities of southern Sudan. ministry in this area. income and that beekeeping is an important Cabinet approval has been granted to the farm activity. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Export Development Board to hold One purpose of the study was to Janet Lowore and Nicola Bradbear, Bees for ownership of the Ceylon cinnamon brand. It understand the potential for beekeeping as Development, PO Box 105, Monmouth, has also been decided to appoint three the basis of a successful industry. Therefore, NP25 9AA, United Kingdom. E-mail: committees regarding scientific Dr Mogga and the Bees for Development [email protected] identification, logo design and preparation of team considered the honey also from a rules and regulations and certification commercial perspective. Local people Biodiversity in the Sudan’s forests: its impact procedure of a brand launching programme. appreciated that honey was a commodity with on the diversity of NWFPs (Source: The Daily News [Sri Lanka], 12 May significant potential, citing the clear demand Given below is the executive summary of a 2009.) for Sudanese honey outside the local area. book by Talaat Dafalla Abdel Magid that was Lorry drivers from Kenya and Uganda are published in Arabic in 2001. This is the first always quick to buy, and traders recognize time it has been translated into English. %SUDAN the demand for honey also in northern Sudan. The book is intended to promote and Transport costs are very high in the area encourage public education and raise Honey – a product of value in southern because the war has devastated the road awareness on the importance of the diversity Sudan network, but honey is considered more cost- of Sudanese flora. It will also satisfy the Bees for Development has been working effective to transport than many other needs of different target groups working in with Dr Jacob Mogga, an apiculturist from agricultural crops such as maize and the field of natural resources, as well as the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) sorghum, because of its high value per policy-makers.

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 58 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

The overall objective of the study was to christi (L.) Willd., Salvadora persica L., (Contributed by: Dr Talaat Dafalla Abdel analyse the literature, and authenticate and Vitellaria paradoxa, Hyoscyamus muticus L., Magid, Associate Professor, Upper Nile disseminate information related to the Grewia tenax (Forsk.) Fiori and Ficus University, Faculty of Forestry and Range importance of the diversity of NWFPs and sycomorus L. Sciences, c/o Forests National Corporation, their contribution to food security, fodder, Chapter Four. Forests and wildlife, includes PO Box 658, Khartoum, Sudan. traditional medicine and the national (a) the current status of wildlife in the Sudan; E-mail: [email protected] economy. It is an attempt to enrich the (b) the contribution of wildlife in the national existing knowledge on NWFPs in the Sudan economy; (c) ecological distribution of and elsewhere in Africa. wildlife; and (d) the consumption of bushmeat The methodology adopted included an in some African forests. extensive survey of relevant literature from Chapter Five. Contribution of forest resources local government departments, NGOs, and in animal diets, discusses the contribution of regional and international agencies involved forests as grazing habitat for livestock. The in forest biological diversity. This was study focuses on Rawashda and Wadkabu supplemented by the author’s experience and forests in eastern Sudan. short field visits to some states. The study Chapter Six. Trees and bees, includes (a) the could not have been written without the great potential value of honey produced from forest help of FAO’s Wood and Non-Wood Products areas and its impact in food security; (b) trees Utilization Branch. that produce good nectar in the Sudan; and %TUNISIA The book is structured into nine chapters. (c) a review of studies and projects related to Chapter One. Biodiversity, includes the development of beekeeping in the Sudan. Jendouba region provides 90 percent of information on (a) the forest ecosystem; Chapter Seven. NWFPs of the Sudan’s Tunisia’s cork production (b) the Sudan country study on biological forests, includes (a) review of previous With some 70 000 quintals produced each diversity developed by the Higher Council of studies related to NWFPs in the Sudan; year – about 90 percent of Tunisia's overall Environment and Natural Resources; (b) international trade in NWFPs and trade cork production – the Jendouba Governorate (c) diversity of forest trees and shrubs in the restrictions; (c) gum arabic and other gums, is the country's main provider of cork. The Sudan; (d) plant studies in the Sudan, which including factors contributing to the decline region (Kroumiria and Mogod heights), which include published and non-published studies of gum production and export; (d) production is known for its vast expanses of cork oak on regional flora; and (e) the Sudan’s current relationships of other gums and statistics of forest (45 000 ha), also boasts one of the best forest reserves, area and status of forests as local trade in NWFPs; and (e) NWFPs in ecosystem protection plans in the well as the different types of forests. local, regional and international policies and Mediterranean region. Chapter Two. Forest foods, includes regulation of forestry and the environment The cork sector in Jendouba employs (a) mangrove forest ecosystems; (b) dom (68 conventions, protocols, laws and orders some 4 800 people and provides 150 000 palm forests and their contribution to food have been cited). workdays/year. Most of the harvested cork is security and as emergency food during Chapter Eight. Human activities leading to processed at the Tabarka cork factory in famine periods; (c) forest food contribution to deterioration of forests and biological northern Tunisia. human and animal diets; and (d) the nutritive diversity, provides an in-depth analysis of the Ninety percent of Tunisia's cork production and food values of the following species: factors contributing to the destruction of is exported to several European countries, Mangifera indica L., Moringa oleifera Lam., forest resources and biodiversity loss. especially Portugal. Ziziphus mauritania Lam., Tamarindus indica Chapter Nine. Conclusions and It usually takes a cycle of ten years for a L., Balanites aegyptiaca L., Adansonia digitata recommendations, includes (a) an overview 35-year-old cork oak to regenerate its L., Boscia senegalensis (Pers.) Lam. ex Poir., on forest biodiversity and its contribution to precious skin, hence the need to set up an Carica papaya L., Prosopis juliflora (Swartz.) food production and security in the Sudan and effective conservation system. DC, Vitellaria paradoxa (Gaertn. F.) and elsewhere in Africa; and (b) the important Cork exports account for 50 percent of Phoenix dactylifera L. contribution of NWFPs and services provided Tunisia's total forestry production; the rest is Chapter Three. The contribution of forests in by trees in different ecological zones of the provided by wood, fodder and essential oils, traditional medicine, includes studies of Sudan and other African countries. as well as a wide variety of mushrooms. medicinal values of trees and shrubs used by The study aims to bring to the attention (Source: allafrica.com/stories/200902230 rural as well as urban dwellers. The following of scientists and researchers the role of 788.html [Tunisia], 21 February 2009.) are examples of trees used by healers and NWFPs and services provided by trees, villagers to treat a multitude of diseases: which is often ignored or underestimated Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del., Acacia by policy-makers, finance authorities, %UNITED KINGDOM tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne, Adansonia digitata, planners and extension services, and offers Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Balanites a number of recommendations related to Wild harvest reaps big rewards in foraging aegyptiaca, Bridelia micrantha, Calotropis the conservation and sustainable use of rush procera (Ait.), Capparis decidua (Forsk.), forest resources. (Source: English Wild harvesting has quietly become Chlorophora excelsa, Entada abyssinica, summary of Biodiversity in forests: its something of a green gold rush. In woods and Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss., Kigelia impact on the diversity of Non-Wood Forest forests across the United Kingdom, wild africana (Lam.) Benth., Sclerocarya birrea Products (published only in Arabic by the garlic is being harvested for soup makers, (A. Rich.) Hochst., Eucalypts, Ziziphus spina- Forests National Corporation, 2001.) wood sorrel gathered for Michelin-starred

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALCOUNTRY FEATURES COMPASS 59

chefs and spruce needles picked to infuse increasingly vanishing, not only because they UNITED STATES handmade chocolates. are in high demand for primary health care, %OF AMERICA Harvesting "wild food" – the seasonal but also because they cater for several other salad leaves, nuts, fruit and fungi that grow purposes such as trade, food, timber, USDA issues final rule governing NTFPs abundantly across the United Kingdom – has firewood and building poles. Land clearing The United States Department of Agriculture led to a new industry in professional foraging (for agriculture, settlements and other (USDA) is issuing a final rule governing the for restaurants and a sharp surge in public developments) and accidental and deliberate disposal of special forest products and forest interest. fires also contribute to loss of these species. botanical products from National Forest People are harvesting, for free, nearly Msuya and Kideghesho conclude by System land. The final rule was published in 200 ingredients throughout the year, from underscoring the role of traditional the Federal Register on 29 December 2008; common crops such as hazelnuts, brambles management practices in enhancing the the directives will become effective and wild strawberries to dozens of different conservation of biodiversity and as a tool for 28 January 2009. fungi, through to specialist crops such as elm ensuring primary health care in rural Special forest products are products and lime leaves, or sweet cicely. Chefs are communities. (Source: Mongabay.com collected from National Forest System lands now paying up to £50/kg for wood sorrel, with [United Republic of Tanzania], 23 March and include, but are not limited to, mosses, its sharp lemony tang, and £40/kg for elusive 2009.) fungi (including mushrooms), bryophytes, morel mushrooms, hand-picked from the liverworts, roots, bulbs, berries, seeds, forest floor. Forests in the United Republic of Tanzania wildflowers, forbs, sedges, grasses, nuts, In Scotland alone, where the wild food under threat ferns, tree sap, boughs, bark cones, burls, movement is thought to be strongest, the The United Republic of Tanzania is facing a transplants, pine straw, Christmas trees, Forestry Commission estimates that wild serious threat from deforestation amid firewood, posts and poles, shingle and shake harvesting, including harvesting lichens and reports that the country is losing an average bolts, mine props, rails, bow staves and fence mosses for natural remedies and of 420 000 ha of forests annually through material. horticulture, is worth as much as rampant tree felling. Forest botanical products are naturally £21 million/year. Roger Coppock, the Forestry The Minister for Natural Resources and occurring and a subset of special forest Commission's Head of Business Policy Tourism, Ms Shamsa Mwangunga, said products but exclude timber products such Development, said one recent survey yesterday that the situation posed a serious as, but not limited to, Christmas trees, suggested that well over a million people in threat to the country’s economic firewood and fence materials. Scotland had foraged at least once in the past development. Mwangunga made the These regulations will allow the Forest two years. The rapid growth of wild harvesting revelations in Dar-es-Salaam while launching Service to manage its special forest products – by as much as 38 percent since 2001 – has the National Forest Resources Monitoring programme better: (i) through commercial led the Commission to launch a campaign to and Assessment project. harvest and sale; (ii) through free use; and promote wild foods with a code of good On the same occasion, Finland's (iii) through implementing a pilot programme practice, to ensure that the increasing ambassador to the United Republic of to charge, collect and retain fees for forest number of foragers harvest carefully and, Tanzania, Mr Juhani Toivonen, said the rate at botanical products, pursuant to the pilot where needed, with the landowner's which deforestation is taking place in the programme law under Public Law 108–108, permission. country was "alarming". He urged the Title III, Section 335, 117 Stat. 1312 (16 U.S.C. Wild harvesting is no longer a niche Government to seek ways of protecting 528 Note). cottage industry. (Source: guardian.co.uk, 27 natural forests, adding that the launched The rule addresses fees, bidding, April 2009.) project would provide a basis for intervention sustainability and other issues with measures. "It [the project] will provide the commercial harvest and sale of special forest necessary tools to identify the means to stop products and forest botanical products. The %UNITED REPUBLIC forest degradation at regional, district and new rule reflects existing procedures and OF TANZANIA village levels, and promote sustainable use of practices. forest resources," he said. In the past, the Forest Service has used its Traditional practices contribute to FAO has been selected to coordinate the timber sale regulations and certain parts of conservation of medicinal plants implementation of the project, working in the Forest Service Manual and Handbook to Traditional practices contribute to the collaboration with the Forest and Beekeeping sell special forest products. Public demand conservation of medicinal plants in the West Division of the Forestry Ministry. for both timber and non-timber special forest Usambara Mountains, United Republic of Dr Louise Setshwaelo, FAO’s country products has increased. Current regulations Tanzania, report Tuli S. Msuya and Jafari R. representative, said: "The project will provide do not adequately address the selling of Kideghesho in the March issue of the open- valuable information on forest resources and NTFPs. Given the growing demand and the access journal Tropical Conservation Science. how to improve their management. It need to ensure sustainability, the Forest These practices include domestication; symbolizes the key role that forest resource Service feels that it is impractical to continue beliefs on sacredness of trees; beliefs on monitoring and assessment play in providing to rely on timber sale regulations for special sacred forests; respect of cultural forests; relevant and timely information," she added. forest products. Therefore, the agency has protection of plants at burial sites; selective The new US$3.07 million (TSh3.9 billion) developed regulations that specifically apply harvesting; secrecy; collection of dead wood project is being funded by the Government of to special forest products. for firewood; and use of energy-saving Finland. (Source: The Citizen Daily [United Historically, the Forest Service has granted traditional stoves. But medicinal plants are Republic of Tanzania], 13 May 2009.) limited free use of special forest products to

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 60 COUNTRYSPECIAL FEATURESCOMPASS

individuals and tribes with treaty and other Falsifying records to get honey illegally into Dr Crispen Marunda is CIFOR's regional reserved rights. In addition to honouring the the United States of America is a common coordinator for eastern and southern treaty and reserved rights retained by tribes, practice, said a former Shanghai honey Africa. He says the present-day beekeeping the Forest Service is committed to meeting shipper. "In Hai Phong [Viet Nam], the Chinese industry is loosely organized and that there their trust responsibilities with tribes. This honey became Vietnamese and in Pusan are no legal or legislative structures to rule continues to recognize these rights and [Republic of Korea] the papers were changed monitor or control it. responsibilities. It allows for and encourages to say it came from the Russian Federation," Marunda explains that monitoring the use of memorandums of understanding said the former shipper, who asked not to be mechanisms will help farmers and the and memorandums of agreement with identified. (Source: Seattle PI [United States of Government to negotiate fair prices and regional and local Forest Service offices to America], 30 December 2008.) markets for honey-related products. He maintain traditional cultural practices and says an official policy will have a culturally important places. meaningful effect on forest communities Traditional gatherers who may not be % VIET NAM that raise bees and related products. members of federally recognized tribes will "By coming up with a beekeeping industry have full access to special forest products Nearly 4 000 new medicinal plants found policy, the Government will have a structure as they have in the past. Permits will be Ho Chi Minh City. Scientists have identified in terms of how it can support the different required, however. 3 948 species of plants and mushrooms in institutions that are producing, exporting or The rule establishes a pilot programme Viet Nam that have medicinal and nutritional buying honey. [The beekeeping policy] will for disposing of forest botanical products value, a conference announced. The Ministry also assist some communities into some from National Forest System lands. The of Health and the Ministry of Science and kind of beekeeping communities. The Forest Service’s treatment of forest Technology of Viet Nam held the conference communities can have an institution at a botanical products and special forest in the northern Vinh Phuc Province last week local level, they can market their honey as a products differs only in the segregation of to review the past 20 years of medicinal group, they can lobby for better prices, they fees and different “personal use” and “free herbs research in Viet Nam. Of the total can export their honey as a group rather use” practices. The pilot programme allows number of species, there are 52 species of than them working as individuals," he says. limited free use of forest botanical products seaweed, 22 mushrooms, four kinds of moss Another project supported by USAID is and establishes a “personal use harvest and 3 870 species of higher plants also trying to develop Zambia's honey level” for each product. If an individual’s In the past 20 years, research has mostly sector. It involves support for the Zambia gathering is below the “personal harvest use been carried out in botanical gardens, Agribusiness Technical Assistance Centre level,” he or she does not have to pay fees. national parks and natural preservation (ZATAC), which provides assistance to the (Source: USDA, 9 January 2009.) zones. From 2009 to 2019, government Smallholder Export Organic Honey Project agencies will focus on preserving rare in Mwinilunga, 500 km from Lusaka. Honey laundering plants that are at risk of extinction. A USAID report indicates that ZATAC's The international honey trade has become (Source: Viet Nam News, 12, May 2009.) approach of providing marketing, technical increasingly rife with crime and intrigue. In and financial linkages between producers the United States of America, where bee and agribusinesses is slowly paying off. colonies are dying off and demand for % ZAMBIA Approximately 3 000 honey farmers have imported honey is soaring, honey traders been trained to harvest, handle and package are resorting to elaborate schemes to Zambia plans to increase honey production certified organic honey for export. The dodge tariffs and health safeguards in Over 20 000 bee farmers in Zambia are training is expected to help the farmers take order to dump cheap honey on the market. expected to double their annual production advantage of new export opportunities under Large shipments of contaminated honey once the country's "Beekeeping and Honey the United States-backed African Growth are frequently laundered in other countries – Policy" is in place. Bee farmers earn and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and new trade an illegal practice called "transhipping" – in slightly more than US$3 000 for a tonne of initiatives of the European Union. order to avoid United States import fees, honey or beeswax on the international There are reportedly about 20 000 protective tariffs or taxes imposed on foreign market. The Center for International beekeepers in Zambia, producing an products that are in place to prevent Forestry Research (CIFOR) is collaborating average 600 tonnes of marketed honey undercutting domestic prices. In a series of with African governments to come up with annually. Seventy percent of Zambia's shipments in the past year, numerous tonnes policies to guide the production, packaging beekeepers – both women and men – are of honey produced in China passed through and marketing of honey-related products. located in the northwest. (Source: VOA the ports of Tacoma and Long Beach, The Zambian Government believes that News [Zambia], 7 April 2009.) p California, after being fraudulently marked as raising bees will help pull hundreds, if not a tariff-free product of the Russian Federation. thousands, out of poverty. Viet Nam is now the No. 2 honey exporter Honey and beeswax are among the to the United States of America, second only country's major non-traditional products A man may fall many times but he won't to Canada. But Vietnamese honey officials that are exported to the United Republic of be a failure until he says someone say that a great deal of Chinese honey is Tanzania, South Africa, Germany, the pushed him. being transhipped through their country, Libyan Arab Jamahariya, the United Elmer G. Letterman citing 24 containers that arrived in Los Kingdom, Botswana, Japan, Canada and Angeles earlier this month. the United States of America.

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009