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NEWS AND NOTES 13

through forest-based agricultural characterizes scientific perspectives production of cereals (such as maize), stands in contrast with traditional concepts “Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) and tubers (such as cassava and yams) or of health that recognize the therapeutic consist of goods of biological origin . Similarly, traditional cultivation and sustaining values of food more other than wood, derived from forests, systems drawing on agrobiodiversity can holistically. other wooded land and trees outside make adequate food available in spite of The widespread use of roots, barks and forests.” potential intermittent and seasonal other forest plant parts as medicines «Les produits forestiers non ligneux shortages of many forest foods. Thus forest appears to offer public health benefits, but sont des biens d’origine biologique food resources can provide a valuable these are difficult to validate scientifically. autres que le bois, dérivés des forêts, safety net when there is a shortage of food Ethnobotanical studies in tropical forest des autres terres boisées, et des arbres crops. Undoubtedly forest biodiversity is areas typically document knowledge of hors forêts.» the basis of nutritional sufficiency for some hundreds of species within local «Productos forestales no madereros populations. Forest products such as the communities and the widespread use of son los bienes de origen biológico fruits of Mauritia vinifera and other plants in primary health care. Much of the distintos de la madera derivados de los Brazilian palms rich in provitamin A (beta- recorded data on the use of medicinal bosques, de otras tierras boscosas y de carotene and other carotenoids), are plants are anecdotal and idiosyncratic, and los árboles fuera de los bosques.» recognized as exceptional nutrient sources. their specific contribution to the health of (FAO’s working definition) However, the nutrient composition of most individuals cannot be effectively evaluated wild species and minor crops has been without controlled investigations. poorly studied. Ethnopharmacological research, including Links between food and health are clinical studies, demonstrates the efficacy increasingly understood in terms of the of many traditional remedies while failing BIODIVERSITY AND THE functional benefits provided by to substantiate the pharmacological value % DIETS AND HEALTH OF , including numerous of many others. Long-term epidemiological FOREST DWELLERS carotenoids and phenolics, apart from their studies would be needed to confirm the value as essential nutrients. Stimulants of contribution of specific remedies, Most societies recognize that food, immunity and antioxidant, glycaemic and phytomedicines or foods to the health of medicine and health are interrelated. Food lipidaemic agents can moderate populations. Even these remain inadequate is typically associated with cultural identity communicable and non-communicable to measure the efficacy and contributions and social well-being. Indigenous peoples’ diseases such as diabetes, cancer and of traditional healing practices to physical foods form part of rich knowledge systems. cardiovascular illness. Guava, for example, and mental health. Traditional food systems typically draw on is rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which Nonetheless, for forest-based societies local biodiversity and are based on local has recognized anticancer properties. that draw on traditional knowledge for production and management of land and Many nuts have a high content of specific most of their subsistence needs, the use of specific environments. oils such as omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts) a diversity of resources can be expected to Ethnobiological literature documents and mono-unsaturated fatty acids contribute to health. Although many the historical and current importance of an (almonds, macadamias, pistachios, traditional subsistence systems depend on array of resources consumed by ) that reduce the risk of one or more staples such as cassava, sago, communities living in and around the cardiovascular and other diseases. Argan rice or maize, these diets are kept diverse world’s forests. It also demonstrates the nuts (Argania spinosa) from the and balanced through small but richness of the traditional knowledge of southwestern part of Morocco offer similar complementary amounts of animal-source indigenous and local communities related benefits, but many forest species with foods including birds, fish, insects and to the gathering and hunting of plant and commercial potential have not been molluscs, as well as sauces, condiments, animal foods and the medicinal value of characterized for their specific fatty acid snacks and beverages obtained from forest species. From a wide range of composition. The of many forest plants. (Source: Unasylva, 57(224): 34–36.) ecosystems, some 7 000 of the earth’s species are rich sources of xanthophylls plant species have been documented as that contribute to optimal eye function. gathered or grown for food, and thousands Examples include leaves of Gnetum spp. more have medicinal properties. and Adansonia digitata (baobab), which are From a nutritional perspective, forest widely eaten in sub-Saharan Africa, and environments offer ample sources of Cnidoscolus acontifolius, which is locally animal (vertebrate and invertebrate) important as a vegetable in Central protein and fat, complemented by plant- America. derived carbohydrates from fruits and While these kinds of functional tubers and they provide diverse options for properties of foods are seldom recognized obtaining a balance of essential vitamins by local communities without the benefit of and minerals from leafy vegetables, fruits, scientific analyses, people often attribute nuts and other plant parts. Although many value in treating or preventing disease to forest types have scant wild sources of particular foods. Indeed the distinction carbohydrates, this lack can be overcome between food and medicine that Adansonia digitata

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 15 July 2007 14 NEWS AND NOTES

BIOPROSPECTING/ grupos étnicos, los cuales poseen all. While fair compensation for exploiting %BENEFIT SHARING identidades culturales diversas y varias indigenous knowledge can be important, OR BIOPIRACY? formas de relación con el territorio y la there are other issues at stake, says biodiversidad. En términos biológicos, Ratuva. “It's not only a matter of money,” Brazil regains açaí trademark from Japan Bolivia es un país megadiverso.Existen he says. “There are certain aspects of the Açaí once again belongs to Brazil. This más de 14 mil especies catalogadas sólo en culture which a lot of communities think typical fruit from Amazonia was registered plantas vasculares, es decir plantas cannot be bought or sold.” He says that in Japan in 2003 as a trademark of the K.K. superiores y no se sabe cuántas de éstas recognition of local people's world view Eyela Corporation. Early this month, the plantas tienen relación cultural con must be part of the process in working out Genetic Heritage Department of the poblaciones humanas. any patent or bioprospecting agreements. Ministry of the Environment stated that the Fuente: Bolpress, La Paz, 27 de febrero Pacific genes and life patents can be açaí trademark had been cancelled by 2007. downloaded from: www.earthcall.org/en/ order of the Japan Patent Office, the agency publications/index.html (Source: ABC responsible for trademarks in Japan. The Science Online, 20 March 2007.) decision is not final – the company still has 30 days in which it can file an appeal. If the China moves to protect traditional company fails to counterclaim the knowledge trademark, the case is closed. Legislators in southwest China's Guizhou The Government has produced a long list province are mulling a regulation aimed at of 3 000 scientific names of plants of protecting property rights for traditional Brazilian biodiversity, together with their knowledge, especially that relating to common names, which swells the list to biological resources. 5 000 names, and has distributed it to For centuries the Miao ethnic group in trademark registrars throughout the world southwestern China extracted in order to prevent another case like this remedies to combat colds, coughs and one appearing. (Source: O Estado de São pneumonia from a type of grass called

Paulo, 21 February 2007.) “Riches of the forest: for health, life and spirit in Africa” guanyin cao. But their failure to patent their traditional knowledge has seen them Es hora de registrar los conocimientos Hands off our genes, say Pacific islanders deprived of the chance to profit from it, said tradicionales de Bolivia para enfrentar Pacific islanders are demanding the power An Shouhai, vice-head of the Guizhou a la biopiratería to restrict patenting of their human, plant provincial bureau of intellectual property El Servicio Nacional de Propiedad and animal genes, even if they run foul of rights. The case of the Miao is an example of Intelectual (SENAPI) se ha propuesto international patent laws. A new book biopiracy, said An. A foreign company pre- sistematizar y registrar los conocimientos documents 16 “acrimonious” encounters empted the Miao by patenting the remedies tradicionales, las expresiones del folklore, between scientific researchers and derived from guanyin cao and is now making los ritos y rituales e inclusive la artesanía indigenous communities and calls for a fortune from it. boliviana con el fin de proteger estos Pacific states to take a united approach to The forthcoming regulation is an effort to aportes históricos de las comunidades gaining control over such patents in the fight against biopiracy. China currently has indígenas que corren el riesgo de region. no laws and regulations to protect traditional fragmentarse, desaparecer o hasta The book, Pacific genes and life patents, knowledge or species such as guanyin cao. sucumbir ante la biopiratería. is published by the international (Source: Xinhua [China], 3 March 2007.) En su milenaria convivencia con sus indigenous activist group Call of the Earth hábitats, los pueblos indígenas y campesinos and the United Nations University in Tokyo. Peru creates online biodiversity register han ido desarrollado experiencias Coeditor of the book, Aroha Mead of the Peru has created an online system with full sostenibles de manejo de los recursos Victoria University of Wellington in New public access to regulate biodiversity naturales, y sobre todo han aprendido a dar Zealand, says that lack of regulation and research. The measure should ensure varios usos a las especies de animales y knowledge about the latest genetic Peru's authority over its native genetic vegetales. Los conocimientos tradicionales technologies and intellectual patent law heritage, according to a press release from están estrechamente vinculados a la noción has made the region a major target for the National Institute of Natural Resources de territorio. commercial gene hunters. The book says a (INRENA), which will run the system. El consultor de la Organización Mundial major problem is that communities INRENA is already working on de Propiedad Intelectual (OMPI) Javier involved in research often do not give implementing the system, which should be Corro fue contratado por el SENAPI para informed consent. completely operational in two months. It realizar un diagnóstico sobre la protección Scientific research and patenting may includes a database showing in real time the de este tipo de conocimientos en Bolivia offend deeply held cultural values, says national and international research being con el objetivo de crear, a mediano y largo coeditor Dr Steven Ratuva, of the University done with genetic resources native to Peru. plazo, una Unidad de Registro de of the South Pacific in Fiji. He says that The system will include a register of Conocimientos Tradicionales. patents on genes in researchers who have applied for a permit Se trata de una titánica labor tomando conflict with the traditional view that these to work in protected sites, forests and en cuenta que en Bolivia habitan más de 30 plants are common property, available for wildlife habitats. Both local and

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 15 July 2007 NEWS AND NOTES 15

international researchers will be asked to settlers made a from spruce provide a research proposal and a letter of and beeswax. authority from their supporting institution. In 1848, John B. Curtis made and sold the If the application is accepted, a permit will first commercial chewing gum called the be automatically issued within two weeks. State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum. In 1850, INRENA will work with the relevant Curtis started selling flavoured paraffin authorities to decide what information will gums that became more popular than be requested from researchers. This spruce gums. On 28 December 1869, system will enable the tracking of scientific William Finley Semple became the first collection activities both inside and outside person to patent a chewing gum – US protected areas. And by centralizing patent no. 98 304. information about research on genetic In 1871, Thomas Adams patented a resources, it should also allow authorities machine for the manufacture of gum. In 1880, to prioritize proposed research. may actually benefit in one way or another. John Colgan invented a way to make chewing Brazil announced a similar system The chemical alternatives of birch distillate gum taste better for a longer period of time earlier this month. (Source: SciDev.Net, 22 are much more harmful, for example, for while being chewed. By 1888, an Adams' March 2007.) water insects and plants, as well as for chewing gum called Tutti-Frutti became the fish. It is harmless for humans. first to be sold in a vending machine. (Source: It will take about three years to analyse http://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventi BIRCH DISTILLATE the composition of birch distillate and to ons/a/gum.htm) %HELPS IN CONTROLLING register it as a pesticide will take a few AGRICULTURAL WEEDS more years. Only after registration can it be Chewing gum in prehistoric times AND PESTS marketed as a pesticide. (Source: Hannes Mäntyranta, forest.fi, 10 January 2007.) It is quite difficult to imagine that chewing MTT Agrifood Research Finland is studying gum is one of the oldest types of sweet in the possibilities of distillate made of birch the world. Archaeologists have actually in controlling agricultural weeds and pests. % CHEWING GUM found evidence that prehistoric men and Originally birch distillate was a by- women used to chew on tree product in charcoal production. The first Chewing gum market because of its flavour. This was more than idea of using the distillate in controlling Gum is big business – and it is getting a thousand years ago. It was also pests was found in national traditions. For bigger. The global chewing and bubble gum discovered that many cultures chewed on Charcoal Finland, birch distillate is no market is now worth around UK£10 billion, some form of gum. The ancient Greeks longer only a by-product but is a very good according to Cadbury Schweppes’s director called tree resin mastiche and chewed it product for preventing the smell of of global gum. to clean their teeth and freshen their compost. Moreover, painting a paddock It is growing at 8 percent per year – breath. (Source: Business Portal 24 [press fence with birch distillate stops horses from double the rate of the sweets market and release], 30 March 2007.) gnawing the fence. Farmers who have significantly higher than chocolate’s trouble with elks have found it useful to 5 percent. In most countries, sales are moisten wood pellets with birch distillate surging, driven by gum’s popularity as a : how gum works and hang them from the branches of trees. preferable alternative to high-calorie Americans spend something like US$2 However, it is not possible to claim publicly snacks and cigarettes, as well as improved billion a year on gum. The average that elks or other animals can be controlled gum recipes and packaging. American munches more than a pound with birch distillate, because its actual That is why Cadbury, which entered the (0.45 kg) of it every year. composition is not known. This is what MTT gum business after buying Adams, the The original chewing gum is a natural Agrifood Research Finland plans to discover. American confectionery group, for product. It is made from a rubbery The amount of birch distillate produced £2.7 billion in 2003, is so keen to expand its compound called chicle that comes from in connection with charcoal production is chewing gum activities. This month it the sapodilla tree. A cut into its bark not negligible: 1 000 litres of distillate from entered the United Kingdom with the produces a rubbery sap, which is the base 20 m3 of birch used. MTT Agrifood launch of Trident, taking the fight to for natural chewing gum. In the same way Research Finland is working on the best Wrigley, the market leader. (Source: Times that one could chew on a rubber band all ways of using birch distillate. Judging by Online, 2 April 2007.) day long without it disappearing, you can the tests it has made, both in greenhouses chew on chicle all day long. Chicle is a and on open fields, birch distillate has a Chewing gum timeline . wide scope. It destroys weeds found with The ancient Greeks chewed mastiche – a In the late 1800s, people discovered that carrots with no detriment to the carrot. It chewing gum made from the resin of the you can flavour chicle. You take a chunk of also repels pests, such as molluscs, tree. The ancient Mayans chewed chicle, heat it up a bit to melt it, and then gastropods and snails. chicle which is the sap from the sapodilla start mixing sugar and flavours into it. There are almost no negative effects tree. North American Indians chewed the The only problem with chicle is that found in birch distillate. Living organisms in sap from spruce trees and passed the habit there is not enough of it to go around. There the soil are not harmed by it, but instead along to the settlers. Early American are not nearly enough sapodilla trees to

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supply the world with gum base. Today just work with forest communities and learn how provide them with the awareness and about every piece of chewing gum on the they are making use of available forest knowledge needed to continue providing market contains an artificial gum base products. Using a participatory learning communities with the necessary support. instead of chicle. The gum base is just like process, detailed surveys of local forest Once pilot projects have been established, any other plastic or synthetic rubber in use resources are conducted, studies of local FAO meets with policy-makers and planners today. The goal is to create a tasteless, and regional markets are undertaken and to talk about larger structural and legal artificial rubber that has the same kind of new product, manufacturing and marketing bottlenecks that inhibit small-scale forest temperature profile and consistency as opportunities are identified. At the same enterprise development, with a view to natural chicle. (Source: HowStuffWorks. time, the communities draw up effecting reforms. com [in Belleville News-Democrat, United management plans for the sustainable use (Source: FAO Newsroom, 13 February 2007.) States of America], 27 March 2007.) of the targeted natural resources and develop business plans for pilot enterprises, FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: which run from harvesting, production and Sophie Grouwels, Forestry Officer, Community- ENTREPRENEURS processing to marketing. based Enterprise Development (CBED), %DON'T GROW ON TREES FAO recently collaborated with the Forest Policy Service, Forestry Department, Government of the Lao People's Democratic FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Entrepreneurs don't grow on trees – but Republic to implement a CBED project in Italy. Fax: (39) 06 570 55514; with a little help from FAO, poor families that country, where 41 percent of the e-mail: [email protected]; around the world are starting their own national territory is covered by forests and 80 www.fao.org/forestry/site/35689/en small forest businesses. percent of the population live in rural areas. An innovative new approach from FAO is Six pilot projects were established in the helping poor people around the world to turn poorest part of the country, where annual trees into cash income, without felling trees. household incomes average from US$200 to “It's not just timber companies that benefit $800. The project’s results so far have been from forests – about 1.6 billion people extremely encouraging. In Ban Lack village, worldwide depend on them for all or part of where a grassroots cooperative was already their livelihoods,” says Sophie Grouwels of engaged in manufacturing table and FAO's Forestry Department. “And they often chair sets, project participants learned new do so in ways that don't always involve designs and bettered their production cutting down trees, but through harvesting techniques in order to improve product of renewable, non-wood forest products.” quality and lower production costs. Now they Fruits, nuts, herbs and , , are earning 20 percent more on each set that gums, fibres – all these non-wood forest they sell, and are earning more thanks to a products provide poor families around the new roadside sales point. A group of women world with food, nutrition and income. in the nearby Ban Nathong village have “Riches of the forest: for health, life and spirit in Africa” Indeed, some 80 percent of the population identified a new market for , of developing countries use such products established a growing house, made FEMALE in one way or another to meet health and connections with retailers and boosted their %ENTREPRENEURS IN nutritional needs. monthly incomes by US$108. THE NWFP WORLD “We believe that people could do even All in all, ten community-level businesses more with these renewable resources in employing 239 people were established. Israel's Bedouin women turn desert order to fight hunger and poverty,” says Increases in the incomes of participating plants into skin remedies Grouwels. “Perhaps there are more households ranged from US$5 to $70 per The Bedouin town of Tel Sheva in the Negev efficient ways to harvest them. Maybe they month – 15 to 50 percent more than they desert was founded in 1968 as part of a could be processed into a product that sells were making before. At the same time, small government project to settle Bedouins in for more in local markets, or even village development funds were established permanent communities. Unemployment marketed overseas.” using the profits as a way to provide locals among the town's 30 000 inhabitants is That is why FAO's Forestry Department with access to the credit needed to create running high and there is little urban or established its Community-based Tree and new or scale-up existing operations. industrial infrastructure. So why has this Forest Enterprise Development (CBED) Grouwels hopes that these ten pilot projects settlement been attracting so many Programme with funding from the will be the inspiration for many more. visitors? The reason is a new project to help Norwegian Government. The project helps Helping forest communities to help Bedouin women turn native plants and poor communities set up and sustain small themselves is only part of the solution, flowers into skin remedies. businesses while giving them incentives to according to Grouwels. Governments need to Set up two years ago, Asala Desert manage and protect their resource base make a more explicit link between Nature is nearing its commercial launch, better, allowing them to tap the wealth of antipoverty efforts, forest resource with a range of unique skin care products nearby forest resources without depleting management and economic development based on traditional Bedouin herbal lore, them. programmes. This is why FAO's CBED due to reach the Israeli market in the next In CBED projects, FAO teams up with project brings national and local officials into four to six months. Sales to Europe will government extension agents and NGOs to the process early on, to educate them and begin hopefully next year.

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The Asala project was founded when the to NWFPs. (Contributed by: Mamta local community centre in Tel Sheva Chandar, Director, Jagriti, # 341, Ward 12, approached the Center for Jewish-Arab Shishamati, Kullu 175101, HP, India. Economic Development (CJAED), a non- Tel./fax: 91-1902-226537. profit organization founded in 1988 to E-mail: [email protected]; promote economic cooperation between [email protected]; Israel's Jews and Arabs, with the idea of www.jagritikullu.org) setting up a training programme for women using desert plants found in the Negev. Using knowledge handed down from The CJAED's Women's Empowerment generations to produce commercial Unit trained women from scratch, teaching products them everything they might need to know in Discorea deltoidea Knowledge and skills handed down from order to run a successful business in the generation to generation have found a new field. To learn more about the plants and encouraged to plant these trees in their lease of life in the production of marketable their role in Bedouin life, the women marginal lands with a view to boosting goods to provide much-needed cash for local interviewed their mothers, grandmothers production of wild or semi-wild fruits. producers. and other elderly female relatives. To In addition, the organization is growing During the Committee on Forestry strengthen this folk knowledge, the women nurseries of medicinal plants that are (COFO), which took place at FAO also underwent a training programme in threatened in the wild, such as Picrorhiza headquarters from 13 to 16 March 2007, FAO medicinal plants. kurrooa, Dioscorea deltoidea, aconites and distributed folders and other materials Though the group plans eventually to valerians of two species. made by villagers in the Lao People's create a line of medicinal, nutritional and We feel that women's economic Democratic Republic and Guatemala using skin care products, they decided to focus at situations can be vastly improved through local handicrafts. first on skin care. “If you live in the Negev systematic conservation and value addition Weaving to produce mats is a desert, the conditions are very harsh on traditional knowledge in the Lao People's your skin and you have to look after it,” Democratic Republic, handed down from explains Kiram Baloum, the director of the generation to generation by women. It is a Women's Unit. “That's their niche.” AFRICAN WOMEN'S valuable tangible national heritage that the Originally the women of Asala planned to DEVELOPMENT FUND government is making efforts to preserve. build their own laboratory, but they Tapping into this knowledge, FAO asked discovered it was going to be too expensive. The African Women's Development the villagers of Ban Lak 62 to produce Instead they contacted Hlavin, an Fund (AWDF) funds local, national, folders for COFO made of bamboo sheets. international cosmetics manufacturer and subregional and regional organizations The initiative is part of an FAO project exporter, which agreed to let Asala use its in Africa working towards women's launched in 2004 to help local communities laboratories in Ra'anana. Hlavin carried out empowerment. It is an institutional develop businesses and market their a feasibility study of its own, which showed capacity-building and programme products to obtain greater profit for a promising market for Asala products in development fund, which aims to help artisans themselves. Thongdeuane Europe. build a culture of learning and Keomany, who has studied bamboo The goal now is for the women to grow partnerships within the African handicrafts for more than ten years, taught the plants and condense them into a women's movement. In addition to the women in the village of Ban Lak 62 the formula of either olive oil or alcohol. Hlavin awarding grants, the AWDF attempts basics of bamboo weaving – a tradition that will take these formulas and turn them into to strengthen the organizational was in danger of being lost. She then a range of products that Asala will then capacities of its grantees. It funds work helped the women to produce not only market under its own name. in five thematic areas: women's human simple items but also more complex Most of the women involved in the rights; political participation; peace products of a quality that would be good project are married with children and all building; health and reproductive enough to meet international market have the support of their husbands. rights; and HIV/AIDS economic requirements. (Source: Israel 21C, 19 February 2007.) empowerment. The AWDF gives grants At the same time, FAO has helped the in three cycles every year. Applications women to establish links with national and Jagriti can be sent in at any time. regional markets to buy the products. The Jagriti is a community-based women's result has been that the weavers have been organization in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE able to increase their incomes from 40 to 50 India. It consists of over 900 poor hill women CONTACT: percent. Another positive outcome is that the organized into savings and credit groups. The African Women's Development Fund, villagers have started to pay more attention One of the areas of activity and interest is 25 Yiyiwa Street, Abelenkpe, PMB CT 89, to how they manage bamboo as a valuable value addition to the fruits of wild apricot, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana. Fax: + 233 21 natural resource on a sustainable basis. peach and walnut. The organization is now 782502; e-mail: [email protected] or Symbolically, a woven mat is synonymous making cold pressed oil from the kernels of [email protected]; www.awdf.org to a “council” in pre-Columbian Maya these wild species. The women members culture, where dignitaries discussed public are engaged in this process and are matters while squatting on a woven mat.

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Similarly, FAO involved a local village in For as long as anyone can remember, HISTORY OF FORESTRY Guatemala in the production of cords for African women have been using butter %AS IT DEVELOPED IN building passes for participants attending made from the found inside the shea CENTRAL EUROPE COFO using local skills, with the help of for cooking, healing and moisturizing Maya Republic, a local NGO. skin and hair. Rich in vitamins A, E and F, For the first time, FAO has displayed a Hand weaving, using waist looms, is a all antiwrinkle, moisturizing and skin historical collection of rare forestry books traditional practice of Mayan women in regeneration agents, the seed also dating back to the eighteenth century that Guatemala. Originally, this was done to contains , which is good for skin provide a snapshot in time of the state of create fine traditional cloth. However, the elasticity, as well as steroids for muscles forest research as it first developed in beauty, high quality of the textile and and it protects against the sun. Central Europe and evolved through the tourism have helped to diversify and open Promoted by cosmetics brands such as beginning of the twentieth century. markets for products made using this L’Oréal, and L’Occitane, the Acquired from the International Center of ancient technique. For the production of the popularity of products has Silviculture (CIS), the first permanent cords, 80 women from the village of San increased considerably over the years, with international forestry organization founded in Antonio Aguacalientes worked in their spare Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso as the top Berlin in 1939, the collection is the first ever time. The colours used to make the cords producers. For Burkina Faso, shea butter is attempt to document worldwide all came from natural ingredients found in the the second export item after cotton. publications related to forestry by scientists. woods: green and blue were extracted from “Women in villages across the country The goal of the library was to establish tree bark, fruits, leaves and herbs; and red, harvest the nuts,” Kassoum Soudre, the annual updated bibliographies of forest- orange and brown were extracted from an finance officer for the country’s Project related literature from European countries. insect that lives in a local cactus. Karité, said. “We try to organize them in With a considerable number of valuable Beyond their use at this international groups, provide them with equipment or books, mostly in German, dating back to the committee meeting, the cords are being credits and help them improve production.” eighteenth century, the collection offers a marketed as a new product introduced to unique glimpse into the beginnings of the local market to enhance further the forestry as a science as it first developed in preservation and use of Mayan traditional Central Europe. knowledge and culture. (Source: FAO The collection is also special in that it Forestry Newsroom, 5 March 2007.) survived the Second World War. Scientists made arduous efforts to protect it from the Shea butter sales change African women’s war by asking extraterritorial rights for the plight library and the protection of the Swedish spirit in Africa” Little do buyers of cosmetics containing embassy. In 1944, with the assistance of the shea butter realize that sales of this age- centre’s Secretary General, scientists old beauty-boosting nut are helping legions themselves drove and moved the books in “Riches of the forest: for health, life and of African women to feed their children and lorries at their own risk, from Berlin to send them to school. In the Ghounghin women’s self-help Salzburg. When fighting seemed imminent in Off a dirt track in the shanty town of cooperative, the nuts, once shaken off the Salzburg in 1945, the scientists moved the Gounghin, on the edge of the capital of trees and dried in the sun, are pounded in books again to a castle, a mine and some to Burkina Faso, Evelyne Kabole and Honorine electric grinders to separate the Ramsau in Austria, to keep them protected. Ilboudo haul heavy buckets of water and from the shells. They are then ground into a Most of the collection therefore remained knead shea paste in large plastic basins. paste. Bent in two, women workers beat intact throughout the war. Eventually in 1951, Both are widows with six mouths to feed. the paste by hand for 20 minutes until it at the end of the war, the collection was They belong to the Songtaab-Yalgre becomes butter. Once separated, it is transferred to the FAO premises in Rome, Association, which in the language of the heated, filtered, cooled and either sold as which succeeded the CIS. local Mossi people means “help each other”. butter or made into soaps and creams. The collection is significant for its Set up in 1990 to teach women to read Most of the work is done by hand; profits historical and scientific value. It includes and write, the association is now dedicated are shared and the association is run by the books authored by renowned scientists who to shea butter production. It has 1 174 women themselves. With no intermediaries established forestry as a science, such as members, 60 of whom live in Gounghin and involved, domestic and foreign sales Humboldt, Brehm, Cotta, Hartig, Pfeil, the others in villages outside the capital comply with fair trade conditions. Pressler and Brandis. It also covers botany, Ouagadougou. The initiative is in line with the tenets zoology, silviculture, growth and yield, and Shea butter, commonly known as karité, upheld on International Women’s Day, forest engineering. derives from a fruit that grows on the shea celebrated each year on 8 March. In “No other such collection exists in any nut tree (Butyrospermum parkii) found only developing countries the day has focused other library worldwide,” said Elizabeth in Africa’s dry Sahel belt from Cape Verde to notably on empowering women to take part Johann, an expert in forestry history, who Chad. The tall sacred trees scattered around in the economic as well as the political life reviewed and assessed the collection and villages cannot be planted. They grow alone, of their countries. (Source: The Peninsula organized the exhibit. “It demonstrates that bearing fruit only after 25 years and then online, Qatar, 7 March 2007.) (See page 36 sustainable forest management dates back only once every three seasons, but their for information on female entrepreneurs in to the eighteenth century and that lifespan is about two hundred years. Honduras.) international collaboration within the

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 15 July 2007 NEWS AND NOTES 19

scientific community continued even in times along the coast) function as a natural of war and national disagreements.” (Source: shield in lowering the intensity of sea tides, FAO Forestry Newsroom, 5 March 2007.) as well as providing a variety of economic uses. Sea algae and coral reefs also play an important role in averting the severity of MAN FINDS WAY TO GROW natural disasters. These mangroves, sea %FAMED FRENCH TRUFFLE algae and coral reefs are valuable non- timber forest resources (NTFRs) occurring The legendary French Périgord truffle along the seashore. (Tuber melanosporum) has found its way to Mangrove forests have a symbiotic East Tennessee (United States of America), relationship with all creatures. Mangrove the first in the state. Thomas Michaels, a plant species have multiple economic uses botanist with a Ph.D. and a plant pathologist, and based on these the tree species yield has figured out how to grow the famed fungi very useful industrial timber, wood fuel and in the tree system of hazel nut and oak charcoal of high calorific value. Most of the trees. He has harvested his first crop. tree and shrub species are also sources of Knoxville chefs were his first customers, NTFRs, such as edible fruits and leaves, paying about $800 per pound (0.45 kg), indigenous medicines, , seed fatty Cinchona calisaya which is cheap considering the world oils, thatching materials and sedges market price is more than $2 000 per pound. fencing material, fibres from palms and The Perigord truffle, also known as the grasses, , fodder and manure. In from rosy periwinkle (Catharanthus Black Diamond, is hard to grow, requiring addition to these uses and the fact that they roseus); treatments for enlarged prostate the right soil, climate and tree root for can provide protective walls against tidal glands from Prunus africana; forskolin, colonizing. T. melanosporum varies in size waves, they act as another conservation which has a variety of medicinal uses, from from a pea to a chicken egg. It will only grow mechanism for ecological balance. the root of Coleus forskohlii; medicines for in loose, humid, sun-drenched soil and It is therefore essential to conserve treating diabetes from Dioscorea needs cool wet nights, where its mycelium these NTFRs. A list of plant species that dumetorum and Harungana vismia; and (tiny hair-like filaments) nestle and find occur naturally in and around the sea is several medicines based on leaves of the nourishment in tree roots. available from the author to help scientists succulents of the Mesembryanthemaceae Michaels says his harvesting season to propagate them sustainably, manage family. Some of these products are now (January to end February) has just ended. By and harvest NTFRs for the uses given synthesized, but others are still collected March, the odd-looking, knobbly, coal-black above, avoid their extinction through from the wild. The economic value of mushrooms have faded and are in their tree scientific and environmentally sound traditional medicines is considerable, with root homes. harvesting practices and replenish the reports that the bark of Prunus africana The smelly but celestial-tasting fungi dwindling resources to obtain multiple alone is worth US$220 million annually for were once prevalent in southern France and uses. (Contributed by: Ms Alka Shiva, the pharmaceutical industry. were harvested in tonnes. Today, the yield is President and Managing Director, Centre Traditional health care systems are down to 10–50 tonnes per year worldwide. of Minor Forest Products (COMFORPTS), based on significant local knowledge of Michaels planted his trees in 2000, HIG – 2, No. 8, Indirapuram, GMS Road, medicinal plants in all major tropical areas. starting with plants that were about 16 PO Majra, Dehra Dun – 248 171, India. These systems are important, particularly inches (40.6 cm) tall. The hazel nuts are now E-mail : [email protected]; where formal health care services are 10–12 feet (approximately 3–3.6 m) tall, and http://www.angelfire.com/ma/MinorForest absent. The market for traditional the soil around them bubbles with birth. Products) medicines is large and expanding, and According to Michaels, a good orchard can much of it is in the hands of women, produce maybe 50 pounds (22.7 kg) per acre particularly that involving less (0.4 ha). A normal yield, he says, is 10–20 MEDICINAL USES commercially valuable medicinal plants. pounds (approximately 4.5– 9.0 kg) per acre. %OF NWFPS There is also growing scientific evidence of (Source: Knoxville News Sentinel [United the efficacy of some of these widely used States of America], 25 March 2007.) Medicinal products from forests traditional remedies. Many forest plants and animals produce At the same time, medicinal plants are poisons, fungicides, and other threatened globally. Some of the threats MANGROVE FORESTS, biologically active compounds as defence include slow growth patterns of desirable SEA ALGAE AND mechanisms, and many of these have species, loss of traditional mechanisms % CORALS HELP TO medicinal uses. Compounds that have that contributed to sustainable use and COMBAT TSUNAMIS common medicinal uses such as cola nuts, competing uses of the same species, in caffeine, chocolate, chilli peppers and tandem with growing commercialization All the coastal regions in the Pacific, cocaine are found in forest areas. Many and global markets. Certification of Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are western pharmaceutical products derive medicinal plants and better forest vulnerable to a tsunami disaster. from tropical forest species, e.g. management techniques offer two possible Mangroves (the vegetation found in and from Cinchona spp.; cancer-treating drugs partial solutions.

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 15 July 2007 20 NEWS AND NOTES

Pharmaceutical companies have Two types of are used in food: If successful, this could become the first sometimes been charged with reaping Cinnamomum verum, which is used in single treatment for the metabolic unacceptably large benefits from forest many sweet baked goods and syndrome. (Source: The Age [], peoples’ knowledge, given the widespread Cinnamomum cassia, which is a stronger 7 February 2007.) (See page 60 for poverty in forested areas. Attempts to used in foods. There is no clear information on medicinal fungi in Alaska.) establish collaboration between the answer to which cinnamon can help fight pharmaceutical industry and local high blood sugar levels, cholesterol, Type 2 Tree bark molecule may combat malaria communities in bioprospecting have had diabetes or even heart disease. There is no A compound derived from tree bark has mixed results. (Source: Unasylva, 57[224]: 7.) true answer if cinnamon at all can help potential as a preventive treatment for with these problems, but Cullen says things malaria, according to a study published in the Aussie bee honey – an in the look promising. (Source: Daily Vidette journal PLoS Medicine. The treatment United Kingdom [Illinois, United States of America], 7 March targets the early stages of malaria infection, A British hospital is using honey from 2007.) which would make it difficult for the parasite Australian bees to combat superbug to develop the kind of drug resistance that Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus hampers conventional malaria treatment aureus (MRSA), a that is resistant programmes. to conventional antibiotics. The James Scientists have isolated a new molecule, Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough tazopsine, from bark collected in has been using honey from a colony of bees Madagascar's eastern rain forest. They found only found in Queensland to clean infected that N-cyclopentyl-tazopsine, a less toxic wounds, along with dressings that contain compound derived from the molecule, was gum extracted from seaweed. The honey effective against early liver-stage malaria seals the injury and the seaweed extract parasites in animal tests. However, the draws and absorbs the harmful bacteria. compound is ineffective once infection has (Source: Ninemsn [Australia], 27 February reached the red blood cells.

2007.) Cinnamomum cassia Tazopsine comes from the stem bark of the plant Strychnopsis thouarsii and is the Boswellia serrata extract scores well in Research into medicinal value of fungi sole ingredient in a traditional used as a COX-2 comparison Scientists at the University of Western treatment for malaria infection. The authors Boswellia serrata extract performed as well Sydney, Australia, are working to see of the study hope that variants of tazopsine- as a selective COX-2 inhibitor in a controlled whether the medicinal fungi Ganoderma related molecules can be tested to find one of clinical study to assess its effect on relieving lucidum can reduce high blood pressure, low , suitable for clinical trials. osteoarthritis pain, researchers report in the glucose and cholesterol. When coupled with A resurgence of malaria since the 1980s, February issue of the Indian Journal of insulin resistance, these conditions bring combined with a shortage of conventional Pharmacology, 39(1): 27-29. about metabolic syndrome, a precursor to drugs, has forced many Madagascans to rely Boswellia serrata has a long history of Type 2 diabetes which affects an increasing on medicines from more than 200 plants to use in Ayurvedic medicine, popular in India, number of Australians. Also known as reishi, fight the disease. This has triggered scientific and its gum resin is reputed to have anti- G. lucidum has been used as a cure for a interest, as Madagascar's long isolation from infiammatory, antiarthritic and analgesic wide range of diseases for 2 000 years. neighbouring countries has resulted in a properties. (Source: NutraIngredients- Cultivation has increased over the last unique mix of plants and animals. usa.com [France], 20 March 2007.) 30 years, and preliminary animal and Tests on chimpanzees are due to begin human pilot studies seem to suggest that it this year in Gabon, while tests on Rhesus Cinnamon may help fight against Type 2 can have a positive effect on blood sugar monkeys will be carried out in Thailand diabetes levels, cholesterol levels and blood fats. before the end of the year. (Source: PLoS Research studies have shown that The – an inedible fungi Medicine, 2 January 2007 [in SciDev.Net cinnamon has been linked to lower blood typically the size of a bread and butter plate Weekly Update].) sugar and total cholesterol levels. The – contains about 200 active chemical research has focused on people with Type 2 compounds, but researchers believe that a diabetes. The main ingredient in cinnamon group called the polysaccharides are the that helps people with this diabetes is most effective. Traditional users believe it proanthocyanidin. “For people who have is most potent when taken in combination Type 2 diabetes, insulin doesn't seem to be with another medicinal mushroom called getting enough sugar into the cells and this Cordyceps sinensis. is where cinnamon comes in. Cinnamon The researchers will put this theory to helps the cells absorb more sugar,” said the test when they enlist 170 people with Robert Cullen, assistant professor of food metabolic syndrome symptoms for a four- nutrition and dietetics in Family and month trial. Participants will have either Consumer Sciences, who has been capsules of powdered reishi alone, a monitoring research studies such as these combination of the two mushrooms, or a for many years. capsule.

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 15 July 2007 NEWS AND NOTES 21

Rain forest bark could destroy rare child state and district level bamboo tree conservation, community education, cancer organizations and enterprises in a environmental management, volunteer The bark of a rain forest tree could destroy federating mode. It also provides project projects, community ecotourism and a rare childhood cancer, scientists have development and implementation, scientific research on the flora and fauna of found. technical consultancy and turnkey services the region. The South American Lapacho colorado on all aspects of bamboo sector In addition to managing the three reserves, contains a natural plant product that development in collaboration with its the foundation is currently developing shrinks eye tumours by causing cancerous partners. management plans for the areas surrounding cells to die. Laboratory tests show that the CIBART’s main area of focus is to all three cloud forest reserves, reforesting compound, called beta-lapachone, works achieve livelihood development, ecological Alto Choco and conducting environmental at low doses, making it an ideal treatment security and economic development education in the surrounding communities. for child patients with retinoblastoma, a through the sustainable use of bamboo and malignant tumour of the retina. rattan. Its primary focus is to benefit poor FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: The uncommon disease accounts for rural communities. Fundación Zoobreviven, 6 de Diciembre N32-36 about 3 percent of cancers in children and Currently, CIBART has four community- y Whymper, Quito, Ecuador, South America. remains fatal in the developing world owned organizations in the states of E-mail: [email protected]; although it is one of the most curable Tripura, Manipur, Maharashtra (Konkan www.zoobreviven.org/ cancers in developed countries. But one area) and Himachal Pradesh that are not problem that exists with the traditional for profit companies. Within each state, the The Finnish Nature-based approach of radiotherapy is the association local organizations set up by CIBART have Entrepreneurship Association of long-term ill health and even death in extension linkages in each village, backed The Finnish some cases. up by field technical resource centres at the Nature-based Researchers at California University in subdistrict level. (Contributed by: Manu Entrepreneurship the United States of America found that Mayank, Chief Executive Officer, I-4, Association was beta-lapachone was effective in inhibiting Jangpura – B, New Delhi – 110014, India. founded in 2001. the growth and spread of retinoblastoma Fax: +91-11-24374802; www.cibart.org.) It is a non- cells and actively induced their destruction. governmental Their findings, published in the medical national journal Eye, are consistent with those from organization formed studies of the effect of the product in other by entrepreneurs and development human cancers, including breast, colon and organizations. The association collects lung tumours. together actors in nature-based L. colorado or red lapacho, so called entrepreneurship for cross-sectoral because of its scarlet flowers, grows in the cooperation (nature tourism, handicrafts warmer parts of South America such as and food products) in order to integrate Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay and entrepreneurship, education, development Bolivia. It was commonly used by the activities and research in the sector. There medicine people of the Indian tribes long are approximately 300 entrepreneurs and before the advent of the Spanish in the New 100 expert organizations in the sector at World. The natives use the wood to make the moment. bows for archery. (Source: national news in One of the main interests of the Life Style Extra [United Kingdom], 16 association has been to increase the March 2007.) Fundación Zoobreviven, Ecuador ecologically friendly business culture, since Fundación Zoobreviven is a private the sustainable use of nature is one of the Ecuadorian, non-profit organization main values and marketing arguments in NON-PROFIT created in 1997 and recognized by the the sector. The association has been a %ORGANIZATIONS Ecuadorian Ministry for the Environment. partner in several project activities, both AND NGOS Its objective is to conserve the national and international. All of its biodiversity of Ecuador through responsible activities are based on close cooperation Centre for Indian Bamboo Resource and use of natural resources, scientific between entrepreneurs and other actors. Technology (CIBART) research, environmental education, CIBART is a non-profit networked wildlife, plant and tree conservation and FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: organization dedicated to the development of development of economic alternatives for Katri Kranni (chair of the association), The the bamboo sector in India. Its establishment local communities. Finnish Nature-based Entrepreneurship was facilitated by INBAR (the International Three reserves are managed in northern Association, Kampusranta 9 60320, Seinäjoki, Network for Bamboo and Rattan). Ecuador, including the 2 500-ha Alto Choco Finland. Fax: +358 (0)6 421 3301; CIBART serves as a catalyst for the Reserve and the nearby 7 500-ha Chontal e-mail: [email protected];www. bamboo industry in India, undertaking Reserve, both in the Choco bioregion. The luontoyrittaja.net. (See page 15 of Non-Wood various collaborative livelihood work is to preserve these important News 14 for more information on nature-based development projects. It brings together environments through wildlife, plant and entrepreneurship.)

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 15 July 2007 22 NEWS AND NOTES

NTFP CURRICULUM At the moment, given the fact that NWFPs up. India has an advantage in its proximity to %DEVELOPMENT have only been able to be PEFC certified spice farms, with Kochi the hub of oleoresin since November 2006, there are very few activity, according to Synthite Industry Dr Eric T. Jones of the Institute for Culture examples among the PEFC accredited Chemicals, which accounts for nearly half of and Ecology (IFCAE) is offering an online schemes, even though the potential is high. the Indian oleoresin and spice oil extract course on non-timber forest products These examples include: exports. culture and management through Oregon • – certified in Spain and Portugal In the last fiscal year, India exported 6 225 State University (United States of America). • – certified in Italy tonnes of oleoresins and spice oils, worth The course is geared to upper division • Honey, chestnut and : soon to be Rs500 crore. According to spice board students as well as professionals certified in a certified Italian forest figures, within threequarters of this period, interested in training on NTFPs. • Truffles and mushrooms: soon to be 5 010 tonnes worth Rs402 crore were International participants are encouraged. certified in already certified forests of shipped out and the industry is sure to The course is taught twice a year in the Italy, France and Spain improve even more. spring and autumn. In addition to readings, • Animal meat – there are plans for this to High costs in the West have forced the videos, and engaging online discussions be certified in Italy and Spain (and industry there to outsource from India and participants conduct a project identifying possibly other countries) where there flavour houses across the globe look to the NTFPs in their local community. Results of are hunting plans and fenced forests country to source their products. The these projects will be made available PEFC's aim is to ensure that the world's industry’s major breakthrough came in the through the IFCAE Web site. forests are managed sustainably and that mid-1980s with the development of their functions are protected for present oleoresin paprika, followed by oleoresin FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: and future generations. chilli. The list of oleoresins from spices Eric T. Jones, Institute for Culture and Ecology, PEFC certified timber, non-wood and includes , celery, , , PO Box 6688, Portland, Oregon 97228-6688, paper products are an independently mace, cumin, , mustard, garlic, United States of America. verified assurance to consumers and coriander, cassia/cinnamon, and E-mail: [email protected]; www.ifcae.org/ companies that they are buying forest Mediterranean herbs such as . projects/osuntfpcourse/index.html products from sustainably managed Some products such as light pepper forests. By choosing PEFC, buyers can help berries, not available in India, have forced combat illegal logging. the industry to import from Viet Nam. While %NWFP CERTIFICATION PEFC's role as an independent, non- earlier Sri Lanka was the main source for profit NGO is to secure that the same high the pepper, the shift to Viet Nam was due to The harvest of standards are applied by all its endorsed the price advantage. NWFPs plays an certification systems globally and thus by is the latest entrant to the industry important role in forest managers, paper and timber with the development of a nature-identical the sustainable companies and their external certifiers. vanillin oleoresin. Oleoresins from management of (Contributed by: Antonio Brunori, PEFC cassia/cinnamon are being consumed by the community Council ASBL, 2ème étage, 17 Rue des beverage industry and mustard oleoresin is agriculture and Girondins, Merl-Hollerich, L – 1626 another item that is making big inroads into forest resources Luxembourg. Fax: +352 26 25 92 58; e-mail: the global market. worldwide. NWFPs [email protected]; www.pefc.org) (See page 52 The process of isolating the active present many new challenges and for information on NWFP certification in principle has helped in the manufacture of opportunities in certification because of Nepal.) lutin from marigold flowers as a colouring their wide range of management practices agent. (Source: Financial Express [India], 25 and difficulties in monitoring harvest and February 2007.) processing. OLEORESINS ADD The PEFC Council (Programme for the % FLAVOUR TO FOOD Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) issued a technical document with From mere extraction, the Rs500 crore specifications for the origin for the purposes oleoresin industry has now gone beyond of the PEFC label and declarations for diversifying into nutraceuticals and NWFPs. This document is Appendix 8 to the cosmaceuticals to enter the dietary standard that rules the traceability of supplement area, becoming a producer of certified products, from forest to the market food ingredients in savoury and sweet (Annex 4 to PEFC Council Technical flavour items. The industry is now turning Document). The document is normative into a one-stop food and flavour solution. when the organization establishes a chain of India accounts for 70 percent of world custody for the certification of NWFPs in oleoresin production with competition from order to use the PEFC logo and/or China, the United States of America, Sri declarations on NWFPs. The appendix was Lanka, South Africa and Latin American approved by the PEFC Council General countries. Brazil, India and China are the Assembly on 27 October 2006. market leaders, with South Africa catching Zingiber officinalis

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 15 July 2007 NEWS AND NOTES 23

PARTENARIAT POUR heals radiation burns, reduces scarring, % LES FORÊTS DU BASSIN heals or improves psoriasis and a host of DU CONGO other skin conditions and, taken internally, has been proved to improve heart health Le Partenariat pour les forêts du Bassin du and gastrointestinal disorders. Congo (PFBC) est une association The leaves, high in vitamins, minerals, regroupant une trentaine d’organisations proteins and other natural anti- gouvernementales et non inflammatory compounds, can be dried for gouvernementales. Il a été créé en tea, powdered as an ingredient in soaps and septembre 2002, lors du Sommet mondial creams, and steeped to make a soothing sur le développement durable rinse for irritated skin. Studies are ongoing (Johannesburg, Afrique du Sud). to determine the healing and nutritive Le PFBC a pour objectifs d'améliorer la possibilities of sea buckthorn bark. communication entre ses membres et la All told, this superfruit, known to ease coordination entre leurs projets, and soften scar tissue and arteriosclerosis, programmes et politiques afin de reduce inflammation and cell death and promouvoir une gestion durable des forêts reverse burn damage, has over 191 known

du Bassin du Congo et d'améliorer la “Riches of the forest: fruits, remedies and handicrafts in Latin America” bioactive compounds for topical and qualité de vie des habitants de la région. internal applications. (Contribution de: Christophe Besacier, SYNERGISTIC While Asia and Europe have used sea Conseiller régional forêt environnement %SUPERFRUIT: buckthorn commercially for several Afrique centrale, Ministère français des SEA BUCKTHORN decades, the industry is new in North affaires etrangères, Gabon; courriel: America. The health and supplement [email protected]; Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), industries are just starting to pay attention [email protected]; www.cbfp.org) named a “superfruit” for its robust (and draw attention) to this plant. (Source: nutritional properties, is poised to outrun Press release, SBT Sea buckthorn many other functional foods. It has recently International Inc., 16 April 2007.) RAIN FOREST SILK been rated second of ten potential % COOPERATIVE superfruits, based upon four criteria including nutrient density and potential for TEA TREE OIL ( The Rain Forest Silk CooperativeTM is a disease impact (www.berrydoctor.com). %ALTERNIFOLIA) AND ITS newly organized consortium of four In studying the superfood and superfruit RISKS producers of wild silk products on four phenomena, nutritional science is continents: India, Indonesia, Madagascar recognizing that nature is capable of Tea tree oil, an ingredient found in many and Namibia. It produces high-quality silk providing, in such varied single foods as beauty products, has been named unsafe textiles, yarns and decorative objects from wheatgrass juice, garlic, and by the European Union (EU) and could be wild silk cocoons. Each member of the now sea buckthorn, a foodborne banned after research discovered that it cooperative uses a unique species of silk inoculation against ill-health that may cause skin irritation and reduce the moth to make the products. laboratories cannot match. effectiveness of antibiotics. The cooperative’s products come from While the nourishing and healing Regular usage of tea tree oil, which is impoverished rural farmers, and primarily properties of sea buckthorn are relatively sometimes used undiluted to help get rid of women. Its long-term goal is to provide new to the West, they have been well spots, and insect bites, could increase new means of income generation while known in the East for hundreds of years. the user's risk of contracting superbug implementing enterprises that focus on Almost the entire plant is suitable for infections such as methicillin-resistant maintaining native forests instead of consumption and topical application. The Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), according cutting them down. fruit pulp, rich in such antioxidants as to research claims. Tea tree oil makes Current members of the cooperative vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and these infections more resistant to include: Appropriate Technology India numerous flavonoids (complementary antibiotics. In addition, the EU has warned (atindia); the Royal Silk Project of micronutrients that work in concert with against using tea tree oil undiluted, as even Indonesia; the Kalahari Wild Silk, Namibia; more familiar vitamins), plus the rare and small doses can cause skin rashes. the Ny Tanintsika silk project in valuable palmitoleic acid (known to support However, it has said that beauty products Madagascar; and Conservation through wound healing and cell health), can be such as , which use the oil in Poverty Alleviation International (CPALI). pressed for juice, freeze dried and minute quantities, are safe. The Rain Forest Silk Cooperative is a packaged as a supplement, and The EU said it may ban the oil from being member of the Fair Trade Federation. incorporated into topical skin preparations. used in the undiluted form later this year if The fruit oil can be extracted separately manufacturers fail to convince EU FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: and taken internally or externally. scientists that it is safe for human use. The Rain Forest Silk Cooperative, 221 Lincoln Oil from the seeds is high in several fatty (Source: Pharmaceutical Business Review Road, Lincoln, MA 01773, United States of America. acids, including omegas 3 and 6 in a critical [United States of America], 19 February www.rainforestsilk.org/index.html 1:1 ratio; applied topically, the seed oil 2007.)

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 15 July 2007 24 NEWS AND NOTES

“VOICES FROM synthetic fibres do not respond well to the %THE FOREST” dye. VOICES FROM THE FOREST Jharna, a producer of natural colours, NEWSLETTER said that saris and other fabrics coloured in palash-based dyes are not only lasting and Voices from the forest is the bulletin of good-looking but also safe to use. the NTFP Exchange Programme for Although the process of preparing dye South and Southeast Asia. Now from palash is quite lengthy, the weavers of published twice yearly, it highlights Sambalpuri textiles in the Sonepur district activities and pressing issues related to now use it as it is more economical NTFPs in the region. It is available in compared with chemical dyes. print and online from: The palash tree has many uses. The http://ntfp.org/sub.php?gosub=info- dried flowers are used as a diuretic. The vftf&iid= gum obtained from the tree contains tannin A recent film available from the NTFP and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea. Exchange Programme “Voices from the Locals say that the seeds have deworming forest –balancing forest use and properties. The wood of the tree is soft and conservation in Southeast Asia” provides durable and is used for making boats. introductory material to the lesser-known FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: According to one local, “All the parts of this group of NTFPs, stressing the interrelations Ms Aloisa Zamora-Santos, Information tree are useful. Its seeds, flowers and even of land rights, traditional management of Management Officer, Non-Timber Forest the stems have medicinal value. If only this resources and marketing of these various Products Exchange Programme for South was better known, then we could conserve forest-derived products. and Southeast Asia, 92-A Masikap Extension, it and grow more to make it a trading The film captures the stories of Barangay Central, Diliman, commodity to sell to other states.” (Source: indigenous peoples living in or near tropical Quezon City 1101, the Philippines. DailyIndia.com [United States of America], forests in Southeast Asia, and their Fax: +63 2 4262757; 28 March 2007.) p dependence on NTFPs for their survival. e-mail: [email protected]; www.ntfp.org Through their voices as well as of some of (See page 26 for information on another DVD their supporters, we can share in their from the NTFP Exchange Programme.) dreams and aspirations, together with their fears as the rapidly changing world poses new challenges to their indigenous WEAVERS USE DYES lifestyles. OF WILD FLOWERS TO We are offered a rare insight into: %COLOUR HANDSPUN • the nomadic Penan people’s reliance on CLOTH sago palm in the face of threats from a large logging company (Malaysia); The palash flower (Butea monosperma), • traditional and sustainable harvesting, known as the “flame of the forest”, production and marketing of wild honey remained unnoticed until Orissa’s Sonepur in Danau Sentarum (Indonesia); district farmers discovered its commercial • the Ikalahan tribe’s struggle to protect value: locals found these flowers with their their traditional forest by transforming red petals to be an ideal source to prepare fruits of the forest into jams and jellies dye for colouring fabrics. for the high-end niche market (the Sambalpuri saris from western Orissa, Philippines); bed sheets and mats dyed with the colours • the Higaonon tribe’s indigenous fabric, of palash flowers have become extremely the hinabol, tied to traditional popular and are in great demand. management of abaca (manila hemp) In Birmaharajpur, Orissa, people collect and the fast-disappearing art of hinabol these odourless flowers that grow in weaving (the Philippines); and abundance in the countryside and earn • the crucial market links provided by the their livelihoods by selling them to Upland Marketing Foundation and the weavers. Children also help in flower CustomMade Crafts Center, and their collecting. “Palash blossoms in the chaitra tireless efforts at aiding local (spring season). We give them to the communities to develop marketable weavers and get two to five rupees per kg,” handicrafts and food products. said one flower collector. He that plants trees loves others (Produced by: Riak Bumi, Telapak and the The flowers are dried (since palash is a besides himself. NTFP Exchange Programme for South and seasonal flower it is dried for use all year English proverb Southeast Asia, 2005. DVD [43 minutes]. round) and the colours are extracted to dye Available in English and Khmer.) cotton, silk cloths and natural fibres;

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 15 July 2007