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%AFGHANISTAN %AUSTRALIA

Traditional Afghan silk: an alternative use of Himalayan tree offers fuel crop hope NWFPs to eradicate the opium cultivation A tree from the foothills of the Himalayas trend in Afghanistan has emerged as a potential biodiesel crop Using the ancient and once famous Silk for Western Australia (WA). Trial plantings Route, early traders passed through present- of the tree in the Gascoyne have shown day Afghanistan on their way to the major promising initial results. trading markets in Damascus to ship their The tree, Moringa oleifera, is capable of goods across the Mediterranean Sea. The producing up to 2 000 litres of oil per traders brought with them not only goods but hectare, about four times the amount also new skills and crafts that have been available from annual crops such as canola, disseminated in Afghanistan over time. which can be used for food or biodiesel. These include the art of sericulture - the State Agriculture Minister Kim Chance, commercial breeding of silkworms for the then has to be treated, refined and further who is taking to Cabinet a proposal for 5 production of silk in particular. In the past, processed to make by-products. At present, percent of all transport fuel used in WA to Afghan silk became the symbol of pride and artificial dyed silk from a neighbouring be sourced from biofuels by 2011, believes prestige in this region. country costs US$20/0.25 kg, but for Afghan the crop could become a major biodiesel But the art of traditional Afghan silk has silk, only 4 kg of undyed silk costs US$160. source for the region. been mostly destroyed as a result of the The silk is processed into hats, chapans (the While the criticism of biofuels as a major nearly two and a half decades of unrest, and traditional male overcoats of Afghanistan) cause of world food price inflation because the security situation of the country. Most of and other embroidery products. Silk shawls food crops were diverted to fuels had been the craftsworkers have left their traditional (a plain garment of 3-4 m2 used by both men dramatically exaggerated, it was undeniable business, their living places and the small and women) are prized in the region. The that having another buyer in the market industries. At the same time, the agriculture price of one shawl varies from US$40 to would increase prices, he said. “We know sector has gradually been taken over by illicit US$100, or more depending on the quality. that we can grow (moringa) in areas which opium cultivation since the majority of People can make one such shawl in a day are not currently used for food production,” Afghan farmers have fallen into poverty and using the traditional looming machines and he said. “When we get access to seed that is there is a lack of viable alternative incomes thread. more suited to more temperate because of the unrest. Since traditional agricultural practices environments it could be that it becomes a According to a 2008 estimation, a total of have a poor cash return and yield compared significant crop in those environments, in 157 000 ha of land has been cultivated under with opium, several alternative sources which case it will be competing with food.” opium, which is the total cultivated area might be suggested: agriculture, horticulture Department of Agriculture and Food reduced from previous years. The present and livestock sector-based small - and project manager Henry Brockman said trials farmgate price of 1 kg of dry opium is US$95 medium-scale enterprise development with of the tree were in place from Kununurra to and an opium yield of 48.8 kg can be expected high production and prices could replace the Albany, but the best results were coming from 1 ha of land. But following recent drives country’s opium trend. In addition, silk from an irrigated site near Carnarvon. by the Government and international security production could be an effective way to Pods are harvested from the tree and forces, as well as international development involve small farmers, landless workers and seeds, the size of a small coin, are taken organizations involvement in an opium vulnerable groups, including women, into an out and crushed for oil, leaving the tree to eradication programme, the trend in opium alternative and sustainable source of income grow for an estimated 15 years. The cultivation is gradually declining. Agriculture and livelihood. residue left after the oil is extracted can be farmers and traders of this illicit practice are Very few people are still engaged in silk used as stock feed. searching and diverting into alternative production, but there is hope to explore and In Carnarvon, one-year-old plantings sources of income. rejuvenate the sector in the future. Initiatives were yielding 350 litres of oil per hectare In Afghanistan, the delicate work of should be taken immediately by the but output was expected to increase producing silk is still done manually because Government of Afghanistan and development dramatically in coming years as the trees there is no money to bring in modern organizations to engage and direct the opium reached their peak production capacity. machines. It takes between 45 and 50 days farmers into alternative sources of income, The seed pods are now picked by hand for an average family of five people to raise especially silk production. Patronizing the but researchers are working on a 40 kg of cocoons. Boxes are imported from silk production sector would restore this mechanical harvester. China containing the leaves of the mulberry ancient art and provide a viable income for Dr Brockman said the tree’s ability to grow tree to feed the eggs that will gradually the present opium growers in Afghanistan. on marginal and salt-affected country meant develop into the cocoons. In unravelling the (Contributed by: Mohammad Muktadir it could be used in parts of the wheat belt. cocoon, care has to be taken to avoid Hossain, Sector Specialist (Forestry), The department is expected to enter an breaking the fine thread, which can be Agriculture Development Programme, BRAC agreement with an Indian university next between 300 and 1 500 m. Generally, a Afghanistan, House 45, Lane 4, Baharistan, week to breed new varieties with higher oil small-scale enterprise with a dozen Kabul, Afghanistan. Fax: 00 93 798 125 100; yield and the ability to grow in different employees can produce 40 kg of rough silk e-mail: [email protected]; regions in WA. (Source: The West that can be sold for US$40/kg. This thread www.bracafg.org) Australian [Australia], 7 July 2008.)

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Wattle seeds and bush tomatoes percent increase in net profits to A$27.6 %BANGLADESH are hot stuff million, which the firm attributed to a Aborigines have been called upon to impart substantial increase in sales of its Utilization of medicinal and aromatic knowledge that will boost and provide managed investment schemes (MIS). TFS, plants direction to Australia’s blooming bush tucker which recorded a net profit of A$19.2 In developing countries, remedies prepared industry. million in 2006-2007, said the increased by a traditional healer from plants of the As demand locally and globally continues sales had driven revenue up 52 percent to local flora are available for the majority of to grow, the industry - estimated to be worth A$68.4 million and earnings before the people. There are millions of people in up to A$16 million a year - needs to assess interest, tax, depreciation and all walks of life in these countries who have where it is going and how it is going to get amortization by 46 percent to A$42.1 faith only in the traditional system of there, says Jenny Cleary, leader of Desert million. medicine and this trend is growing. They Knowledge CRC’s Bush Products Company chairman Frank Wilson said think that it is a safe and dependable programme. the firm’s higher MIS sales had bucked the system because it has evolved and been The industry, which includes such foods as wider trend away from the schemes, developed and perfected in their own wattle seeds and bush tomatoes, is based on thanks to higher demand for sandalwood, communities and areas, and has been tried traditional Aboriginal knowledge about the a broader distribution base and the tax over a period of a thousand years with collection, preparation and uses of desert deductibility of forestry schemes. “In uniform results, under their own climatic plants and other food. addition, we have continued to build the and living conditions. This trend also Ms Cleary says the aim is to get greater necessary infrastructure at our plantation results from the toxic and adverse Aboriginal participation in the industry, with operations in the Kununurra region of reactions of synthetic and chemical culturally appropriate considerations. There West Africa and have strengthened our medicines being observed around the are challenges that the industry needs to land bank,” he said. globe. Experts feel that there are data resolve to achieve its potential. These include “Plantings during the year doubled to available regarding the therapeutic efficacy the fragmentary nature of the industry, the approximately 600 hectares, and we are of modern drugs that are not applicable to small scale of many producers, the lack of well placed to service a further significant local conditions, especially to the South capital and highly variable wild harvesting. increase to accommodate the level of MIS Asian-Pacific regions. Also many fruits - such as the bush tomato - sales achieved in the 2008 financial year In Bangladesh, there are several have numerous varieties while the markets and those anticipated in future periods.” thousand traditional healers, many of demand consistency of size, colour and TFS announced last month that it would whom practise in rural areas, dispensing volume. acquire Albany-based essential oils mostly herbal remedies. Well over 60 Because of these factors, Ms Cleary says business Mount Romance Australia for percent of the country’s population attend the industry will develop two supply streams: A$28.6 million, in a move Mr Wilson said their clinics. commercial harvesting in areas where water would represent an accelerated realization A correct approach to the investigation of is reliable and low-volume wild harvesting. of the firm’s vertical integration such plants would therefore be for trained “Wild-harvested supply could be branded in aspirations. physicians and pharmacologists to such a way to go into the high-value, lower- The company will pursue agreements cooperate with healers. volume product at the premium end of the with international fragrance companies in The following are some of the problems market,” she says. 2008-2009, such as the oil supply regarding the development of medicinal “So far there are not many Aboriginal arrangement signed with United Kingdom- plants in Bangladesh. commercial ventures operating successfully based Lush Cosmetics, as well as • Despite the fact that a large proportion in the area. Our research aims to find out how increasing its focus on research and of the country’s population (mostly in to help them participate.” development. (Source: The West rural and remote areas) depends upon In a historic development known as Hands Australian [Australia], 14 August 2008.) the curative properties of medicinal Across the Desert, Aboriginal gatherers of the herbs, little or no attention has been Kakadu plum in Broome in Western Australia given to the development of this hosted bush tomato gatherers from Alice resource in the past. Springs. With the aim of making their product • Medicinal plants of indigenous origin, more saleable, they discussed issues such as as well as imported species, are now fruit handling, storage, pest management, increasingly being used in both raw and quality control and traceability. semi-processed forms as medicines in This was an acknowledgement that global the Greco-Arab (Unani) system. Herbal demand was rising for bush and desert foods. wings of multinational and national ‘’The outlook for the industry is pretty good,’‘ pharmaceuticals are also contributing Ms Cleary says. (Source: Courier Mail at large in the utilization of indigenous [Australia], 16 November 2008.) herbal wealth. • Although there are different areas of TFS reports higher profit on increased vegetation in Bangladesh with their sales of sandalwood distinctive agricultural products (rice, Perth-based Indian sandalwood grower sugar cane, jute, leguminous plants, TFS Corporation has announced a 44 etc.) and commercially valuable trees,

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populations given the limitations that exist. %BRAZIL (Source: extracted from: M. Atiqul Azam. 2006. Spotted deer census – 2006 at the Brazil becomes world’s fifth largest honey Nijhum Diwp National Park: a man-made exporter mangrove forest of Bangladesh. Forest Honey exports from Brazil totalled US$18.2 Department, Government of Bangladesh.) million in the first half of 2008, representing a growth of 70 percent over the same period FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: last year, and placing Brazil in fifth position M. Atiqul Azam, Team Leader, Deer Census in the world exports ranking. The figures Team 2006, Nijhum Diwp Islands, Conservator were disclosed by the Sectoral Chamber for of Forests, Government of Bangladesh, Dhaka, the Honey Production Chain. Bangladesh. E-mail: [email protected] According to the organization’s President, José Gomercindo da Cunha, the main reason for the expansion of sales was the %BHUTAN resumption of exports to the European Union. In the last two years, Brazil exported there is no proper methodology adopted as Generating Cordyceps sinensis in the only to the United States of America. Now the yet regarding dissemination of existing laboratory aim of the Sectoral Chamber is to maintain knowledge on the state of the natural Highlanders in Bhutan need not set out on its sales to Europe and, at the same time, occurrence of medicinal plants. There is no wild cordyceps expeditions if the research seek new markets such as Japan and the organized body to disseminate on domesticating Cordyceps sinensis, Arab countries. ethnobotanical and scientific information in locally known as Yartsa Goenbub, proves Brazil is the world’s 11th honey producer, the country. successful, say researchers. with an annual output of 36 100 tonnes. • The scope of cultivation of medicinal At the Renewable Natural Resources Domestic honey consumption is expected plants has not been clearly defined to Research Centre (RNR-RC) in Bumthang to rise in Brazil in 2009. “To that extent, we the farmers. Therefore they lack researchers are trying to see whether are working with the Brazilian Micro and awareness of the economic benefits. cordyceps can be cultivated in laboratories. Small Business Support Service (Sebrae), • No attention has so far been paid to the The principal research officer, Dorji and 25 states are already willing to propagation and harvesting of Wangchuk, said that he was expecting a contribute to nationwide promotional work”, medicinal plants in the management promising output as mycelium in two of the stated Gomercindo da Cunha. “The proposal plans prepared by forest departments 38 test tubes on trial in the laboratory had is to raise per capita consumption from 100 of the different zones. No proper already started showing positive results. to 120 g.” emphasis has been given to cultivation “I’m waiting for the other 36 cultures to Another goal of the sector is to reduce of medicinal plants in areas that are come up,” he said. “The mycelium could be non-conformities with the regulation for vulnerable to droughts or to heavy mass propagated for domesticating industrial inspection of the product, so as to floods. This has led to the fear of cordyceps using potential host insects.” conquer a larger share of the foreign market. extinction regarding several species. In the wild, cordyceps are found in Production of honey and its derivatives, such (Source: The New Nation [Bangladesh], 14 different locations in Haa, Lingshi, Laya, as propolis, wax and jelly, is a source of September 2008.) Lunana, Bumdeling and Bumthang. An family income in several regions of Brazil, average dried cordyceps weighs 0.19 g and including the semi-arid area. Spotted deer census in a mangrove forest 0.47 g when fresh. Currently, 350 000 beekeepers in Brazil established by workers According to a veteran collector in answer to 16 000 direct jobs in the industrial A spotted deer census report conducted in Bumthang, about 1 350 collectors were out sector, as well as 450 000 direct jobs on 2006 in an artificial mangrove forest of the for a month collecting cordyceps from farms. (Source: Brazzil Magazine, Los Nijhum Diwp National Park Islands at the Chhokhor geog alone during the harvest Angeles [United States of America], 15 Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, reveals a deer season. They collect the expensive fungus September 2008.) population of about 14 400 and highlights from Diruphu, Ganchu, Sejeyphu, Chachen, the importance of these forest mangroves Namtatheng, Kingkhorphu, Djegarphu and Brazil launches rain forest fund in the country. Yangdrok. Cordyceps grow at altitudes of Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Understanding the abundance, 3 900-5 004 m above sea level at Kerab and Silva has launched an international fund to distribution and movement patterns of Phugonma in Chhokhor. protect the Amazon rain forest and help animals is a very important aspect of Dubbed the world’s most expensive combat climate change. The fund will wildlife management. The deer population mushroom, Cordyceps sinensis was sold promote alternatives to forest-clearing for in the Nijhum Diwp has become a crucial for between US$6 126 and 10 450/kg in people living in the Amazon, and support issue in recent years. Areas such as these 2007 from Dodena, Thimphu. After its conservation and sustainable development. appear to be extremely overpopulated as collection was legalized in 2004, the Officials will seek donations abroad and compared with their estimated carrying highest production was recorded at aim to raise US$21 billion by 2021. capacity. The purpose of this census was to 423.88 kg in 2006 and the lowest was Speaking at the launch in Rio de Janeiro, observe how well the Forest Department at 128.16 kg in 2007. (Source: Kuensel online, President Lula said Brazil was aware of Noakhali could manage these large deer 18 July 2008.) how much the Amazon meant to the wider

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world. “It’s better for the country’s image to value to the product,” said the do things right, so we can walk in superintendent of Sebrae in Rondônia state, international forums with our heads high,” Pedro Teixeira. he added, while insisting that the Amazon’s Amazontech has also stimulated preservation was Brazil’s responsibility and universities in the Amazon region to broaden that Brazil will not accept foreign their course options to include those interference in its Amazon policy. Roberto working with local potential, in such fields Mangabeira Unger, Minister for Atrategic as forestry engineering, biotechnology, Affairs, clarified, “The fund is a vehicle by geology, veterinary medicine and biology. which foreign governments can help (Source: Brazzil Magazine [United States of support our initiatives without exerting any America], 25 November 2008.) influence over our national policy. We are not going to trade sovereignty for money.” Sergio Leitao, Director of Public Policies %CAMEROON for environmental group Greenpeace Brazil, noted: “For a long time, Brazil was violently Brazil’s Amazontech debates Amazon’s Bee farmers trained in profitable honey opposed to this, insisting fossil fuel was to self-sustainability farming blame. That’s true, historically speaking, Technological innovation, science and Some bee farmers in the Southwest but today forests play an important role.” entrepreneurial initiatives in the Amazon Province were recently trained on how to Brazilian Environment Minister Carlos region were to be highlighted at Amazontech make their venture profitable by processing Minc called for a radical change in 2008, in São Luís, Maranhão state in both honey and its by-products. The two- environmental attitudes: “We are November. day training took place at the Women committed to reducing the destruction of The sixth edition of this event opened Empowerment Centre, Kumba. The the rain forest, to eliminating illegal burning space for the generation of sustainable participants received fresh knowledge on and to guaranteeing a better quality of life business, exchange of scientific and honey quality; good harvesting and for all. Our war is not won by simply technical knowledge and diffusion of smoking; pollen, propolis and royal jelly reducing illegal burning in one month, it will information that may guarantee self- production; bee venom extraction and be won once this environmental model that sustainability of the region. queen rearing; honey wine and mead; is destroying our communities and Around 100 Amazonian companies beekeeping equipment; honey marketing; biodiversity is history.” (Source: BBC News offered herbal medication, handicrafts, and access to finances. [United Kingdom], 1 August 2008.) textiles, honey and honey products and According to the Southwest technical wooden products from sustainably managed advisor of FAO, Irene Manyi Ako, the Norway joins fight to save Amazon areas. Eight companies interested in the training is part of mobilization and capacity Norway has pledged US$1 billion to a new purchase of these products arrived from building for small- and medium-size international fund to help Brazil protect the Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, enterprises involved in the value chains of Amazon rain forest. The money will be Uruguay and Spain. non-wood forest products in Central Africa. released over seven years to promote The project round tables included (Source: The Post [Buea], 6 October 2008.) alternatives to forest-clearing for people institutions to finance social or living in the Amazon, and support entrepreneurial projects capable of creating New village tree planting project conservation and sustainable development. work positions and generating income for Can we start from our own small Norwegian Prime Minister Jens the community in the Amazon. The communities to plant trees so as to have Stoltenberg said: “Efforts against expectation was that up to 50 projects will be global benefit? This is the question behind a deforestation may give us the largest, financed. new project in Cameroon: tree planting in quickest and cheapest reductions in Business project round tables included 13 village communities of Ngoketunjia greenhouse gas emissions.” “Brazilian six institutions to finance social or division, as a means to fight climate change efforts against deforestation are therefore of entrepreneurial projects capable of creating in Cameroon and the world at large. vital importance if we shall succeed in our work positions and generating income for The objective of the project is to plant 65 000 campaign against global warming,” he the community in the Amazon. Bank trees on 26 ha of land within the 13 village added. participation was vital, enabling the communities in Ngoketunjia division, which Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da business sector to invest in the preservation is one of the seven divisions that make up Silva welcomed Norway’s pledge: “The day without leaving trade aside. As before, the the Northwest Province of Cameroon. In the that every developed country has the same expectation was that up to 50 projects will be division are lowland plains linking most of attitude as Norway, we’ll certainly begin to financed. the villages, and there is a population of trust that global warming can be Amazontech presented sustainable about 2 000. Seventy percent of the total diminished.” solutions particularly for communities in land surface is in the plains and the main Japan, Sweden, Germany, the Republic of forest and non-wood management, which activity is farming, with swamp rice, maize Korea and Switzerland are said to be expand opportunities in sectors such as and groundnuts being the main crops considering donating to the fund. (Source: pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food. cultivated. Other activities include fishing, BBC News [United Kingdom], 17 September “Standing, a tree is more profitable than hunting for wildlife, woodwork in craft 2008.) lying down. With a tree standing, we can add industries, etc.

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There are problem areas: an increased unusual mosses to sell to Christmas timberlands are mainly private, in the rest population that depends on agriculture for crafters and decorators. But connecting of the province, about 70 percent is Crown survival and the limited farmlands, which with people who desire these activities and land, she says. have led farmers to destroy patches of products has been an obstacle for woodlot Currently, the best source of information forest for farmlands; unsustainable owners. on where and how to forage is district exploitation of tree barks, roots and leaves To help, more than a dozen forestry and forest offices. “You need to contact them to for traditional medicines by traditional agriculture organizations in the region and let them know of your intentions. People doctors; high demand for timber for in Maine have come together to create also have to be aware of First Nations construction of houses and furniture, which “From Our Atlantic Woods”, a printed colour cultural use of medicinal plants. A has led to continued cutting down of trees catalogue and Web site that will list NTFPs harvesting area might have been used for without replacement; wood is the main raw grown or produced in New Brunswick, Nova centuries and they have cultural and material for the craft industries and the Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland heritage rights to that area.” many industries use a lot of wood; the and Labrador, and Maine. On Vancouver Island, she says, construction of the Bamenjim dam has led INFOR is heading up the “From Our “everybody knows how wonderful and to the destruction of many hectares of Atlantic Woods” project. There is no charge nutritional our native plants are. Our lowland forest; and there is a high demand to producers to list in the directory. blueberries are amazingly nutritious with for fuelwood for domestic and industry use. (Source: Atlantic Farm Focus [Canada], 31 phytonutrients.” Caine has a weak spot for Project activities will start in January July 2008.) wild berry jams. “Thimbleberry jam. Rose 2009 in the village communities with petal jam. I buy them already prepared. And sensitization workshops on the importance FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SIGN UP, on the weekend before Thanksgiving, you of tree planting and management. Each PLEASE VISIT: can find high bush cranberries at higher village community will plant 2 ha each, www.ntfp.infor.ca altitudes. They make the most amazing which will be managed by the village after jelly.” (Source: Vancouver Sun [Canada], 15 the project. Expected outputs of the project August 2008.) include: village communities will increase their knowledge on the importance of tree planting; 26 ha of land will have been % CHINA planted with different species of trees; vegetation cover will be increased; and Asian Development Bank helps China global warming reduced. improve Baiyangdian ecosystem The pilot phase of this project will last 12 To help counter the environmental damage months and has a budget of ¤30 800. to Baiyangdian Lake in north China, the (Source: Natural Resource Monitoring Asian Development Bank is providing a loan Items of Interest [NRMI], 26 October 2008.) of US$100 million for the US$273 million Food products foraged from British Integrated Ecosystem and Water FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PROVIDE Columbia’s forests need to be showcased Resources Management in the Baiyangdian ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT: Foraging in the forests of British Columbia is Basin Project, which will focus on the Jaff Francis Agiamntebom, Project coordinator, suddenly something to be reckoned with. It critical actions to conserve Baiyangdian Forest and Agroforestry Promoters (FAP) has graduated to the post-secondary level. Lake - one of the most important and Cameroon, PO Box 21, Ndop Ngoketunjia One of the projects undertaken by the vulnerable ecosystems in China. division, Northwest Province, Cameroon. Centre for Non-Timber Resources at Royal Through a range of interventions, the E-mail: [email protected]; www.fap- Roads University in Victoria is “Buy BC project will help alleviate ecosystem cameroon.page.tl Wild”, which has sponsorship from the constraints in the basin by improving water Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Thrifty quality and quantity. Additionally, the Foods, VanCity and Service Canada. project will include training for ecosystem % CANADA “We realized there were a lot of wild management and ecotourism. products coming out of our forests and Development of NTFPs will also be Making money from more than trees there was a need for wildcrafters and encouraged. (Source: China CSR [China], Money may not grow on trees but burls do businesses to have a collective voice to 25 July 2008.) and those misshapen growths may be just showcase their wonderful products and what a wood carver needs to make a services,” says Holly Caine, coordinator of beautiful bowl. How about shitake Buy BC Wild. A Web site directory listing %COLOMBIA mushrooms growing on a water-soaked 150 purveyors of wild food, herbs and craft log? A city chef may be willing to pay for a material from BC’s forests showcases the Colombia’s Cofan still fighting for survival local supply. non-logging side of our forests (see Bogota. Although he is only 21, Camilo Yoge In the wake of mill shutdowns, woodlot www.buybcwild.com). has seen his indigenous tribe lose its owners across Atlantic Canada are looking “What we’re trying to promote are the culture, territory and traditions. Yoge, a at all ways of making money from their people who access the resources in our member of the Cofan tribe, has seen woods, from providing hiking and skiing communities and provide local products,” farmers, ranchers and oilmen invade his trails to harvesting colourful berries and says Caine. While Vancouver Island’s ancestral lands to plant illegal coca crops,

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raise cattle and search for oil. “We’re losing traditional rites, which has become popular han identificado cuatro con un importante our traditional dress, our environment,” with outsiders who often harvest the plant potencial de domesticación. lamented Yoge, who is studying to become a for sale. Other plants are used to treat Milagro Mata, directora de la Unidad de taita, or shaman. “We are no longer free in inflammations, kidney ailments and Hongos del INBio, explicó que se trata de our own territory.” rheumatism. variedades conocidas científicamente como To help the Cofan – who number only Indigenous Colombians, who belong to «Pycnoporus sanguineus», «Ganoderma about 2 600 people between Colombia and dozens of different ethnic groups, make up australe», «Lectinum monticola» y Ecuador – preserve their traditions, the about 2 percent of the nation’s population of «Lentinula aciculospora». Colombian Government last month created 45 million. Like the Cofan, many have Dos de las especies son setas y otras dos the Orito Ingi-Ande Medicinal Plants suffered the impact of disease, deforestation “orejas de palo”, como se conocen Sanctuary to protect the plants that the and violence from the nation’s more than popularmente, las cuales reúnen Cofan depend on for medicinal and spiritual four-decades-old civil war. particulares beneficios alimenticios, como purposes. Officials in Colombia say the Lilliana Madrigal, Vice President of un alto porcentaje de proteína, fibra y reserve is the only national park in the world programmes for the Amazon Conservation aminoácidos entre sus componentes. created for that reason. “Sustainable use will Team, based in Virginia, which helped plan Tras la identificación de estas especies, el permit us to preserve the natural the new park, predicts that the reserve will INBio concentrará ahora sus esfuerzos en la resources,” said National Parks Director inspire the creation of protected areas in construcción de un laboratorio para la Julia Miranda Londoño. other nations. In fact, Colombian park reproducción experimental de los hongos, a The idea for the reserve came after Cofan officials say they are already planning to fin de establecer los métodos más leaders met in 2003 with the national convert a 2.9 million-acre (1.2 million ha) apropiados para su producción comercial, organization of indigenous shaman to search indigenous reserve into a national park to dijo Mata. for an unpopulated region they could use to protect areas important to the several La investigación forma parte de un preserve their medicinal plants. They took indigenous groups living there. Luciano proyecto financiado por la entidad the proposal to national park authorities, Mutumbajoy, a member of the nearby Inga internacional Fundecooperación, en el cual who spent several years mapping out a indigenous people and a leader of participan también Bután (Asia) y Benin 25 000-acre (10 117 ha) reserve. Colombia’s traditional medical practitioners, (Africa), el cual está dotado con un The Orito Ingi-Ande Medicinal Plants helped create the yet-to-be named park. “If presupuesto de un millón de dólares. Sanctuary, whose name means “our our medicine is finished, the life and Según Mata, el consumo de hongos ha territory” in the Cofan language, ranges in existence of the indigenous people will end,” crecido aceleradamente en el mundo en los elevation from 2 300 to nearly 10 000 feet he said. (Source: Traditional Knowledge últimos años y Costa Rica podría sacar (701-3 048 m) above sea level in the Bulletin, 22 July 2008.) provecho económico de su potencial. southwestern departments of Nariño and También explicó que el INBio espera Putumayo - about a two-hour drive from poder capacitar y eventualmente financiar el Cofan territory, where much of the %COSTA RICA inicio de operaciones a agricultores que vegetation has been destroyed by farmers, quieran explotar comercialmente este ranchers and oilmen. producto. With few options available for earning (Fuente: Univisión, EE.UU., 5 de agosto 2008.) money, park officials say that many Cofan have resorted to harvesting coca leaf, the base ingredient for cocaine, further eroding their DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC traditions. Even traditional palm fronds, which %OF THE CONGO are now hard to find, have been replaced by tin when building roofs for their homes. The valorization of NTFPs from Batéké “We live from nature, that’s where our Científicos «domestican» hongos Plateau in the periphery of Kinshasa energy comes from,” said Louis Octavio silvestres en Costa Rica The main objective of this study was to make Criollo, 39, a Cofan who is also training to Científicos costarricenses trabajan en la an ethnoecological analysis of the become a taita. “But when (the forest) is cut «domesticación» de varias especies de management systems of NTFPs in the down, all of that is lost.” hongos silvestres comestibles para que periphery of Kinshasa. It considers an Aside from spiritual value, the new park’s puedan ser producidos comercialmente y operating mode that guarantees their elevation range has abundant biodiversity, se aproveche su potencial alimenticio y conservation and sustainable use and to parks officials say, including about 400 bird medicinal. bring elements that are indispensable to varieties, numerous reptiles and such rare El proyecto está a cargo de un grupo de improving their valorization. species as chameleons, jaguars and Andean biólogos del Instituto Nacional de The study aims to understand the spectacled bears. Cofan elders have also Biodiversidad (INBio), una entidad privada explanatory factors of the exploitation and identified nearly 100 plant species used for sin fines de lucro que se dedica al estudio de valorization of NTFPs; to examine the effects medicinal and religious purposes. las especies vegetales y animales de Costa of their intensification in the survey zone; Two of the most important plants are yoco Rica y que promueve su uso sostenible. and to undertake some actions in the short, (Paullinia yoco), a vine used against fatigue, Los investigadores han estudiado parte de medium and long term to deepen knowledge as a laxative and to prevent malaria, and las 125 especies de hongos silvestres on the endogenous associative networks, yagé, a mildly hallucinogenic vine used in clasificadas en el país y hasta el momento ethnoecological expertise and power

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relations concerning access to NTFPs, and themselves but, if the catch is big enough, the implementation of the policies that drive they end up selling some of it. a participative management of the natural af Ursin is known in Finland for his resources in the periphery of Kinshasa. cooperation with the Italian entrepreneur Field surveys took place in the eight Lorenzo Dalla Valle, who exports ceps villages of the Batéké Plateau and for the (Boletus edulis) from Finland to Italy. It is af station of Bombo-Lumene, “a protected Ursin’s job to get the pickers out as soon as area”. The five most exploited non-ligneous the first ceps are sighted each autumn. forest products of the survey area were One person can pick enough mushrooms chosen in order to analyse the determining for the needs of a single restaurant, but factors in NTFP exploitation. The survey of when the main crop of ceps emerges in the 280 households was complemented by 22 Finnish forests, a veritable army of pickers focus group interviews, direct field is needed. The method of alerting the observations, socio-economic surveys and pickers varies in different parts of the ethnoecological surveys on the exploitation country and includes placing strategies of NTFPs. The NTFP chain at advertisements in newspapers and sending Batéké Plateau and its impact were studied text messages. between June 2005 and November 2006. af Ursin has toured all of Finland, The analysis of NTFP use in the periphery Dioscorea praehensilis speaking to about 7 000 people about of Kinshasa reveals 169 species of NTFPs mushrooms and how to organize the belonging to 65 families: • US$0.20 for rattan, with an average daily picking. He has the contact information of • 66 species of herbaceous plants (39 profit of close to US$4. some 1 500 mushroom pickers. After percent); Apart from the socio-economic value of hearing about the first sighting of ceps, af • 46 species of ligneous plants, including harvesting NTFPs, there are also some Ursin forwards the information to Dalla the coins bushes (27 percent); negative effects to the ecosystem, which Valle. Dalla Valle organizes trucks that run • 27 species of bushes (16 percent); are mainly caused by unsustainable on set routes according to a set timetable • 22 lianas species (13 percent); and methods used for harvesting, such as the to buy the mushrooms, and af Ursin • 8 species of coins bushes, which are systematic and regular harvest of fruits, informs the pickers about the routes and poorly exploited (5 percent). roots and leaves; the systematic felling or timetables by SMS. These NTFPs are essentially used for food extraction of plants; the removal of the Buying ceps is a whirlwind business and, (68 species, 40 percent); herbal medicine (59 complete bark; cutting off of the terminal because of the efficiency of the pickers, species, 5 percent), and handicraft domestic bud; and repeated fires. All have caused an daily amounts can reach 5 tonnes. A cep of and cultural uses (41 species, 25 percent). enormous toll on the natural environment. the best quality is hard and firm, the gills The households surveyed have extensive Finally, this study shows that there are are white and the mushroom is clean and environmental endogenous knowledge of the biocultural interactions that apply to both whole. The main part of the cep crop is ecological factors. They know 12 plant the natural environment (ecosystems) and exported. “In 2003, for example, some species used as an additive for fermentation to the strategies of NTFP utilization by 1 100 tonnes of ceps were picked in to local wines. They respect the téké custom farming families. The definition of a Finland. The domestic use was about 40 of dedicating one day of the week to their reasonable valorization policy of NTFPs tonnes,” says af Ursin forebears. The shepherds do not cut down integrated in an interdisciplinary approach In Finland, 22 mushroom species can be the trees along riverbanks. They succeed in of sustainable development remains sold as foodstuffs. In practice, only seven popularizing the cooking techniques of unavoidable for the area under study. are picked for sale: cep, false morel Pteridium sp. (fern) and of Talinum (Contributed by: Apollinaire Biloso Moyene, (Gyromitra esculenta), funnel chanterelle triangulare (waterleaf), eliminating toxic Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, (Chantarellus tubaeformis), chanterelle substances such as ptaquilosides and Université de Kinshasa, Plateau des (Chantarellus cibarius), black chanterelle oxalates from these NTFPs. Professeurs, Résidence THELEM, App. 18 (Craterellus cornucopioides), northern The NTFPs exploited in forests, gallery Campus, BP 117 Kin 11, Kinshasa, milk-cap (Lactarius trivialis) and rufus forests and savannahs are sold in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. E-mail: candy milk-cap (Lactarius rufus). “Ceps markets and selling points at Batéké plateau. [email protected]) make up about 70 percent of both the The average price that villagers sell 1 kg of volume and value of the catch,” af Ursin these NTFPs is estimated to be: estimates. • US$0.08 for Pteridium sp., with an % FINLAND But how does one know if a good average daily profit of almost US$2; mushroom crop can be expected? There is • US$0.05 for indigenous wine, with an Finnish mushroom pickers love the forest no sure way of predicting it, af Ursin says. average daily profit of US$9; “About 5 percent of Finns like to spend all “There are too many variables in the • US$0.05 for Dioscorea praehensilis their available time in forests,” Mr Kimmo af environment, every moment is unique. The (bitter thread), with an average daily Ursin estimates on the basis of his 13 years only source of information about the crop profit of US$1; as a mushroom entrepreneur. In fact, the are people who regularly move about in • US$0.05 for Talinum triangulare with an majority of people who pick mushrooms for Finnish forests.” (Source: Forest-fi, 1 average daily profit of US$0.26; and sale are really out to get some for December 2008.)

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%INDIA used against snake bites: the young and tender P. nepalensis leaves are tied or Improved cooperation key to saving warped at the location of the snake bite and biodiverse forests in northeastern India help to reduce pain, also acting as an While the tropical forests of northeastern antidote to snake venom. The leaves of the India have the lowest population density in plant act as a mouth freshener when the country, a population growth rate of chewed and the fresh leaves are used as a 3 percent per year has put pressure on cockroach repellent. Reports also indicate community-owned forest reserves for food, that the leaves act as an aphrodisiac and a timber and NTFPs. However, this cure against headache and general dependence - combined with improved weakness, and that the juice of the crushed relations between the Forest Department plant taken with milk will induce abortion. and the Nishi, a local tribe - may help The fruits that ripen during the winters are facilitate more effective conservation action in Nepali), which is considered to be a much eaten by human beings, monkeys and rats. in and around the Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, neglected local floral element and whose In Sikkim Himalaya, although growing say researchers Aparajita Datta and G.S. potentiality as non-timber forest resource within a limited vertical limit (300-1 200 m), Rawat in a recent report. has so far never been realized. the species has a wide horizontal Past conflicts between the subsistence On a global scale, the genus Pandanus is distribution within the Tista river basin (the agriculture-dependent Nishi and the Forest made up of about 700 species. In general, biggest in Sikkim). Considering the Department have eased since 2002, when these screw-pines are tree-like and grow abundance and accessibility of the screw- the department and national conservation up to 20 m, but small shrub-like specimens pine all over the region, it is intriguing that organizations began to address the of about 1 m high are also common and very little is known about it and still less challenges confronting local communities. distinguished for having broad canopies and literature is found on it. Now, “hunting of wildlife such as hornbills, a moderate growth pattern. The long linear In the past the screw-pine was used for primates and ungulates in the park leaves originating at the stem appear making various items, such as hand-woven appears to have declined due to better screw-like and the edible fruits, to a great mats, carry bags, fish snares, thatching protection by park authorities and greater extent, resemble pine cones, hence the materials, etc. but these uses are now awareness and enforcement of hunting name “screw-pine”. The leaves, which have dying out. Reviewing the literature on the bans by the Nishi community”, note the stout curving spines at the edges, are often region’s NTFPs, it is noteworthy that little authors. traditionally used for their fibre content and resource prospecting has been done on Datta and Rawat conclude that efforts to are known for their distinct aroma. The these fibre-yielding plants. Although the protect forest resources and biodiversity species of Pandanus are widely used for region has well-documented information will be in the best interest of local many purposes: preparation of jam, on wild edibles and herbals, it is poorly communities. housing materials, in textiles, food, documented on fibre-yielding plants. This (Citation: Aparajita Datta and G.S. 2008. medication (antiviral, anti-allergen), making aspect, the reasons behind it and its effect, Rawat. Dispersal modes and spatial mats, etc. need closer examination in relation to the patterns of tree species in a tropical forest Pandanus nepalensis is a medium-sized sociocultural-economic fabric of the tribal in Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India. dioeciously branched tree up to 5-6 m in people of Sikkim. Tropical Conservation Science, 1(3): 163- height, typically having a broad canopy and In view of the various attributes of 185, September.) stout trunk, ringed with many leaf scars. Pandanus, there are great possibilities for (Source: mongabay.com, 15 September Spines are also found on the individual using this NTFP species (in addition to 2008.) fruits (obconical, 5-6 angled), which are making jam, jelly, juice, textile, etc.) as an borne as a composite fleshy pseudo-drupe aid to the socio-economic development of Sikkim Himalayan screw-pine, Pandanus (15-25 cm long, globose) on a common native communities through innovative nepalensis: a much neglected and fruiting axis. These are evenly covered by a entrepreneurships, both by using wild underexplored NTFP shining cuticle, each bearing yellow resources sustainably as well as planting The Indian state of Sikkim, in the northeast outwardly curving forked stout spines. the species in wastelands and other Himalayas, is known to have over 4 500 These spines provide a natural protection underutilized lands through the plants within a geographic area of 7 096 from damage by wildlife until the fruit is development of propagation and mass km2, making the region part of one of the ripe. (This should be considered as a multiplication protocols. From the habitat world’s richest biodiversity hot spots. A strategy by the species in seed conservation and management point of substantial part of the state is covered by dissemination.) The fully mature composite view, the species could also offer a great forests (about 36 percent of total land area), fruit turns bright red. boost to wildlife and thus a rich a majority of which are of the temperate The use of P. nepalensis as medicine is biodiversity, in addition to conserving the semi-deciduous forest type. This article inadequately documented, although it has soil. As the Sikkim Himalayan region is of concerns one screw-pine of the region, important properties. In the Dzongu valley recent origin with a high rainfall and Pandanus nepalensis H. St John (= in the northern district of Sikkim the sloping terrain the P. nepalensis Pandanus furcatus), of the Pandanaceae indigenous Lepcha tribe use Pandanus in populations provide a much-needed family (in Hindi, the plant is called several ways. According to the Maon-Doak support towards maintaining the fragile Ambemohor pat, Rampe and named Tarika (the Lepcha medicine man), the leaves are ecosystem balance in the region.

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(Contributed by: Dr Hemant K. Badola, Mr to promote market-driven cultivation with a play a crucial role in the livelihood of these B.K. Pradhan, Ms Sanjyoti Subba, Mr L.K. Rai focus on the development of selected people, but form a key incentive to conserving and Dr Y.K. Rai, G.B. Pant Institute of clusters with potential for inclusive growth in the forests of India. Moreover, NTFPs are Himalayan Environment and Development, agribusiness through medicinal plants. The woven in with the social and cultural fabric of Sikkim Unit, Gangtok-Sikkim, India.) goal is to improve market access of farmers the communities living in India. to better prices for their produce and better Women from a self-help group in India FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: quality of raw material for the Ayurvedic, sort through dried amla fruit. Traditionally, Dr Hemant K. Badola, Scientist In-Charge Siddha and Unani industries. (Source: amla is made into chutneys and pickles. Here and Scientist - Conservation of Biodiversity, G.B. Commodity Online, Kerala [India], 15 it is processed into sweets and a breath Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and September 2008.) freshener. Development, Sikkim Unit, PO Box 24, Gangtok Through the assistance of the Keystone (Campus: Pangthang), Low prices strain Mahua flower-dependent Foundation, productivity has increased Sikkim 737 101, India. Fax: (03592) 237415; villagers in Orissa threefold with the adoption of new technology e-mail: [email protected]; Villagers across Orissa are under strain as for processing. This story, and many others, [email protected]/ the Panchayat Samiti has fixed what most are featured in a new 30-minute film - Voices consider to be a low rate for the Mahua’ from the Forest, India - made by the Non- How medicinal plants promote agribusiness flowers they depend upon for their livelihood. Timber Forest Products Exchange The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Mahua, the raw material used for making Programme, through Gekko Studio/Telapak established in 2000, is responsible for country spirit, is a major source of revenue and Dusty Food Productions. supporting initiatives for the conservation for the state government. and cultivation of medicinal plants, both in The subcollector of Bargarh district said situ and ex situ in India. In the latest 11th that this year the rate for the sale of Mahua Plan, the outlay of Rs990 crores to the NMPB flowers is fixed at Rs1 500 per quintal, and represents a sevenfold increase in financing Panchayat Samitees have been entrusted to from the previous plan. ensure that villagers get minimum support A study of demand and supply of medicinal prices for their produce. plants in India carried out by the Board “For the last two years, the Mahua yield during 2007-2008 highlighted alarming has not been sufficient. We collect Mahua shortages of some of the plants used by the flowers every day with the hope that we will Ayurvedic industry. earn something, but unfortunately we have to Of particular interest were tree species sell the flowers at a throwaway price,” said such as Sita Ashok (Saraca asoca), the main Kanak Pradhan, a villager. ingredient of Ashokaristha, a key Ayurvedic “This is a season of Mahua flowers and the formulation for gynaecological disorders; government of Orissa has made adequate Guggal (Commiphora wightii), a thorny bush provisions for the sale of these flowers by the that yields gum resin used in more than 100 villagers wherever Mahua is produced. It Ayurvedic preparations; and the Dashmools, comes under non-timber forest products. used in the popular Ayurvedic preparation, The rate for such products, including Mahua Dashmoolarishta. The estimated demand of flowers, is fixed by the Panchayat Samitee Sita Ashoka bark is in excess of 2 000 tonnes, concerned. The Gram Panchayats are given but availability in the wild is extremely rare. the responsibility to see … that the poor Likewise, although more than 1 000 tonnes of people get a minimum fixed support price by FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST the gum resin from Guggal is used by the the Panchayat Samitee,” said Bishnu Prasad A COPY OF THIS FILM, PLEASE CONTACT: Ayurvedic industry, over 90 percent of this is Mishra, subcollector, Bargarh district. Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange imported. Almost all villagers, especially women, Programme, 92 Masikap Extension, Barangay The Board has sanctioned the gather Mahua flowers from early morning Central, Diliman, Quezon City 1100, Philippines. conservation and plantation of some of the until sunset. The flowers are then dried and Fax: +63 2 4262757, 9293665; e-mail: rare and endangered species in high demand sold to entrepreneurs, leaving most villagers [email protected] or [email protected] on thousands of hectares across multiple largely unaware of the fixed prices. Most (Manila); www.ntfp.org/ states. tribals along the forested area of Orissa Special Board initiatives include the depend on such NWFPs for sustaining East India leather is now an exclusive conservation and propagation of high altitude themselves for around six to seven months in geoproduct plants such as Atees, Kuth and Kutki, led by a year. (Source: DailyIndia.com, Florida East India (EI) Leather, a vegetable tanned the Task Force on High Altitude Medicinal [United States of America], 7 June 2008.) leather that has been a specialty of Plants. The School and Home Herbal tanneries in Trichy and Dindigul for the last Gardens programme in over 1 000 schools Voices from the Forest, India - new film 160 years, has now been approved and across the country has driven awareness All across India, NTFPs are a critical source registered as an exclusive geographic about the healthy role of India’s biodiversity. of income for indigenous people and forest- product by the Geographic Indications A new Government-approved initiative, the dwelling communities, who are among the Registry of the Union Ministry of National Mission on Medicinal Plants, seeks poorest of the poor. Not only do the NTFPs Commerce.

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Registration under the geographic NTFPs does not have farmer-friendly Tiene tallos ramificados con gran cantidad indications of goods (Registrations and regulations. Farmers are now hoping to de hojas, que constituyen su parte Protection Act, 1999) will give the product legalize their engagement in forest aprovechable. Éstas, son de forma ovalada an exclusive brand image similar to management. con bordes dentados y una textura rugosa Darjeeling tea, Kanchipuram silk saris or “A permit for forest management would con muchas vellosidades, el tamaño es Coorg coffee. The characteristic quality and allow us to become wholeheartedly involved muy variable, desde 5 hasta 10 cm de largo reputation unique to the geographic in developing forest areas and prevent us dependiendo de la disponibilidad de agua. location are indicative behind the logo and from violating the law. It would also clarify Sus flores son pequeñas, de color blanco; EI technology is a British legacy in the farmers’ rights and responsibilities,” said los frutos son cápsulas y en ellas se country. Artim, a member of a local farmers’ encuentran almacenadas las semillas, Evidence is available that the exclusive cooperative unit. éstas son de color café, no mayores de 25 tannery process utilizes cassia species, The only legal standpoint farmers have mm. Las plantas de orégano presentan pungum oil and wattle bark extract as for their involvement in the programme is flores y frutos todo el año, no obstante, en utilized in 1805 at a tannery near Chennai. the 1999 Forestry Law. The problem Yucatán, la mayor abundancia de flores y It was in 1856 that a tannery unit was remains, however, that regulations related frutos se da entre noviembre y abril. established using the so-called EI to this law tend to be counterproductive, if El aceite esencial de orégano mexicano, technique. not contradictory. The farmer group has con el agradable olor de sus hojas, se EI leather is very popular in Italy, France therefore requested the local Forestry and encuentra en glándulas localizadas en las and other Western countries since it is the Plantation Office, legislative council vellosidades o tricomas foliares. Este best sort of leather to manufacture members and NGOs to get together to aceite tiene diversas propiedades garments, fancy handbags and suede produce a regulation on community forestry antioxidantes, antibacterianas, leather shoes. The uniqueness of EI leather for the benefit of forest farmers. (Source: antifúngicas e insecticidas, por lo cual includes its special feel, the gloss and The Jakarta Post [Indonesia], 16 September además de ser muy atractivo como polish it accrues with use, its distinctive 2008 in Community Forestry E-News, saborizante, también presenta importantes smell and the noise it makes when tapped. September 2008.) usos para la industria farmaceútica, (Source: Business Standard [India], 23 July alimenticia y cosmetológica. 2008.) En lengua maya el orégano se conoce (Please see page 20 of Non-Wood News 17 con el nombre de akil ché, y es considerado for more information.) un recurso natural con historia ancestral. En el pasado, el orégano mexicano se utilizó principalmente con fines %INDONESIA medicinales para el alivio de enfermedades relacionadas con las vías respiratorias y Fighting to keep islands above water padecimientos estomacales. For more than a decade, Defitri Akbar has Debido a la abundancia de esta especie spearheaded a drive to involve local people en el noroeste de Yucatán, y a la in mangrove conservation in Riau Province. importancia de esta planta en la economía He and some colleagues have founded an de las familias rurales, se realizó una NGO, Bahtera Melayu, which drew up two % MÉXICO investigación con el propósito de conocer basic targets: (i) guided participation of las implicaciones ecológicas y coastal communities in a programme to Mujeres mayas y orégano mexicano: socioeconómicas que conlleva la cosecha, save mangrove ecosystems; and (ii) the del monte a la cocina comercialización y uso de este recurso development of alternative incomes to El orégano, esa planta olorosa, que forestal no maderero. La investigación fue reduce pressure on natural resources and utilizamos en muchas de nuestras recetas financiada por el Centro de Investigación surrounding environments. de cocina, está representado generalmente Científica de Yucatán (CICY) y la Comisión The NGO has been successful in getting por dos especies de plantas distintas. La Nacional Forestal (CONAFOR). community groups to take the lead in primera se conoce como orégano europeo En las comunidades estudiadas, la managing 230 ha of local mangrove and to (Origanum vulgare) y pertenece a la familia cosecha de orégano de monte es realizada develop a honey production industry. It has botánica Labiatae. Esta especie crece en principalmente por las mujeres mayas y also started a green generation education zonas mediterráneas del sur de Europa, sus hijos. La temporada inicia en la época programme involving local youth. (Source: Grecia y Turquía. La otra especie es el de lluvias y dura aproximadamente de julio The Jakarta Post [Indonesia], 2 September orégano medicano (Lippia graveolens), a octubre. Para que la cosecha inicie es 2008 in Community Forestry E-News, perteneciente a la familia Verbenaceae, es necesario que el comprador llame y avise September 2008.) una especie resistente a la sequía que se que está interesado en adquirir el encuentra distribuida en los climas producto. La confirmación del comprador Rinjani community push for forestry semiáridos de México y de América Central. resulta ser el detonador para que las regulations Lippia graveolens es una especie mujeres de la comunidad salgan al campo A community forestry programme in arbustiva perenne de entre 1 y 3,5 m de e inicien la cosecha. Lombok that allows farmers to take part in altura, con un crecimiento relativamente El proceso de cosecha es sencillo y no developing forest areas and in harvesting rápido y un ciclo de vida corto (5-10 años). requiere herramientas. Se elije la planta,

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después se toma una de sus ramas y las sereno de la noche, y al día siguiente de hojas de ésta se tiran del centro de la planta nuevo se extiende exponiéndolo al sol. Una hacia fuera, a esta actividad se le conoce vez seco se coloca de nuevo en costales y con el nombre de “raspar o bajar el se coloca dentro de las casas o en algún orégano”. Una vez que las hojas han sido lugar bajo techo, para evitar que absorba desprendidas se prosigue a guardarlas en humedad. un costal. Sucesivamente, se sigue La cosecha finaliza cuando se cubre la raspando rama por rama hasta que se logra demanda del comprador (tres o cuatro retirar entre el 75 y el 100 por ciento de las meses después) y avisa que no irá más a la hojas. La técnica de cosecha no siempre es comunidad esa temporada, es entonces que la misma, sino que varía de acuerdo a las las cosechadoras quedan a la espera de su costumbres de las mujeres. Algunas de las llamada para el próximo año. variaciones son por ejemplo no cosechar El manejo del orégano en las plantas con flor, no dejar hojas en la planta, comunidades visitadas, tiene un importante cortar o quebrar las ramas, especialmente impacto en la economía de las region. The project also strives towards the en individuos muy altos, encimar las ramas cosechadoras, ya que representa un conservation and restoration of degraded cortadas a un lado del camino y después porcentaje considerable del ingreso areas. retirar las hojas. monetario mensual que obtienen las The project is being implemented by La jornada de trabajo en temporada de familias. No obstante, este ingreso es Reforestamos México A.C. (a local Mexican cosecha dura entre 4 y 12 horas aunque temporal, solamente se obtiene durante la NGO based in Mexico City), with financing depende de la lejanía del sitio y del medio temporada de cosecha de la especie. Una by the private sector. de transporte del que se disponga (a pie, familia, durante la temporada, puede Reforestamos México, in collaboration bicicleta, triciclo o camión fletado). Dado cosechar y vender hasta una tonelada de with regional NGOs, has been able to que la mayoría de las personas van a pie, en orégano seco. En términos económicos, el coordinate social and corporate support to cuanto llenan un costal emprenden el orégano de monte es un producto que se the region since 2005. This model has camino de regreso, pues el peso de éste no puede incorporar a la cadena de mercado successfully been replicated in the debe sobrepasar la cantidad que una con un mínimo de inversión de capital. neighbouring communities of Huichol and mujer o un niño pueden transportar Además, la producción, cosecha y Tarahumara. The model’s success is based cargando en la espalda. procesado no requiere de muchas on its ability to foster community En un viaje de cosecha el peso promedio habilidades o de tecnologías sofisticadas. participation in the creation of Community de hojas frescas es de aproximadamente A partir de la información generada en el Forest Enterprises (CFEs), which in turn 9,6 kg, dependiendo de la edad, sexo y proyecto se observa que el aprovechamiento have empowered the community and led to habilidades de la cosechadora o del orégano en las comunidades estudiadas, the sustainable management of forest cosechador. Si se cuenta con un triciclo y y en general en el estado de Yucatán, tiene resources. caminos para transportar la carga es un gran potencial. posible que cada recolectora lleve más de (Aportación hecha por: Dra. Luz María Calvo FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: un costal de hojas. Irabién, Centro de Investigación Científica de María Ana de Rijk, Coordinadora de Planeación En el monte, el orégano crece en lugares Yucatan, Calle 43 #130 Chuburná de Estratégica y Política Ambiental, Reforestamos pedregosos, pero no se desarrolla en Hidalgo, Mérida, 97200 Yucatán, México. México A.C., Calle Tabasco #189, int. 203, suelos inundados. Se encuentra también Fax: 999 981 3900; Correo electrónico: Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, DF, 06700, en solares y en terrenos de cultivo [email protected]) Mexico. E-mail [email protected]; asociados a huertos de cítricos y de www.reforestamosmexico.org/ pitahaya. En estos lugares no se siembra, Community forestry development in Mexico más bien se tolera y cuida ya que crece de The Tepehuano Forestry Development manera natural. project is based on a participatory model % NAMIBIA Una vez cosechado el orégano, el único that aims to increase the livelihoods of the proceso poscosecha es el secado al sol. Tepehuano community by strengthening San devil’s claw is an international hit Para realizar esto las hojas del orégano se human development and promoting the San communities from the Nyae Nyae and extienden sobre un plástico, sobre los sustainable management of forest Na-Jaqna conservancies generated more mismos costales, o directamente, ya sea en resources. The Tepehuano community of than RN$400 000 during 2007 from the el solar o techo de las casas, incluso en Santa María de Ocotán covers an area of harvesting and sale of plant products. aceras o calles. Cada media hora, 400 000 ha and has one of the highest levels Similar or even better results are expected aproximadamente, el orégano es removido of poverty in the country. for 2008, as more than 1 000 harvesters are con un rastrillo o una vara, con el objetivo de The project’s mission is to promote registered in both conservancies, conseguir un secado parejo. Si el día es community forestry development in the researcher Dave Cole said recently. In a soleado, al cabo de 3 ó 4 horas el orégano Nayar region by providing capacity building paper entitled Botanical resources está listo. Por el contrario si el día resulta for the community to enhance increasingly contributing to income nublado, el orégano puede tardar en secar entrepreneurial skills based on a generation for conservancies and their hasta dos días. En estos casos es necesario sustainable forest model to supply timber members issued last month, Cole indicated recogerlo antes de que llueva o caiga el and non-timber products for the whole that, to date, conservancies had collected

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an income of RN$288 561, with several organized harvesting and sale of devil’s more months of harvesting to go. claw in these conservancies also contribute The Nyae Nyae Conservancy was formed to empowering people to develop a sense of in 1998, and the Na-Jaqna Conservancy in ownership and to take responsibility for the 2003. management of their resources. Clearly, The medicinal value of devil’s claw however, given the extent of poverty in (Harpagophytum) for the treatment of rural areas, the challenge is to identify rheumatism, arthritis and other ailments additional products that can also contribute of this type has been recognized by to income generation in these “Western medicine” only in the last 50 conservancies.” (Source: The Namibian years. The first major exports from [Windhoek], 10 September 2008.) Namibia started in the early 1960s, and Growing in popularity in the international today the country is the largest exporter in Devil’s claw fruit for forest community market as beautiful natural stationery, the the world, accounting for about 95 percent livelihoods paper has a long history of use. In Nepal, of the trade. Namibia currently exports on Four community forests in the Caprivi have all legal and legislative documents were average about 400 tonnes of dried devil’s earned more than RN$200 000 from devil’s printed on the paper thanks to its claw per year, which represents a claw (Harpagophytum) sales. Devil’s claw, a durability. It can be preserved for a long significant income for the country. plant that grows mainly in the Kalahari period of time, is non-perishable in water, According to Cole, up until recently, sands of Namibia, Botswana, South Africa is free from germs and is highly resistant to devil’s claw was harvested and traded but and Angola and, to a lesser extent, in insects such as silverfish and paper was characterized by unsustainable Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, has crawlers. Lokta paper is also excellent for harvesting practices, exploitive prices paid medicinal properties for the treatment of wrapping precious stones since its soft to harvesters and inferior quality. However, rheumatism, arthritis and other ailments, fibres do not scratch stone surfaces. in the last two years, funding from the and was recognized by “western medicine” The paper has a beautiful natural tan Integrated Community-Based Ecosystem only in the last 50 years. shade but can easily be dyed in water with Management Project and the United States Devil’s claw needs to be harvested with other colours. It is ideal for production Agency for International Development, as special techniques to conserve the plant for without machines and scraps of the paper well as the Life for Relief and Development future use. These techniques were taught in can also be recycled simply. (Source: programmes, have enabled the Working workshops organized by the community extracted from: About lokta paper. Group on Indigenous Minorities in Southern forestry committees, which also organized Kathmandu, Nepal. Available at: Africa and the Nyae Nyae Development the Ministry of Environment and Tourism www.nepalipaper.com/1000883.html) Foundation Namibia to implement a permit necessary for harvesting. sustainable harvesting programme, Only community members who benefiting both the conservancies and participated in the training were registered %NEW ZEALAND individual harvesters. Harvesters are now for harvesting and were given the necessary organized into groups and receive training permit to ensure that the harvesting takes Indigenous tribes transform historic on sustainable harvesting and processing. place under controlled conditions. In addition, grievances into a bright future Organic certification allows for the the four community forestry committees A landmark agreement has been signed product to be traced back to the area in carried out an effective law enforcement into legislation in the New Zealand House which it was harvested, and by whom. exercise to stop illegal harvesting and sales to of Parliament as of September 2008. The Provision for the costs of covering the illegal buyers. As with the harvesters, the arrangement transfers around 10 percent expenses related to organic certification buyers also need to be registered with the of the country’s intensively managed have also been made, and the Ministry. (Source: All Africa.com [Namibia], planted forest to a collective of indigenous conservancies will be able to cover these 30 October 2008.) Maori people. This largest-ever settlement costs themselves in the future. of grievances, which is valued at around Added Cole: “Not only do harvesters NZ$450 million and includes licence benefit from cash income, but the %NEPAL rentals accumulated since 1989, arose from nineteenth-century seizures of land Lokta paper and forests during European settlement of Lokta, also known as Daphne bhoula or D. the country. The Maori have been engaged papyracea, is an indigenous plant of Nepal. in grievance claims since the 1970s. As Found at altitudes of 6 500 to 9 500 feet they are among the nation’s poorest (1 981-2 896 m), its bark is traditionally citizens, the economic benefits for those used in the production of paper. Lokta within the collective will be significant. plants are harvested by cutting the stem at ground level, while leaving the main root FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: intact. Lokta regenerates naturally in two George Asher, Lead Negotiator, Central North to three years. Using it as a source of raw Island Iwi Collective, 189 Tautahanga Rd, material for paper has no adverse effects Turangi, New Zealand. Fax: +64-(07)386 0747; Harpagophytum on the forest ecology of Nepal. e-mail: [email protected]/

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%NIGERIA cases. Several medicinal plant parts were collection and farming. Forty percent of the used in herbal preparations, such as collectors are children, 27 percent women Study unveils medicinal plants for skin leaves, stem and bark, fruits, seeds and and 33 percent men. Morel collection is a problems roots; of all these, leaves were found to be labour-intensive activity requiring a great Medicinal plants in Nigeria were used in 70-75 percent of the cases. deal of devotion. Sometimes the collectors considered by several researchers to form (Source: Nigerian Tribune [Nigeria], 25 have to spend days in the forest. an important component of the natural September 2008.) wealth of the country, considering that the Medicinal plants of Chitral to be conserved Nigerian tropical rain forest is a reservoir under an in situ approach of chemical substances that can be used %PAKISTAN The dry temperate zones of Chitral offer a for therapeutic purposes. wide range of valuable medicinal and Some of their ancient indigenous uses Mushrooms and medicinal plants in Chitral aromatic plants and the local communities were discovered by “trial and error”, which Mushroom collection in the dry temperate living in the surrounding forests depend on could not be proved by scientific theories forest of Kalash Valley, Chitral the area resources for their rural health although the results have been beneficial The Kalash Valley is located in the remote care as well as for their livelihood. As a and efficient compared with conventional southern part of Chitral, an area of unique result of deforestation, overgrazing and modern medicines. However, these ancient cultural and biological diversity. Natural unsustainable harvesting, medicinal plants indigenous uses of the plants vary from one forests in the area mainly consist of Pinus in the area are declining. community to another. To improve wallichiana, P. gerardiana, Cedrus deodara In order to conserve the medicinal plants communication, therefore, such plants and broadleaf species such as Quercus in their natural environment, the need to be identified and documented incana. Medicinal plants, honey, pine nuts, Directorate of Non-Timber Forest Products according to the ailments cured, the wild vegetables and morel mushrooms are (NWFP Forest Department, Peshawar, preparations and administration of the the most important NTFPs found in the Pakistan) will introduce in situ conservation herbs, as well as local and common valley and used by the local community to approaches in different parts of Chitral. Mr names. support their livelihood. A study was Iftikhar Ahmed, Assistant Director NTFP One such effort was carried out by recently carried out to investigate the Office, Peshawar, has clarified that the researchers from the University of Benin collection status of mushrooms in this main objective of this approach is to who studied the medicinal plants used in location. conserve the available medicinal plant treating skin diseases by healers in the resources and communicate the idea of Ovia northeast local government area of sustainability in their use. Mr Ajaz Ahmed Edo state. The study, entitled: of the NTFP Office, Chitral stated that this “Ethnomedicinal uses of plants in the intervention in the conservation of treatment of various skin diseases in Ovia medicinal plants will be the first of its kind northeast, Edo state, Nigeria” was carried and will improve nature conservation and out by Dr R.K.A. Egharevba of the help to reduce poverty. The Directorate of Department of Crop Science and Dr M.I. NTFP is working in NWFP Pakistan for the Ikhatua in the Department of Forestry and promotion of NTFPs for community Wildlife. It was published in the latest A variety of mushrooms grow in the dry development and poverty reduction. edition of the Research Journal of temperate forest of the valley, including The study suggested future guidelines Agriculture and Biological Sciences. Morchella esculenta, M. vulgaris, M. for proper planning and management of The investigation included names and deliciosa and others such as oyster the dry, temperate forest of the valley for plant parts used, ailments cured, mushrooms. Their local names are Quchi, livelihood support of the poor local preparations and administrations of these Brangalu and Shunthi. Often keeping their community. The Directorate of Non-Timber herbs through the use of questionnaires harvesting locations a secret, local people Forest Produce is facilitating the local and interviews of old and experienced rural rely upon traditional knowledge to locate community in the sustainable utilization of people as well as herbalists. the mushrooms. For example, it is believed these resources. In the survey, 41 plant species from 29 that mushrooms often appear under families were identified. These plants specific trees, including Juglans regia and FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: include some wild and uncultivated ones: Pinus wallichiana. Morels are collected Ajaz Ahmed and Iftikhar Ahmed, Directorate of Xylopia aethopica (Guinea pepper), primarily for sale but are also occasionally Non-Timber Forest Products, NWFP Forest Plukenetia conophorum (African walnut), used in traditional medicine. Harvested Department, Shami Road, Peshawar, Pakistan. Monodora myristica (African nutmeg), throughout spring and early summer (from E-mail: [email protected] Afromomium melequenta (alligator March to July) the mushrooms are sold in pepper) and some semi-wild plants such as the local market, often to intermediaries. Dacryodis edulis. They also include Morchella fetch particularly high prices and ornamental plants such as Lawsonia thus play an important role in the economy inermis (Dye) and herbs. of the community. The morel collectors are A total of 57 commonly used mostly poor villagers who practise prescriptions for skin diseases were noted. mushroom harvesting on a part-time basis Mixtures of plants were used in some in addition to livestock keeping, firewood

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% PERU aguajales and calls for increased efforts Moringa (Moringa oleifera) or malunggay for their improved management, as well as (kalamungan in the Visayans, kalamunge The camu camu value chain in the for linking these ecosystems to to Pampangueños, marunggay to Ilocanos Peruvian Amazon environmental services payment schemes. and kalunggay to Bicolanos), is considered Camu camu, found growing along the The fruits from the aguajales, the one of the world’s most nutritious plants riverbanks and lake shores of the Amazon aguaje, are in great demand by the with versatile uses in agriculture, medicine Basin, contains the highest concentration inhabitants of Iquitos. Fruits are consumed and industry. of natural vitamin C in the world. A recent directly, or processed as refreshments, the Food analysis shows that malunggay study (Promoting forestry-product value aguajina, or as icecreams and popsicles. leaves contain 26 percent crude protein chains in the Peruvian Amazon: the case of The demand generated by that way of and are rich in vitamins A and C, iron and camu camu) examined how the link consumption is satisfied by approximately potassium. They also have medicinal value between the various actors in the value 20 tonnes of fruits per day. to treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, chain, including collectors, processors, The marketing of the fruits generates a boils and sexually transmitted diseases. traders and buyers, remains weak. The value chain that creates employment in Mature seeds also produce high-value camu camu chain is currently in the initial both rural and urban areas. In Iquitos oil, called oleic acid, widely used in the food stages of development and a general lack alone, close to 5 000 jobs are generated by industry. The edible oil can lower of trust exists in the area among many of the selling of aguaje fruits. Most of those cholesterol levels in the blood, improve the actors. employed are women, who generate their lipid profiles and modify harmful The study revealed that local and own employment. inflammation. It also serves as a lubricant regional government must become active The benefits that can be obtained by for fine machinery and its antioxidant as promoters and stimulators to improve harvesting aguajales are much more properties are useful in the manufacture of relationships between those involved. diverse than those traditionally obtained. perfumes, personal care and therapeutic Policies in the camu camu producing and These are the so-called strategic products products and cosmetics. processing regions must be created to - those obtained by providing added value Aguilar urged residents to plant improve knowledge and functions within to the aguaje pulp - that include malunggay to tap its nutritional potential, the value chain. Finally, barriers to entry antioxidants, solar protectors and high- especially for children, encouraging them into the markets are in great need of quality oils for the cosmetics industry. An to nurture trees amid the threat of global attention, with a simplification of additional benefit that could be obtained is warming. (Source: Manila Standard Today paperwork and a reduction in transaction the added value of the ecosystem through [Philippines], 2 September 2008.) costs highly recommended. the possibility of obtaining payments for the environmental services that aguajales NegOcc farmers urged to go into cocoon FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT provide. (Source: Ecosystem Marketplace, production THE AUTHORS: August 2008.) While sugar-cane workers in Negros Rafael Meza Castro, Portafolio Amazonía, the Occidental (NegOcc) may dread the start of Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) the off-milling season, another sector is Peru or John Belt, SNV Peru, Iquitos, actually in need of more workers. Thelma c/o (Central Office Lima) Alberto del Campo Watanabe, training coordinator of the 411, Magdalena del Mar, Lima 17, Peru. Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Fax: + 51-1-2644722; Cultural Advancement (Oisca) - Bago e-mail: [email protected]; Training Centre (OBTC), said that more [email protected]; [email protected] farmers must be encouraged to go into or Marly Cristina López Rengifo de Sarmiento, cocoon production to meet the increasing Ministry of Agriculture, Jr. Yauyos N 258, Lima, local and international demand for silk. Peru. Fax: +51-1-315-5090; “The fact that Negros silk is of very high e-mail: [email protected] %PHILIPPINES quality makes this industry a very promising one for farmers in … the entire Environmental services of the aguajales Aguilar leads moringa drive archipelago,” she added. and the opportunities for a global Las Piñas City is embarking on a massive Since the start of the Oisca sericulture business for the Loreto region, Peru planting of malunggay trees to boost the project in 1989, the Oisca Negros silk Angel Salazar of the Peruvian Amazon source of nutritional food and medicine for industry has come far. “From a handful of Research Institute (Iquitos) has written an residents while protecting the 50 farmers cultivating an area of about 20 article on aguajales, palm tree forests that environment. Mayor Vergel Aguilar said ha of mulberry plantation, the number has occupy 5.3 million ha in the Peruvian that, as more people experience hunger increased to about 260 farmers now actively Amazon and sequester large amounts of and poverty because of the high cost of engaged in quality cocoon production in an carbon. They play a role in the local food and health care, the local government area of not less than 170 ha fully planted to economy by providing employment must provide economic relief. Mobilized in mulberry trees,” she said. opportunities for local communities and by the city-wide campaign are officials down Approval from the Cocoon Testing Centre satisfying the high consumer demand for to the 20 barangays and various urban poor in Japan paved the way for the their fruit. Salazar’s article describes the groups that serve as partners in the local establishment of a silk reeling plant at the potential benefits offered by harvesting ecological programme. Oisca Compound in Bago City, which has

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the capacity to process 100 tonnes of fresh of furniture export, the share of rattan in financing and marketing for small- and cocoons per year. Yet, “Oisca’s actual furniture export diminished from 33 medium-scale enterprises, B&R. production now of three tonnes silk yarn percent in 2001 to 23 percent in 2006, with Overall, a comprehensive and strategic from approximately 30 tonnes of fresh the latter period dominated by wood course of action in order to remain cocoons per year is not even enough to furniture. Basket and wickerwork have competitive requires the following: effective supply the local market”, said Watanabe. likewise steadily decreased from US$78 raw material supply management; “Silk has always enjoyed excellent million in 2001 to US$52 million in 2006. continuing R&D for product, process and market value. Today, people hear of Nevertheless, export destinations have market development; and favourable Philippine silk and the prospect of job remained focused on the medium- and support systems (policy, institutions and generation it can bring to the Filipinos: from high-end segments of the market. infrastructure) in the entire value chain the cocoon-producing farmers to the silk As a result of the above unfavourable from government and private sectors. reeling workers, the weavers, dyers, development in the Philippine B&R (Contributed by: Isabelita M. Pabuayon, embroiderers, handicraft makers and industries, the country faces the challenge Ph.D., Professor, Department of garment manufacturers,” she stressed. of ensuring that these industries continue Agricultural Economics, College “Oisca International has always been to provide an important source of income of Economics and Management, concerned with how to help marginal and livelihood for the dependent sectors. University of the Philippines Los Banos, farmers in rural areas … Thus, the idea of These include the upland and forest College, Laguna 4031, Philippines. starting an Oisca silkworm rearing project communities that provide the raw E-mail: [email protected]) for silk yarn production in Negros materials and the rural and urban workers Occidental was conceptualized,” said engaged in the production and marketing Watanabe. The project has been supported of NWFPs in small home-based and by government and non-government medium- to large-scale factories. Towards agencies. (Source: Sun. Star [Philippines], this end, these industries must take 25 July 2008.) advantage of the available opportunities and face the challenges on both the Challenges and opportunities for the domestic and global fronts and the supply Philippine bamboo and rattan industries and demand sides. On the demand side, the Bamboo and rattan (B&R) are the most opportunities relate to the still growing important NWFPs in the Philippines and B&R global market estimated at US$11 other Asian countries. Many upland billion. Demand for high-quality products in communities are dependent on the developed countries is expected to remain gathering of these products in both the strong. The Philippines is in a good position natural forests and private bamboo farms to supply this market thanks to its for their livelihood. Similarly, employment competitive edge in craftsmanship for in B&R factories and home-based providing premium quality products for the Ornamental rattans industries is a major source of income for medium- and high-end market segments. In the Philippines, during garden shows numerous rural and urban workers in the Trade liberalization provides opportunities and market days in the rural and urban country. While the domestic market for for gaining greater market access not only areas, ornamental rattans, specifically these products in the Philippines is in the country’s traditional export markets Calamus discolor are usually displayed for believed to be quite large, the export but in the new markets of the Middle East sale. Along the national roads in the market has for many years been a and Eastern Europe. Because the major provinces of Laguna and Quezon, as well as significant and dependable source of supply constraint is the shortage of basic in Nueva Viscaya, Ifugao and other foreign exchange. raw materials, the Philippines needs to communities in the Cordillera Provinces, However, several problems have caused pursue concerted efforts in plantation ornamental rattans are included in their B&R exports from the Philippines to development and in managing the collections of orchids, ferns and other decline, both in absolute and relative remaining supplies in the natural forests, native ornamentals sold to tourists, terms, during the last decade. These particularly for rattan. Current supply motorists and other plant enthusiasts. problems primarily relate to the scarcity of management efforts for B&R must be Some village people from these upland locally sourced raw materials, rising labour integrated into the existing and future communities gather the rattan fruits of this costs and stiff competition in the global community-based forest management species, extract the seeds, germinate market. Rattan exports, mostly furniture, programmes. them, grow them in small poly-bags and have dropped from a year-high of US$129 Support for research and development in then sell. Others just collect the wildlings million during the period 1995-2000 to a production, processing and utilization must from the forests, pot them and sell. year-low of US$66 million during continue in key public research institutions. Other rattan species that have potential 2001-2006. During 1978-1985, when the This must be complemented by private as ornamentals include species belonging Philippines dominated the rattan furniture sector research to enhance production to the genus Korthalsia because of their export market, export revenues rose at an efficiency, product development and beautiful fishtail-like leaves. annual rate of 38 percent. By contrast, adaptation strategies in the sourcing and Income from ornamental rattans is not exports contracted at 5 percent annually use of alternative raw materials. There much, but can add to the livelihood of the from 1995 to 2006. Relative to other types should be continuing government support community. (Source: A.M. Palijon and A.B.

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Lapis. 2008. Production of rattan fruits and Conservation and Development to set up a %SUDAN their products as community enterprise. A National Committee for the Programme of paper presented during INBAR’s Global Man and the Biosphere, to undertake the Export marketing of Sudanese gum arabic Rattan Forum, Haikou, Hainan Island, preservation of biodiversity, including This policy note is a product of the Multi- China. 8-11 January 2008.). Rattan identifying locations for establishing Donor Trust Fund – National. This is one of Newsletter, ITTO, Philippines; ASEAN biosphere reserves. (Source: Arab News the two trust funds established under the Rattan Project 4, 6 June 2008.) [Saudi Arabia], 19 August 2008.) authority of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which was signed in January 2005. The trust funds that assist the %RWANDA % SENEGAL Government of National Unity and the Government of Southern Sudan are both KIE to research bamboo as an alternative Protecting livelihoods through mangroves administered by the World Bank. energy source Mangroves, one of the world’s richest The Sudan is the world’s largest producer Kigali. The Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) ecosystems, are declining in Casamance, of gum arabic, the dried exudate produced will be jointly involved with the University of southern Senegal, and thinning forests from the trunk and branches of the Acacia Antwerp in Belgium in research on bamboo spurred the Senegal-based non-profit senegal tree, known as hashab or hard gum, as an alternative energy source. The Oceanium to plant 6 million mangrove trees and the A. seyal tree, known as talha or flaky researchers will try to ascertain whether in a bid to reverse deforestation, thereby gum. Gum arabic is one of the four bamboo could be a dependable alternative boosting fish stocks and reviving livelihoods. important agricultural export commodities source of energy to fossil fuel in order to Up to 15 000 youth from 130 villages helped from the Sudan, along with livestock, cotton reduce pollution. with the two-month replanting effort, just and sesame. Dr Geert Potters, a bioscience engineer completed, which was the first of its kind in All the gum arabic produced in the and lecturer at the Belgian University, said Africa, according to Binetou Diagne, Sudan, mostly hashab, is exported. that preliminary findings from research Oceanium’s spokesperson. (Source: However, considerable year-to-year started two years ago proved that bamboo is Ziguinchor, 14 October 2008 (IRIN).) variations and overall declining gum a potential alternative energy. “Bamboo is exports from the country – the chipped, then fermented and it produces consequences of two severe Sahelian biogas. It also reduces soil pollution,” he droughts (in the mid-1970s and mid- added. 1980s), political unrest and inadequate James Vuningoma, KIE Vice Rector said marketing arrangements – have resulted in that currently in Rwanda bamboo is used to the emergence of new gum-producing manufacture baskets and furniture, but countries, chiefly Chad and Nigeria, which research could lead to another commercial produce mostly talha. benefit to the country. (Source: The New Times [Rwanda], 28 November 2008.)

Gum arabic is a pale white to orange %SAUDI ARABIA brown solid that breaks with a glassy fracture. If stored properly, it stays Kingdom to develop biodiversity strategy %SOLOMON ISLANDS unaltered for decades. Jeddah. The Council of Ministers yesterday decided to develop a national strategy for Honey production encouraged preserving biological diversity, involving the Honey production has the potential to help protection of all kinds of species, natural the economy and rural farmers engaged in Over the last 20 years, gum arabic locations, hereditary resources and training small and medium business activities. export values amounted on average to human resources for its development. The According to officials from the Ministry of US$40 million annually. Yet, over the last existing National Committee for Biodiversity Agriculture and Livestock, honey production 15 years, the Sudan’s share in the world should develop the strategy, Culture and in the country is currently very low because markets has declined sharply and is now Information Minister Iyad Madani said in a not many farmers are involved in the below 50 percent. World exports of talha statement to the Saudi Press Agency. industry. They said more farmers must are almost on a par with exports of Custodian of the two holy mosques King engage in honey production because the hashab. While there has been government Abdullah, who chaired the council meeting, honey of the Solomon Islands is one of the intervention in the marketing of all said that the national committee should also best and there are also many honeybees. agricultural exports in the past, gum prepare a database on the kingdom’s “There is no need to import honey for sale arabic is the only one for which biodiversity and classify all known types of in the shops if more farmers are engaged in government controls remain. environments, their geographic locations, the production of honey within their their history and the changes that they have communities and homes,” one officer said. Importance of gum Arabic production to undergone or that may take place. “By producing and selling honey, people can Sudanese rural people The Council of Ministers ordered the earn their living.” (Source: Solomon Star The livelihoods of up to six million National Commission for Wildlife [Solomon Islands], 15 July 2008.) Sudanese people, who live in traditional

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rainfed farming areas, where rural poverty better prices paid to farmers as well as empower small-scale producers and is in the range of 65 to 90 percent, depend more value-added captured in the Sudan. address climate change. At stake are the on gum arabic. Primarily produced by This positive development comes at a livelihoods of millions of rural poor. small-scale farmers (who give priority to propitious time as increased consumption (Source: Sudan Multi-Donor Trust Fund, food crop production, usually sorghum or of soft drinks and confectionery products, MDTF-National Sector Policy Note, 31 millet, to secure family nutritional needs), and the rapid development in health and December 2007.) gum arabic represents a crop dietetic products are boosting world diversification strategy to mitigate crop demand for gum arabic. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: failure. In addition, the acacia tree’s long Thomas Yves Couteaudier, Multi-Donor Trust lateral root system reduces soil and wind The future of the Sudanese gum arabic Fund-National or Asif Faiz, World Bank Country erosion. The tree has a regenerating industry Manager, Sudan Country Office, The World impact on the land. However, gum arabic Decontrol of the gum arabic export market Bank, Plot 39, Street 39, Khartoum East, production does compete with food and could increase export revenues for the Khartoum II, Sudan. Fax: +(249) 155155025; cash crops for labour resources and land Sudan and raise significantly the income of e-mail: [email protected] allocation. small-scale farmers. In addition to existing Agricultural operations, including gum inadequate marketing arrangements, two arabic harvesting, are primarily financed issues that will have to be addressed by % SURINAME by village traders using the sheil system. future policies and reform actions are the The traders typically provide cash, seeds, limited participation of gum producers in An innovative conservation group working tools and basic commodities (water, sugar, the development of the sector and a non- with indigenous tribes tea) for the households to get by during the conducive business environment that does Deep in the Suriname rain forest, an “hunger gap”. Farmers pay back in kind at not favour private sector expansion. innovative conservation group is working prices determined early in the season and Recent developments in the domestic gum with indigenous tribes to protect their usually integrating significant credit sector indicate the way forward: forest home and culture using traditional charges. government support to producer knowledge combined with cutting-edge associations has reaped good results and technology. could be scaled up throughout the gum The Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) is belt; the expansion of domestic partnering with the Trio, an Amerindian processing, which resulted in better prices group that lives in the remote Suriname- Gum arabic is a complex polysaccharide paid to farmers, also offers good prospects Brazil border area of South America, to that has food, pharmaceutical and for reviving the sector. develop programmes to protect their forest technical applications; its known uses The implementation of appropriate home from illegal gold miners and go back about 5 000 years. It is used policies and investments to support encroachment; improve village health; and for its properties as an emulsifier, improved gum processing and marketing strengthen cultural ties between thickener, binder, stabilizer and will generate additional income for small- indigenous youth and elders at a time adhesive. It is believed that soft drinks scale producers, thus contributing when such cultures are disappearing even and confectionery represent 70 percent significantly to the Millennium faster than rain forests. of the demand for gum arabic. Development Goal that calls for halving the share of populations suffering from extreme poverty and hunger. Such measures would also help increase the level of domestic value added, which would THE TRIO INDIGENOUS GROUP National policies and structures have a positive effect on the country’s The current gum arabic marketing policy overall economic growth. The Trio (or Tiriyó) are a Carib- has not been beneficial to the majority of In addition to the necessary policy and speaking indigenous group that lives in rural poor producers. This has led to institutional changes, the future of gum the forests of southern Suriname and reduced production and consequently arabic is also tied to better management of bordering areas of Brazil, primarily in exports, declining for the past 40 years at natural resources. Innovations in carbon small- to medium-sized villages headed an average rate of 2.2 percent per annum. finance offer an exciting opportunity to use by a grandman or chief. One of the key commitments made forestry as a means to promote rural and The Trio rely on small-scale slash- recently by the Government of National national development. But seizing this and-burn cassava (manioc) cultivation Unity under the Joint Assessment Mission opportunity will require the political will to as their principal source of food. This (JAM) framework was to “abolish the move forward with reforms that improve starchy staple is supplemented with export monopoly” over raw gum arabic. the governance of natural resources. fish and game taken from surrounding This commitment has not been Ultimately, success in reforming the rivers and forests. The forest provides implemented. gum arabic sector will depend on them with other important resources, However, the development of the concerted action with the international notably medicinal plants, building processing industry over the last four development community. It is necessary to materials, and dyes and resins. years has resulted in increased domestic level the domestic and international trade competition for raw gum and, in turn, fields, provide improved public goods,

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%THAILAND a result, the company gained its first capital of 20 million baht, which helped it AFM scents fragrant success to start manufacturing last year. Next year, Asia Forestry Management Co. (AFM), it plans to raise an additional 50 million Thailand’s largest agarwood producer, baht for the subsequent stage. plans to build up its brand overseas, Mr Chokechai said that in natural aiming for growth at the same blistering conditions, agarwood takes from ten to 40 pace as Red Bull. AFM founder Chokechai years to be productive, and that less than 5 Lavichant aims to follow in the Red Bull percent of plants produce oil, depending founder footsteps by developing a on soil quality and humidity. But, with presence in the export rather than artificial cultivation, oil can be extracted domestic market. However, his company’s within three years, making the business production will be based in Thailand along commercially viable. with its agarwood plantations. The company has an agar oil export Overseas demand for agar oil extract is licence from the Convention on already on the rise, especially in the Middle International Trade in Endangered Species ACT is providing the Trio with equipment East, where clients will pay almost any of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which and training so that “indigenous park price for the oil, considered one of the best guarantees its production will not cause guards” can map – and thereby someday for making perfumes and fragrances in deforestation. gain title – to their lands. The Trio use cosmetics. Beyond the Middle East, South Exim Bank’s research division reported Global Positioning System (GPS) units to Asia and Japan are also prominent that the agarwood industry rose to an document geographic features as well as markets, said Mr Chokechai, who adds that export value of 20 billion baht for Thailand the location of hunting grounds, places of agarwood extract is a luxury product during 2006–07. (Source: Bangkok Post spiritual significance and sites rich with because of its limited availability. [Thailand], 16 September 2008.) medicinal plants and other important Agarwood products are widely known as resources. Key to the process is bridging oud, the term used in the Middle East, the generation gap between indigenous where agarwood has been highly prized for %TOGO elders and youths: the shaman provide the centuries. The oil is also a base for younger rangers with the historical and fragrance production in Europe and is used Promotion des plantes aromatiques et cultural information needed to add critical in Japan’s pharmaceutical industry. médicinales details to the maps. In addition to mapping, Agarwood residue is the main raw material L’OPPAM est un organisme de promotion the indigenous park guards patrol forest for scented joss sticks. des plantes aromatiques et médicinales du areas for illegal activities, including mining In the global market, premium agar oil Togo créé pour aider les communautés de and collection of wildlife for the pet trade. extract is priced between 5 000 and 8 000 base à tirer profit de leur environnement ACT is also promoting the transfer of baht per tora (12 cc) or 400 000–700 000 par une meilleure utilisation de la ethnobotanical knowledge to Trio children baht per litre. biodiversité végétale. through the “Shaman’s Apprentice AFM started to build its agarwood Programme” where schoolchildren learn plantation four years ago after gathering POUR PLUS D’INFORMATIONS CONTACTER: the traditional uses of medicinal plants. financial support from private investors. It V.Y.M. Sodatonou, Secrétaire général, OPPAM, The programme is combined with an has just refined the first production of oil PK 14 route d’Anecho, ZI Baguida, B.P.107 indigenous health clinic that operates next from the first crop of its agarwood Baguida, Togo. Télécopie: +228 221 57 06 ; to a conventional health clinic. Both offer plantation early this year. Mr Chokechai Courriel: [email protected] free services to villagers. said AFM has its factory on a 500-rai (80 A critical part of these programmes are ha) agarwood plantation in Trat, which it the village shaman, medicine men and plans to expand to double capacity to 1 000 women who serve as custodians of the tora a month. immense biological knowledge of a people Commercial production of agar was who have survived in the Amazon rain prohibited in Thailand for centuries. The forest for generations. No-one understands trees that produce the valuable oil the secrets of these plants better than remained on a list of protected plants until these indigenous shaman but, like the seven years ago, when the country forests themselves, this floral genius is fast recognized the product’s economic disappearing as a result of deforestation potential. and profound cultural transformation Since then, agarwood has become an among younger generations. The combined industry. However, plantations require loss of this knowledge and these forests huge capital. ‘’We managed to raise funds irreplaceably impoverishes the world of from investors last year by offering two cultural and biological diversity. (Source: options – a return of 21.4 percent for two Mongabay.com [United States of America], years’ investment and 168 percent for four 28 July 2008.) years’ investment,’‘ said Mr Chokechai. As

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 18 January 2009 COUNTRY COMPASS 55

% TURKEY The VND11 billion (US$665 100) reserve, 12 km from the provincial capital of Thu Turkish valley to be developed as Dau Mot, opened to the public last April ecotourism area and covers nearly 10 ha. The 40 000-ha Cehennem Dere Valley (Hell The project is a collaboration between Stream Valley), which is home to rich flora the HCMC University of Natural Sciences, and fauna, has been found highly suitable the Binh Duong Province administration for a variety of ecotourism activities, such and authorities from France’s Rhone Alpes as trekking, terrain bicycling, flora region and the Pilat Natural Reserve. discoveries and observation of natural life, (Source: Thanh Nien Daily [Viet Nam], according to the study by experts from the 1 September 2008.) p Eastern Mediterranean Forestry Research the Uganda Wildlife Safaris, a tour and Institute and Istanbul University. travel agency, which would work closely As part of Turkey’s first ecotourism with district officials. project, a group of experts has examined a UWA Executive Director, Moses Mapesa, forest of cedars and spruces in the said UWA’s task would be to attract people Çaml›yayla district of the southern who are interested in vermin animals to province of Mersin to determine its fitness hunt the animals. UWA is planning to as an ecological site. extend the programme to other parts of Dr Ersin Y›lmaz, Director of the Institute, Uganda, the statement added. (Source: said that the valley has been scientifically New Vision [Kampala], 8 September 2008.) proved to be appropriate for seven types of ecotourism activities: observation of birds, flora discovery trekking, nature trekking, % VIET NAM discovery trekking for NWFPs, discovery walking, bicycle tours and observation of Bamboo reserve promotes conservation, wildlife. Of these, he said that observation relaxation of bird species has priority. The Phu An Ecological Bamboo Museum Pinus brutia (Turkish pine), Pinus and Botanical Reserve, also known as the thunbergii (black pine), the Taurus cedar Phu An Bamboo Village, is a multipurpose and the Taurus spruce are major examples centre promoting scientific research and of foliage that make the valley an attractive ecosystem conservation while educating spot for ecotourism, he added. the local community about environmental The valley is also home to various caves, protection and the value of ecotourism, cascades and geological forms. The said project head Dr Diep Thi My Hanh, a project is expected to serve as a model for lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) further projects in the field of ecological University of Natural Sciences. tourism in Turkey. (Source: Turkish Daily In addition to providing a research News (subscription) [Turkey], 25 July centre and laboratory for students and 2008.) academics, the reserve is also an ecotourism site, located in Binh Duong Province’s Ben Cat Commune, some 30 km % UGANDA from HCMC. The vast ecological reserve with its 130 Wildlife body in ecotourism venture bamboo species, including many rare The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has varieties collected from every corner of the signed an agreement worth US$3 million nation, is open for tourists. Its botanical (about USh4 billion) with a German garden is known for its gorgeous investor to manage wildlife that is not in landscaping, brought to life with lush gazetted parks. bamboo clusters and brilliantly coloured Lillian Nsubuga, UWA publicist, said in a flowers. statement that the investor, Christian The reserve also features a museum, Weth, would invest in ecotourism and which displays tools, musical instruments game farming in Luweero and Nakaseke and art made out of bamboo, as well as an Enthusiasm is the best protection in districts, which have animals such as endangered species room where rare any situation. Wholeheartedness is warthogs, leopards, bushbucks, hyenas plants and insects are kept. There is also a contagious. Give yourself, if you wish and Uganda kobs. “There is huge potential small theatre where visitors can watch to get others. for tourism, sport hunting and game documentaries about bamboo. The site David Seabury farming in this area. We will bring tourists features a bamboo maze made of rare to see the animals,” Weth said. He owns species.

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 18 January 2009