ISSN 1020-3435 Annon-woodnon- information bulletin on Non-Wood Forest Products JULY 2009 19

EDITORIAL

The editorial for this issue of Non-Wood News has been written by Sophie Grouwels, Forestry Officer in charge of the small-scale forest enterprise development programme.

The Millennium Development Goals commit most countries to reducing global poverty in half by 2015. Perhaps nowhere are the stakes higher for meeting this goal than in forest-dependent communities in tropical countries, where CONTENTS poverty tends to be more pervasive and deeper than in urban and more-favoured rural areas. According to the World Bank, approximately 90 percent of the 3 Guest Article poorest people rely on forests for subsistence and income. The development % • Communicating research for of small and medium forest enterprises (SMFEs) represents an opportunity for impact and accountability strengthening the livelihoods of these people and conserving the natural resource base through sustainable forest management and processing of 6 Special Features timber and non-wood forest products (NWFPs). Local benefits from SMFE % Marketing of traditional NWFPs development may include wages and employment, profit-sharing, capital • Are valuable? Synopsis of accumulation, cultural and political empowerment, investment in public goods, mopane worms and increased conservation of forest ecosystems through long-term sustainable • Bark cloth makes comeback on management. international fashion scene • Chambira palm: baskets bring a Several new market trends favour the development of SMFEs, including new way of life to Peruvians increased tourism, providing expanding markets for handicrafts and ecotourism; • Ecoenterprises and Terminalia specialized export markets, e.g. fair trade NWFPs and bio-ingredients; and ferdinandiana: “best laid plans” and growing specialized domestic and regional markets for NWFPs such as , Australian policy lessons and palm hearts. In this issue, Non-Wood News has highlighted a variety • First FSC-labelled gin from of aspects related to this development. For example, one of the Special Features Belgium includes information on the marketing of traditional NWFPs, including various • Consumers’ contribution towards handicrafts. In addition, in the Products and Markets section, you will find articles biodiversity – the cork case study on the fair trade of two specific NWFPs (shea butter and palm fronds), as well • Honey and wax: a sticky challenge as information in the Products and Markets section on bamboo and rattan. • Custom-made Crafts Centre: creating new markets and However, most SMFEs are not able to capture the benefits from these opportunities appropriate strategies for fully. They struggle to advance beyond the start-up stage of business development, communities exhibiting low levels of output, productivity, value added and profit. Overcoming • International logos for local these challenges requires concerted action and long-term investments among products in Nepal the various stakeholders, including SMFEs themselves, their business partners • Brazilian brokering company to (processors and buyers) and service providers, as well as government agencies market Amazonian NWFP oils and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). One of the key constraints that • Guatemalan maya nut producers participate in the Terra Madre event in NON-WOOD NEWS • Marketing and export of yarina is compiled and coordinated by Tina Etherington, Forest Products Service of the FAO Forest Products and Industries Division. For this issue, editing support was provided by Adam DeHeer; language editing by Roberta Mitchell, Josiane (Phytelephas macrocarpa) in Bonomi and Deliana Fanego; design, graphics and desktop publishing by Claudia Tonini. Loreto, Non-Wood News is open to contributions by readers. Contributions are welcomed in English, French and Spanish % and may be edited to fit the appropriate size and focus of the bulletin. If you have any material that could be included in the next issue of Non-Wood News for the benefit of other readers, • Mistletoe infection of amla, the kindly send it, before 15 October 2009, to: NON-WOOD NEWS – FOIP value of local management FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy practices E-mail: [email protected] www.fao.org/forestry/nwfp/nonwood.htm FAO home page: www.fao.org All Internet links cited were checked on 5 July 2009. Articles express the views of their authors, not necessarily those of FAO. Authors may be contacted directly for their reference sources. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. SMFEs face has to do with isolation. They are isolated in various ways, not only from neighbouring enterprises with whom they might work for scale efficiencies and bargaining power, but also from potential buyers who would give them sales options, from financial and business development service providers who would help them with sustainability and upgrading and from decision-makers governing their forest access and use.

Forest Connect, an alliance launched in 2007, is dedicated to tackling this. Its overall goal is to avoid deforestation and reduce poverty by better linking sustainable small forest enterprises to each other, to markets, to service providers and to policy processes such as National Forest Programmes. In fact, across the different countries where Forest Connect operates there are signs that SMFEs can contribute – and are already contributing considerably – to local economies and the sustainable management of the forest, including NWFPs.

• Summer berries in British % NWFPs – a global perspective United Republic of , United Columbia, Canada • NWFPs in States of America, Viet Nam, • Thousands of Thai pickers • PFNM en América Latina invited to Finland • NWFPs in Europe 61 Econook • Berry products showcased • PFNL en Afrique % : Minister tasks on • Antioxidant in berries stops wrinkles • NWFPs in Western and bioresources development • Açaí berry, superfood or • NWFPs in Asia and the Pacific % Forest elephants and their role in superfraud? % Non-profit organizations and NGOs “planting” trees in the Congo • “Miracle fruit” turns sour things • ApiTrade Africa % Forests move rain: study sweet • The Association for Nature and revolutionizes meteorology • Guarana beverage Sustainable Development (ANDES), % workshop winds up with resolve • Maqui superberry Peru to create a regional network • Berry-based natural sweetener • Le Centre de développement des % Transboundary rain forest park in "" to hit the market in 2009 forêts communautaires au West Africa: a symbol of peace and Cameroun stability 15 News and Notes % Palm fronds: fair trade and % Wild food biodiversity % Biodegradable chewing gum ecofriendly % Bioprospecting/benefit-sharing or % Photovoices: new way to share 63 International Action biopiracy? traditional knowledge % FAO, The XIII World Forestry • Bioprospecting: “The Green Gold % Sustainability standards in wild Congress, Center for International Rush” harvesting – FairWild and Forest Research (CIFOR), • moves to protect traditional ISSC-MAP International Year of Natural Fibres from foreign patents % The role of NWFPs and forests in 2009 • Rural communities in to improving and sustaining livelihoods benefit from plan to market natural • Forests sustain livelihoods 67 Recent and Forthcoming Events plants • The role of NWFPs in improving • Biopiracy in the Cuzco region, Peru rural livelihoods 70 Publications of Interest % Bird flu antivirus sourced from Indian % Tulsi to “insulate” the Taj Mahal trees % Who owns the world’s forests? 74 Web Sites % “Cork ReHarvest” % Educational tool with a difference 24 Products and Markets 75 Readers’ Response % Forests, human health and the % Bamboo, Frankincense, Hedychium impacts of climate change spicatum, Honey, Kava, Medicinal % Hope for Africa in baobab plants and herbs, Natural fibres, % Japan’s Denso develops “organic” Rattan, , Sandalwood, radiator tank Sclerocarya birrea, Shea butter, , Wildlife and bushmeat Non-wood forest products (NWFPs) are goods of biological origin other than wood, derived 40 Country Compass from forests, other wooded land and trees % Armenia, Bangladesh, Benin, , outside forests. Non-timber forest products Bolivia (Plurinational State of), (NTFPs), another term frequently used to cover Bulgaria, , , this vast array of and plant products, Canada, , Colombia, Ethiopia, also include small wood and fuelwood. , Georgia, Ghana, India, Italy, However, these two terms are used Krygyzstan, Liberia, , Mexico, synonymously throughout this bulletin. Other , Nepal, , Peru, terms, such as “minor”, “secondary” or , Republic of “speciality” forest products, are sometimes Korea, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, used to keep original names and/or titles. Sudan, Tunisia, United Kingdom,

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COMMUNICATING dissemination. Trickle down embodies a %RESEARCH FOR IMPACT belief that communication is a hierarchic AND ACCOUNTABILITY one-way process, with little or no input from the users of the research, whether What do we do with our research when it is these constitute the government, industry complete? Publish the results in a peer- or community. New models of research reviewed journal and knock off the donor examine not only with whom we share report. Then begin anew – on to the next results, but also the process itself, with paying project. This well-entrenched the goal of increasing equity along the model generally ignores communicating chain from research design to with governmental decision-makers as dissemination. Participatory paradigms well as communities at the site of the recognize the capacity of ordinary people research. The prevailing pattern creates a to create knowledge – not only scientists, chasm between where knowledge is but also farmers, hunters and forest generated and where it is needed. Like gatherers. logging and mining, such an extractive To improve the conservation and approach to research rarely leads to development outcomes of bioculturally positive ecological or livelihood outcomes Disenchantment among donors, related research, the links between where the work was conducted. communities, conservationists and culture, communication and natural Some of this stems from the fact that researchers resource use need to be better recognized. scientists are generally measured, and Researchers cite lack of time, funds and To begin with, researchers need to be thus moulded, according to one training as routine obstacles to sharing forthright when proposing research topics. overarching parameter – their publication research. Communicating science to civil Have they been to the proposed site? Is the record. Scientists are trained to produce society in an accessible language is also question of relevance local, national or science, and rewarded for making their considered damaging to one’s professional regional? What outputs are planned? Who findings available through international reputation. Institutional incentives remain is the anticipated audience? What scientific journals. While the peer-review firm to engage in linear, top-down communication channels will be used to system is a cornerstone of modern communication of results that, in turn, disseminate the research? Although these science and critically important as an guarantees positive performance are rudimentary questions, researchers assurance of scientific quality, the present measurement in research and academia. often lack the training and the emphasis on quantity of publications may Such a surfeit of publishing has made communication skills needed to identify undermine quality, innovation and risk- scant progress in ameliorating impact pathways and use them. Discussed taking in research. Critics contend that impoverishment, either of human below are some of the challenges and current incentive structures trigger communities or ecosystems. Such a wide opportunities for improving performance anxiety, leading to short-cuts, gulf between knowledge and action has communication and giving increased reduced amount of time spent in field led to what some term a “biodiversity attention to culture in natural resource research, superficiality and stagnation in tragedy in progress”. and NWFP-related research. science. An insightful study of 2 202 written texts In research involving forest resources, relating to conservation and natural Training for relevance and accountability especially NWFPs, such trends are resource management over a 450–year First, the common practice of developing particularly disturbing. Why? One reason period in Peru discovered that less than research questions and projects in areas is that local people are often more 1 percent was directed at lay people or geographically and conceptually distant knowledgeable about forest resources students. Summarizing what the authors from the site of research can result in than scientists, and in-depth field of the study find to be “dysfunction in the studies of little relevance at the local level. research is necessary to understand tropical literature”, it is concluded that As a result, conservation and development complex management systems. Cultural “written accounts of tropical biology and projects may serve limited and/or self- practices are also linked with natural conservation reach a tiny fraction of their serving aims – a graduate degree, a resource use, and the insights of forest- potential audience … publication or a project output. In addition reliant people are fundamentally One cannot hope for the advance of frequently to having minimal local important to conservation and tropical conservation and science while relevance, projects addressing the development. Furthermore, on an ethical shrugging one’s shoulders at the vastly interface of people and natural resource level, what does it signify to take inefficient way tropical biologists generate use are often intrusive. Homes are entered information and knowledge from and share information.” without invitation, rounds of questions struggling forest communities and not Today, rural communities are fatigued asked, incomes and diets pried into and give back? Frustration with the lack of and donors disenchanted by the revolving communal areas entered and surveyed. impact of research and the missing links door of projects without concrete results. After the last round of data entry has taken between knowledge and action have led In response, development practitioners, place, villagers are accustomed to glimpse to calls for a more discerning analysis civil society organizations and scientists researchers’ backs as they leave with of how researchers communicate and are questioning the “trickle-down and data-filled notebooks and household disseminate their findings. translate” models of research and surveys. Where does accountability lie?

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Significant gains have been made hopeful signs of growing interdisciplinary involving company–community partnerships collaboration. regarding benefit sharing and prior Since the 1990s, after the signing of the informed consent. However, the intrusive Convention on Biological Diversity, work nature of project teams and graduate has been under way to improve socio- students entering communities to conduct economic and environmental justice for research has received less attention. Right traditional peoples. Theoretical and now, thousands of researcher scientists, practical progress is evident in the graduate students and project consultants development of agreements for prior are working within rural communities on informed consent and more equitable natural resource-related issues. Of these, benefit sharing, and in strengthened codes how many will leave anything of use behind? of ethics and protection of intellectual Recently, the need to bridge the gulf property rights. These mechanisms between knowledge and action and to be represent significant milestones towards more accountable to local people, policy- more equitable relationships that respect makers and civil society has been the cultures and traditional knowledge of highlighted by students, academics and communities. conservationists. Professors and students Culturally attuned research and Actors that help move information from are calling for greater equity in research communication where it is generated to where it is needed – processes and products. To improve Communication was formerly viewed as a often known as knowledge brokers or relationships between local communities top-down, linear process, with knowledge boundary organizations – also play a and researchers, students will need conveyed by experts to the uninformed. critical role. Knowledge brokers help to improved training in equitable research Today, the flow of information is recognized prevent the costly practice of reinventing processes that move beyond prior as a complex, interactive, multidirectional the wheel, as they “search out knowledge, informed consent. When working closely exchange or “shared learning”. Interactive synthesize research and scan for best with communities on issues of local communication is now conceived as a practices and examples from outside their relevance, consent to someone else’s means to maximize the impact of research organizations”, according to the Canadian agenda is insufficient. Local people in the on development. New approaches to Health Services Research Foundation. vicinity of research need to participate communication in the health sector, where Although fundamental to an impact- more fully in research design and agenda lives are literally at stake, offer useful oriented approach, the critical networking setting. lessons. In the field of health care, uptake capabilities, flexibility and linking functions To achieve this, proposal conception and pathways are clearly defined and the need they perform are often undetected, development in natural resource-related for interaction and dialogue with affected undervalued and/or actively discouraged by themes need attention. Timetables set by communities widely recognized. performance measurement systems at academic advisers or donors should not Researchers working in environmentally research institutes. To increase the require researchers to submit fully fledged related fields have lagged behind but are potential for impact from research, such proposals prior to minimal understanding also recognizing that more attention to organizations should seek out and or even a visit to research sites. Initial communication, local knowledge systems encourage individuals who demonstrate drafts of project proposals involving local and culture is needed. these skills. communities are better left as rough Cultural practices and traditional A serious argument against researchers’ sketches. These can later be delineated in knowledge systems have customarily engagement in communicating results is the field with local constituents, rather remained unrecognized and/or that they are already stretched too thin. than be invented and belaboured far from underappreciated by natural resource Proposal writing, donor engagements, the research site to meet institutional scientists. When perceived by outsiders, impact assessments and bureaucratic requirements or to appease bureaucratic cultures have often been belittled and the duties already occupy too much of mind-sets. embedded beliefs, myths and rituals scientists’ time. Clearly, not all research is Shrinking amounts of field time need to disparaged by rationalist scientists. suitable or relevant to share with non- expand. The recent tendency for field work Theoretical advances in communication and scientific audiences. In addition, not all to consist of a series of multistakeholder development indicate the need for researchers have sufficient skills or workshops or modelling seminars is no integration of various knowledge systems. inclination to engage in targeted substitute for immersion in complex However, for key issues such as land rights communication of research results. ecosystems and cultures. Fleeting field and deforestation, cultural concerns remain However, for impact to occur, recognition of time can result in misleading analysis, peripheral and lacking in application. the critical role that some researchers and leading to theoretical abstraction that can Research in the social sciences indicates research organizations play in do more harm than good. Theories are that attention to cultural context and communicating results to key audiences built and tested upon empirical evidence. diverse knowledge systems can improve the will be needed. As one author states, the Students and researchers benefit from research process and uptake. Recent primary activity “must remain the substantial time living in and among rural interest from conservation biologists in expansion of knowledge ... but the link to communities and the plants and political science, psychology, social issues, policy and action calls for expanding the they rely upon. communication and education offers scope of activities and approaches”.

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Challenges and opportunities of through various means to diverse Lessons to tackle this problem in natural communicating research audiences, their experiences can be useful resource-related research can be gleaned Information is “sticky” – it tends to stay to inform other researchers and students. from the health and social service sectors where it is generated. In research, this often Close to the site of research, efforts to that have confronted the gap in means that research findings and analysis share results in culturally compelling ways communication between knowledge remain confined to the ivory tower. For such as illustrated books, comics, theatre generation and application over the last information to have a wider impact than its and video, are more likely to be embraced by three decades. As in the health sector, initial focus, a variety of dissemination and marginalized populations and civil society. By there is now rising recognition in the communication methods needs to be contrast, scientists may deride research natural sciences that research is socially employed, linked closely to user needs. shared through such means as not embedded and that this has implications for Embracing all users – of different economic “legitimate”. However, the “translation” work research design and dissemination. classes, cultures and educational levels – that goes into making research accessible to To make their research more constitutes a challenge as well as an impact a range of audiences is considerable and accountable, scientists working on issues opportunity for researchers. when done well, the product should not be a related to the interface of people and A central challenge is that one in five “dumbed-down” version, but one whose natural resource use are posing questions people in the world are functionally non- rigour is enhanced through a thorough such as: Is the research relevant and to literate. This figure rises to nearly four out of process of review by a combination of both whom? Have a range of stakeholders been five in some remote regions – regions that scientists and end-users. Farmers, foragers involved in the research process and at what may often have scant access to formal and hunters sustain their families over a stage? Does the research pay sufficient education but high biodiversity. If local lifetime, using the animals and plants that attention to local culture and locally defined knowledge is valued, as stated by the researchers study over a relatively fleeting needs? What outputs and impact pathways Conventions on Biological Diversity and time frame. If given the chance, such local are planned? Are there potential partners Climate Change, then communication with experts can offer astute and critical reviews engaged in communication and/or popular land and resource stewards will need to of research, honing the analysis with decades education who can collaborate in sharing move from rhetoric to an integral part of of first-hand knowledge. Ideally, scientists the research? project planning and execution. will complement local knowledge with socio- For an impact-oriented communication Reaching people of all educational levels economic, ecological and policy analysis paradigm to take hold, research and economic classes through the use of unavailable at the local level. institutions will need to create incentives relevant information and appropriate that support production of an expanded communication channels has been range of outputs and broader spearheaded by pioneers such as the dissemination to targeted audiences. Brazilian education theorist Paulo Freire. Scientists and research organizations will Popular education and communication need to distinguish between high citation theories affirm that research and ratings (i.e. “impact factor”) and actual dissemination strategies that appreciate conservation and development impacts on culture and local knowledge systems are the ground. Lessons can then be gleaned more likely to succeed than conventional from rigorous evaluation of research and projects. Innovative public education is communication strategies and their burgeoning in America and Africa, impacts on forests and forest-reliant particularly in the health and social service families. (Contributed by: Patricia Shanley, sectors. Radio, theatre, dance, puppetry, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Center for comics and video are proving to be highly Conclusion International Forestry successful in raising awareness, changing The gap in communication between Research [CIFOR], PO Box 0113 BOCBD, behaviour and improving livelihoods. scientists and local people is part of a Bogor 16000, . E-mail: As researchers attempt to share their well-ingrained professional culture and [email protected]; www.cifor.cgiar.org) findings with a range of stakeholders, they remains because of institutional incentive will be confronted with basic “translation” structures and personal reward systems Dr Patricia Shanley is a Senior Scientist at challenges. For example, how to convey in academia. Current performance CIFOR and also Associate Director of simply the economic and ecological trade- measurement systems discourage & Wayside International. Dr Shanley, offs between sales of timber and non-timber communication to audiences other than a renowned scientist with long experience forest products to inform negotiations of scientists. As a result, equity at the in the Amazon region, has produced award- forest communities? How to make graphs of research site and broader impact for civil winning research materials in a format and variable fruit production and seasonal prices society may be disregarded. The style suitable for local forest users. Dr comprehensible to villagers? How to ensure underaddressed problem of low Shanley is also one of the editors of a that women, the elderly and the researcher accountability at the study site forthcoming joint FAO/CIFOR publication, marginalized are both understood and is compounded by accelerated project “Fruit trees and useful plants in Amazonian heard? Published descriptions of time frames, unrealistic donor life”, which will be published shortly in endeavours to share research with local requirements, financial constraints and FAO's NWFP series. Dr Shanley can be users are uncommon in academia. As more the chronic push to move on to the next contacted directly for the references scientists invest time in conveying research paying project. related to this article.

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MARKETING OF January and from April to May. Outbreak %TRADITIONAL NWFPS and abundance vary annually, as determined by the availability of rainfall Are insects valuable? Synopsis of mopane and the presence of host-tree worms (Colophospermum mopane). Low rainfall Mopane worms are the larvae of the moth and scarcity of host-tree leaves limit the Imbrasia belina and are widely consumed in abundance of the worms, since there is a rural areas of southern Africa for their shortage of fresh mopane leaves on which nutrition and income-generation they feed. Despite the value of mopane opportunities. They are mostly consumed in worms, primarily for livelihoods, their the rural areas of countries such as abundance has been limited in recent and and the Limpopo years. The causes of this low supply are and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa. uncertain, but could relate to unfavourable Mopane worms are good nutritional conditions resulting from climate change supplements for the majority of people in (low rainfall and high temperatures) and among artisans to improve the quality of rural areas, since they provide the destruction of the mopane worms’ host bark cloth products. Vincent Musubire, approximately 65 percent protein, tree. Absence of rules that regulate the chairperson of the association, said that 51 percent fats and amino acids. The harvesting of mopane worms has also "when we look at it critically, bark cloth has availability of mopane worms creates increased competition for harvesting a big future but not in the traditional sense seasonal employment for rural women. between the local people and outsiders, of burying people. It has value and can Sixty-five percent of rural dwellers in the and this also affects their life cycle. All generate income, which is where I am southern Africa mopane belt collect mopane these factors hamper the wealth and putting the emphasis." He said that worms for subsistence use, while 35 percent nutritional supplement that mopane prospects for the bark cloth market were sell them at the nearby urban markets. worms can provide, and increase the promising, especially internationally. "We Women and children are mainly involved vulnerability of rural people to want to ensure that the crafts from bark in collection and sale of the worms but, in malnutrition. (Contributed by: Rudzani cloth produced by women and men meet recent years, men too have been engaged, Makhado, Assistant Director, Forestry the quality requirements of the local and attracted by income-earning opportunities. Research, Forestry Policy and Strategy, international craft market. That is why we Mopane worms are sold along the streets Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, are not leaving it to the local community to in urban areas and in areas where elderly P/Bag x 313, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; produce. I'm linking up with skilled young people receive their pensions. Trading of e-mail: [email protected] graduates of industrial art and design to mopane worms is currently a commercial and Martin Potgieter, Department of work with local craftspeople to produce business with good economic returns. Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, quality products", he said. During a good year, dried mopane worms P/Bag x 1106, Sovenga, South Africa; Nuwa Wamala Nyanzi, an artist and sold by an urban vendor at Thohoyandou, e-mail: [email protected]) owner of a crafts business in Kampala, South Africa, can make a turnover of about confirmed that the demand for bark cloth US$2 975. Mopane worms are currently Bark cloth makes comeback on among tourists is high but that it is not processed and traded locally and international fashion scene being marketed widely enough at internationally as snacks and canned Kampala. Bark cloth, a fabric historically international craft expos. Nyanzi also products. The commercial trade of mopane used by the Buganda in central to added that bark cloth production is worms in Botswana, Zimbabwe and the wrap their dead before burial, is making a suffering because there are few Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces of comeback in the form of trendy crafts, craftspeople who have the skill to make South Africa contributes multimillion rands clothing and household goods. The cloth, quality bark cloth. Traditionally, to the gross domestic product (GDP). This made from Ficus natalensis trees, was craftspeople of the Ngonge clan have shows the lucrative trade for mopane supplanted by the introduction of by manufactured bark cloth for the Baganda worms. The price for selling the worms, Arab caravan traders in the nineteenth royal family and the rest of the community; however, is determined by the number of century. Now bark cloth crafts such as however, many have died without passing buyers, abundance of the worms and table mats, bedcovers, jackets, purses and on their skill. distance from the market. An abundant wide-brimmed hats are finding their way Bark cloth is recognized as part of the supply of mopane worms results in a drop on to the international market. world's collective heritage by the United in price because of oversupply in the Bark cloth is exported to Germany, Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural market, a situation that is reversed when Japan, Australia, the United States of Organization (UNESCO). Head of the the supply is no longer abundant. Distance America and Canada where significant Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, from the market increases price since populations of Ugandans live. There is also Augustine Omare Okurut, said that transport costs need to be recovered. huge demand from neighbouring Kenya. "research is being conducted on the Consequently, all these factors determine Kenyan traders blend the cloth and export making of bark cloth, how to preserve it the income that can be generated from the products to Europe and the United and how it can be exploited for the benefit selling mopane worms. States. of the local and international community". The outbreak of mopane worms occurs The Mwangwe Rural Development (Source: Inter Press Service [Uganda], 12 twice a year, normally from December to Association works to raise consciousness February 2009.)

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Chambira palm: baskets bring a new way Pitching an international enterprise to of life to Peruvians the villagers was almost as easy. Mr Shany San Antonio de Pintuyacu, Peru. Women in turned a somewhat haphazard local craft – T. ferdinandiana this remote Amazon village can weave women making a few baskets, selling them fruits have a fibres from the branch of the chambira in a local shop, and then making a few long history of palm tree into practically anything they more – into something more like mass Aboriginal need – fishing nets, hammocks, purses, production, with higher returns to the dietary use. skirts and dental floss. But for the last year producers. Commercial they have put their hopes in baskets, Artisans get US$10–12 for each basket, attention weaving hundreds to build up an inventory which sells for $40 in the United States. was drawn for export to the United States of America. About a third of that goes into shipping and to the species Their first international buyers are the San distribution, and the rest is retailer profit, as a source of Diego Natural History Museum and San meaning that the company distributing the vitamin C over Diego Zoo, and they plan to sell to other baskets gets a little more per unit than 20 years ago. But, museums and home décor purveyors. each maker. Mr Shany and PROCREL unlike the more established The enterprise is one of many ventures receive nothing. markets for carvings, didgeridoos, in the Amazon aimed at “productive The artisans’ cut may not seem sandalwood oil and bush tucker, which conservation”, which advocates say will substantial, Mr Shany said, but it is more have been in operation since at least the save the rain forest by transforming it into a than double previous monthly earnings. 1970s, commercial harvesting of T. renewable economic resource for local Two years ago, households in this region ferdinandiana only started in 1996. people. earned as little as $30 a month selling fish However, the fact that the final product The government of Loreto, Peru’s and palm frond roofing at city markets, he produced from T. ferdinandiana – densely forested and least populous region, said. Today, experienced weavers can earn naturally occurring ascorbic acid – has organized the basket project, which is up to $100 a month. (Source: The New York been commercially available for a long financed by grants from two non-profit Times [United States of America], 19 time, enables T. ferdinandiana products groups, Nature & Culture International and January 2009.) to link into an existing niche market. the Moore Foundation. The changes in Loreto may correspond Ecoenterprises and Terminalia to a broader shift in Peru’s attitude towards ferdinandiana: “best laid plans” and conservation. Last spring, motivated by the Australian policy lessons enrichment plantings. However, even the signing of a free trade agreement with the In a recent article in Economic Botany, A.B. establishment of commercial horticultural United States of America, the country set Cunningham et al. review practical policy production within Australia faces several up an environment ministry, which has lessons from trade in a dietary supplement challenges. already started to focus on deforestation. (or nutraceutical) processed from For Australia to maintain and develop The basket project is the brainchild of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Combretaceae), the international market, future Noam Shany, an Israeli agronomist and which contains extremely high levels of development of this bush food must entrepreneur. A bird-watching trip in 2005 natural ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Most include: (i) implementation of existing led him to a remote village on the Tahuayo production is from wild harvesting by international and national policies on the River, an Amazon tributary. There, he said, Aboriginal people, who get US$14/kg for protection of genetic resources; he noticed striking local baskets for sale in picked, sorted fruit. However, the main (ii) formation of a producer association a tourist lodge. Australian company involved is struggling to increase production efficiencies; Mr Shany, who had previously sold to get the 12 tonnes/year it requires, and (iii) functioning partnerships between artificial plants to Walmart and cacti to could market much more. Although Aboriginal producers and commercial nurseries in California and Australia, Aboriginal people ideally should benefit partners that guarantee and expand decided to put his retail experience to an economically from the harvest of T. reliable supply and develop cultural environmental use. ferdinandiana, there are major challenges branding and certification as marketing In 2006, he helped found PROCREL, a to this objective, including Australia’s high tools; and (iv) scientific research into biodiversity programme that has worked labour costs compared with Asia, Africa improving T. ferdinandiana fruit yields and with the regional government to establish and Latin America where T. ferdinandiana production methods, based on improved three vast protected reserves. The basket can be grown. In addition, although resource management and efficient programme is one of several conservation Australia is a signatory to and plays a processing methods. (Source: Economic initiatives intended to help indigenous leading role in the international Convention Botany, 63(1), 2009.) peoples benefit from the conservation on Biodiversity (CBD), this has meant little efforts. in practice so far. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Pitching Peruvian handicrafts to retailers “Cultural branding” and certification of THE AUTHOR: in the United States was easy. “These organic, wild harvested T. ferdinandiana A.B. Cunningham, School for baskets represent so much more than fruit collected by Aboriginal people working Environmental Research, Charles Darwin simply a basket,” said Nancy Stevens, in partnership with commercial companies University, Darwin NT 0909, Australia. manager of retail and wholesale operations offer a possibility for Aboriginal people to Fax: +61 8 9336 6783; for the San Diego Natural History Museum. continue to benefit from wild harvest or e-mail: [email protected]

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First FSC-labelled gin from Belgium unique system shaped by human beings – to the alternatives, they do not have the The first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)- aromatic and medicinal plants, mushrooms, information to enable them to make labelled gin was launched on the Belgium natural grazing with extensive livestock sustainable choices that take into market in December 2008. Made from the farming and game complete this fantastic consideration wider society concerns, green pine cones of Pinus sylvestris, a ecosystem and provide rural populations because of the absence of labelling about common tree in the Flemish region, the with work and sources of income. the type of stoppers used in the wine. launch of this gin also marks the first FSC- These landscapes also support one of the The cork oak forests and cork case study certified NTFP originating from Belgium. highest levels of biodiversity among forest is one of the best examples of how a Known as dennenknopje, “little pine habitats (they are listed in the EC Habitats consumer’s choice, through an informed cone” in Dutch, the gin is made from cones Directive – 92/43/EEC), reaching levels of purchasing decision, can contribute to that are collected from the FSC-certified 60–100 species per 0.1 ha, as supporting high biodiversity levels and Domeinbos Pijnven forest. Owned by the well as species-rich grasslands with up to sustainable economic activities. Flemish Government, it is managed as part 135 species per 0.1 ha. They also provide (Contributed by: Nuno Mendes Calado of a larger FSC group that has been certified habitat requirements for a large number of (Secretário-Geral), UNAC-União da Floresta since 2006. Certification under FSC’s endangered species (Iberian lynx, Iberian Mediterrânica, Av. Colégio Militar, Lote 1786, Principles and Criteria for responsible forest imperial eagle, the black vulture, the black 1549-012 Lisbon, . Fax: +351 21 710 management ensures that the natural forest stork, etc.), and large numbers of wintering 00 37; e-mail: [email protected] complexity is maintained and social issues birds from northern Europe, together with a www.unac.pt) are considered, while securing long-term rich diversity of fauna. supplies of forest products. The sustainable cork use for wine bottle Honey and wax: a sticky challenge Distilleerderij Leukenheide is the family- stoppers is the strongest economic activity. The Blue Mountains or Nilgiris region of India owned company responsible for producing The cork oak tree has a lifespan of around are considered one of the most ecologically the gin. Founded in 1833, it is the oldest 170–200 years, during which time it will be fragile areas in the region. The Nilgiris hills traditional gin distillery in the region. The stripped about 15–18 times (every nine have varied flora, ranging from scrub and dry company achieved the FSC chain of custody years). After the harvest, the bark renews deciduous to moist evergreen and montane certification in May 2008, facilitating itself until it is ready to be harvested again; or shola forests. The Nilgiris total land area of completion of the supply chain from none of the trees are cut. 2 749 km2 has long faced threats from Domeinbos Pijnven forest by processing the Through cork, the European Union (EU) is encroachment and illegal felling of timber; its gin and labelling the bottle with the FSC also the world leader in the wine stopper greatest threat now is the expanding and label. sector – perhaps one of the few cases in plantations, which cover about The eye-catching FSC-labelled gin which a natural product persistently holds 50 percent of the entire cultivated area. Thus, promotes FSC in the country and has on to its leadership of the market. With a protecting what is left of the forest is crucial strengthened local identity for this relatively total cork market value of about €1.5 billion, to conserving its flora and fauna. forest-rich region. It also demonstrates that with EU exports worth €0.47 billion, cork The new system of economics and land responsible management of forests can stoppers also account for 70 percent of the use has significantly affected the traditions bring new and interesting opportunities, not international wine stopper trade. and culture of the Adivasis, the collective only for recreational purposes, but also Besides their superior quality as closures, term used to describe the indigenous within the economic perspective of cork stoppers have numerous advantages peoples of India. Numbering about 30 000, responsible forest product harvesting. (environmental and social values) that the Adivasis of the Nilgiris are known for (Source: Forest Stewardship Council, clearly distinguish them from alternative living in harmony with nature, as seen in 19 January 2009.) wine stoppers, specifically plastic stoppers their daily lives and survival strategies. and screw tops (aluminium). Honey gathering is a traditional activity Consumers’ contribution towards Cork for bottle stoppers accounts for with a long history in the Nilgiris. For the biodiversity – the cork case study almost 70 percent of the total value of the Adivasis living in the region, marketing Cork oak forests extend over an area of cork market, ensuring a vital role in support from the Keystone Foundation, almost 2.2 million ha, concentrated mainly in maintaining the economic value of cork and using fair-trade practices, was crucial in the Mediterranean region, in southern the low-intensity use of cork oak forests. finding local markets for this traditional Europe and North Africa. There has been a significant decrease in product, increasing their incomes and Cork oak forests are an effective barrier the cork stopper market because of the against the desertification affecting a large increase in the market share of alternative part of the Mediterranean region, playing a wine stoppers (plastic stoppers and screw key role in ecological processes, such as tops), supported by a huge marketing water retention, soil conservation and campaign and by what some retailers are carbon storage (carbon sink of over choosing for the wine consumer. This 14 million tonnes annually) – environmental change in the global closure market is services with a non-market value reducing the economic value of cork forests, (externalities). which represents a major threat to the In the undergrowth of cork oak forests, sustainability of these important landscapes. and supported by its features of multiple- Even though wine drinkers continue use low-intensity agroforestry systems – a overwhelmingly to prefer cork wine closures

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIAL FEATURES 9

protecting biodiversity. In 1995, this NGO appropriate technology for processing, established its base in the Nilgiris after Keystone began bottling honey and forming conducting a survey of honey gatherers and beeswax into hand-rolled candles and beekeepers in the state of Tamil Nadu. The comb foundation sheets. Initially, it was organization works in the field of difficult to find a market for these products. environment and development, and the Local people in the towns of Nilgiris had no initiative in the Nilgiris was an attempt to knowledge about the Adivasis or their harmonize the needs of ecology with the special niche in collecting forest products. demands of the local economy. Keystone increased its efforts to inform Traditional beliefs, customs and consumers about the honey and the people superstitions guide the honey-gathering behind it. Because of the high-quality activity. When collecting from the Idigh products and regular supply, local people cliffs, the Adivasis use forest vines as from the towns started buying the goods Fourteen people's organizations and ladders; collecting honey from trees is and the clientele steadily increased. The NGOs participate in the Centre's easier, since they simply climb up the products eventually infiltrated the tourist programmes in manufacturing and trees. In both methods, smokers made of market and now more than 60 percent of marketing community handicrafts. The fresh leaves and dry twigs are used to flush goods are sold in small towns in the operations of CMCC also support small out the bees. The gatherers use their Nilgiris. cottage industries in Manila and nearby spears to collect the honeycombs, which provinces, as well as urban poor are then placed in bamboo baskets and FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: enterprises. Moreover, several craft carried to the village. Snehlata Nath, Director of the Keystone designers and experts contribute their time On average, one honeycomb yields Foundation, Keystone Centre, PB 35, and effort in coming up with unique and between 8 and 15 kg of honey. During the Groves Hill Road, Kotagiri 643 217, Nilgiris high-quality products for CMCC. peak season, which lasts about two District, Tamil Nadu, India. The Centre supports ten cultural months, a group of honey gatherers can E-mail: [email protected]; communities, each with an array of unique collect up to 500 kg of honey. In 1994, honey www.keystone-foundation.net/web/home/ handicraft products – basketry, hand could be sold to traders for Rs18–30 weaving, bead work and embroidery. For (around US$0.45–0.75) per kg in bulk; if Custom-made Crafts Centre: creating new these communities, handicraft-making is a bottled, it could be sold for Rs40 ($1) per markets and appropriate strategies for heightened expression of their cultures and kg. Thus, a gatherer's average income communities traditions. At the same time, it is a would be about Rs3 000 (approximately A non-traditional approach to the traditional economic activity as well, with $75) during the honey season. In 2008, the development of traditional crafts has handicrafts being bartered for household price had increased to Rs80 ($2) per kg but allowed a unique marketing programme in needs. When the market economy became the level of compensation is still quite low, the to bring the benefits of well- increasingly influential in their given the amount of effort and skill involved planned marketing strategies to indigenous communities, the economic value of crafts in honey gathering. peoples' communities. gained more importance and, eventually, To address this issue, Keystone initiated Hinabol is a colourful loom-woven cloth handicraft-making metamorphosed into an training for a number of honey gatherers in made of abaca fibre produced in Bukidnon important source of livelihood. The the Kotagiri district. The training focused Province, in the southern Philippines. It is indigenous artisans learned that they could on both indigenous knowledge and one of the handcrafted traditions whose earn cash by selling their handicrafts. modern/scientific aspects of honey cultural value is recognized through the Treating the crafts as novelty products, collection. After the training, the honey alternative marketing centre, Custom-made tourists bought one or two as souvenirs, extracted by the gatherers had a better Crafts Centre (CMCC), which offers a thus starting the handicrafts trade. quality and a longer shelf-life. Keystone collection of products from indigenous However, the market economy exposed started a processing and marketing unit as artisans. Their materials are made from the indigenous communities to risks. While well, where Adivasis could sell their non-timber forest resources and the designs they profited from selling handicrafts, they produce, such as honey and beeswax. In are drawn from timeless traditions that have also learned that the market could be fickle addition, Keystone incorporated fair-trade been fashioned into functional items for and unstable. They have to scout constantly principles in procuring honey, which home or personal use. for regular buyers. Without them, cash increased the confidence of the Adivasis. A livelihood programme of the Non- flows tend to be irregular. Soon, more honey started arriving and Timber Forest Products – Task Force CMCC faced similar problems. Gaining more people were trained. News about the Philippines, CMCC is a marketing initiative access to appropriate and new markets, “honey unit” spread by word of mouth in that provides a stable source of income and meeting market requirements were the community. The unit conducts regular and better returns for artisans, as well as constant worries. Hence, its livelihood training for newcomers and now sells over a venue for expressing traditional art programme was designed to weave varied eight tonnes of honey and beeswax every forms. It balances the needs of both but interrelated socio-economic, cultural year in the region. It also has over 2 000 consumers and producers by and environmental considerations in its Adivasi honey gatherers in its network. "customizing" the crafts to the tastes of production and marketing planning. Finding local markets. After the modern market while respecting the (Source: From seeds to beads. Tales, tips and experimenting and developing the artisans' traditions and lifestyles. tools for building a community-based NTFP

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 10 SPECIAL FEATURES

enterprise. Non-Timber Forest Products hired as the export agent to market Exchange Programme for South and Amazonian oils and butters produced by Southeast Asia. ISBN 978-971-93388-1-9.) Engefar, a cosmetics raw materials supplier located in the state of Pará. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Engefar's products are oils and butters THE AUTHOR: extracted from exotic fruit pulps and seeds Nola Andaya, Crafts Coordinator or Arlynn of the rain forest, such as buriti (Mauritia Aquino, Consultant, Non-Timber Forest flexuosa), açaí (Euterpe oleracea), copaiba Products – Task Force Philippines, (Copaifera spp.), muru-muru (Astrocaryum 92-A Masikap Extension, Barangay murumuru) and andiroba (Carapa Central, Diliman, Quezon City 1100, guianensis). These raw materials have Philippines. Fax: +63 2-426 2757; functional elements that are desirable to e-mail: [email protected]; www.ntfp.org upgrade formulations. For example, açaí Marketing and export of yarina oil, extracted from the açaí berry pulp, can (Phytelephas macrocarpa) in Loreto, Peru International logos for local products in add antioxidants to moisturizing creams Yarina, known locally as tagua or Nepal and shampoos, while buriti oil is widely ivory, is a native species used by Amazonian Kathmandu. Nepali lokta paper and Nepali used as a solar filter for skin protection. communities: the leaves for roofing houses, , together with their own brands, According to John Laurino, Unit's Chief the fruits for food and the seeds for the are set to rule the international market. Executive Officer: "We are amazed to see manufacture of organic buttons. Nepali lokta paper is being promoted with such fast positive feedback from major The purchase price of the fruit in the the brand “Nepalokta, the new spirit in cosmetics ingredients distributors all over community before being transferred to the paper”, while Nepali pashmina has the world; it is like we are offering them a manufacturing plant is US$0.17/kg without developed its brand name as “Chyangra golden raw material, capable to upgrade the shell and $0.23/kg shelled. One kilogram pashmina”. their product's profile." He believes that the is equivalent to 20–25 seeds, depending on Nepali lokta paper has already had its Amazonian oils he just added to his the size of the fruit. The trade of the leaves is brand registered with the EU and also portfolio may represent a US$20 carried out locally in the communities and received approval to be used in government million/year business in a couple of years. can sometimes be found at Iquitos city. correspondence work. The Nepal (Source: PR.com, 13 May 2009.) Pashmina Industries Association (NPIA) has been trying to register its brand logo. Guatemalan maya nut producers “After the cabinet approval, now Nepali participate in the Terra Madre event in Italy PROCESSING THE SEEDS lokta paper will be used in official The Equilibrium Fund is an NGO with a documenting work. The decision has mission to alleviate poverty, malnutrition The local producers gather the seeds in brought Nepali handmade paper back to and deforestation by teaching rural and the field, either in clusters or the ripe fruit life,” said Milan Dev Bhattarai, President of indigenous women about the nutrition, that has fallen to the ground, removing Nepal Handmade Paper Association uses and processing of maya nut the seeds and at the same time removing (HANDPASS) during the Nepalokta brand (Brosimum alicastrum). In October 2008, the skin and the mesocarp. Once clean, promotion programme today. two members of the Cooperative for Rural the seeds are stored in polypropylene Use of Nepali handmade paper in the Women's Development (CODEMUR), a bags of 50 kg to be transported to artisan past was compulsory in government legal partner organization of the Equilibrium communities for drying, where the correspondence, but was suddenly phased Fund, were invited to share maya nut primary processing starts – drying of the out from government offices. The property products at the world's largest food fair, shelled seeds and their classification by ownership certificates issued by the Terra Madre, in Turin, Italy. size, quality and condition. Ministry of Land Reform and the certificate There they had the opportunity to mingle The seeds are placed on black plastic to of citizenship and passport issued by the and exchange ideas with over 1 500 small dry in the sun for 20–30 days (in some Home Ministry used to be made from producers from 142 countries. In cases, even more), taking care that they handmade paper but, after 1998, the conjunction with Terra Madre and the do not get wet in the rain. After this Government started using imported paper Italian Slow Food Foundation, CODEMUR period, the seeds have hardened enough for these purposes. has decided to form a Maya Nut Presidium, to be classified and stored according to According to Bhattarai, in 2008 the total dedicated to the preservation of the maya size, with any impurities or seeds in poor export of Nepali lokta paper was more than nut as a traditional food for Central condition having been removed. The Rs300 million directly and about Rs200 America. dried seeds are then transported to the million indirectly through tourists arriving purchaser’s plant. These companies fulfil in Nepal. (Source: The Himalayan Times, FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: the role of transformers-exporters and are 13 April 2009.) The Equilibrium Fund, PO Box 2371, responsible for the secondary processing Crested Butte, CO 81224, of the seeds, which is the transformation Brazilian brokering company to market United States of America. into semi-finished products for buttons Amazonian NWFP oils E-mail: [email protected]; and handicrafts. Unit , a brokering company www.theequilibriumfund.org/page.cfm?p headquartered in São Paulo, has just been ageid=2889

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIAL FEATURES 11

Some of the processors of yarina, such fact has been shown to have management as Amazon Ivory EIRL, which is responsible benefits. These benefits include increased for the development of different types of AMLA, THE INDIAN GOOSEBERRY productivity through resprouting of amla handicrafts, and Marfil del Amazonas SAC, trees and subsequently higher levels of which is responsible for the production of fruit production, as well as reduced risk of discs for buttons, have driven the further mistletoe infection. However, commercial development of this resource neither mistletoe removal by hand nor in the Loreto region, e.g. the basin of the branch cutting appears to offer a viable river Yanayacu Pucate at the Reserva control strategy in isolation. A multifarious Nacional Pacaya Samiria. strategy, including new approaches to The main markets for vegetable ivory management, is probably needed to and its derivatives are Italy, the United safeguard the role of this resource in local States of America, Germany, , , livelihoods and future work will aim at the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, the Amla is an important medicinal plant developing such a strategy as part of Netherlands, and Belgium, with species, its fruit being used extensively ongoing participatory management great export demand in 2005 in Costa Rica in the traditional Indian undertaken by the Ashoka Trust for (US$48 723), Spain ($11 863) and Germany system, Ayurveda. Amla berries are Research in Ecology and Environment ($8 458). At present, it is also being also used for making pickles, jams and (ATREE). exported to the Asian market and has cosmetics and are an important food This study, conducted by scientists from become an activity that contributes to the resource for a number of ungulate ETH Zürich and Imperial College London, in effective preservation of the Amazon species. Trade in the south of India is association with ATREE has shown that environment. (Contributed by: Joe Sixto largely from wild extraction but several local harvesting practices may not be as Saldaña Rojas, Red Ambiental Loretana cultivars are grown in commercial damaging as first suspected and indeed (RAL), Av. Guardia Republicana (ex- plantations in Uttar Pradesh, may have significant management benefits. Guayabamaba) Nº 163 - a 100 metros del Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Local NTFP harvesting and management C.O.A, Loreto, Peru. E-mail: Andhra Pradesh, and also in some practices should be evaluated objectively [email protected] or areas of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. without preconceptions about their efficacy. [email protected]; The economic value of amla fruits The recognition and acceptance of their www.redambientalloretana.org) (including processed products) has benefits (as well as deficiencies) within been estimated at between Rs200 and scientifically driven management and 250 million (US$5–6.25 million) but policy frameworks may have significant %BERRIES demand appears to be growing and value. (Contributed by: Lucy Rist, ETH market potential is considered to be Zürich, Institute for Terrestrial Ecosystems, Mistletoe infection of amla, the value much higher. Professorship Ecosystem Management, of local management practices Universitaetstrasse 22, Zürich 8092, Amla (Phyllanthus emblica and Switzerland. E-mail: [email protected]; P. indofischeri) is an NTFP of significant http://www.ecology.ethz.ch/) livelihood importance in southern India mistletoe infection widespread in the BRT and wider economic importance sanctuary, affecting over half of the amla Summer berries in British Columbia, throughout the rest of the country. A population, but that it is particularly Canada three-year study completed last year at severe in those trees of greatest Wild berries abound in the summer. Berry the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) reproductive value. Infection quality can vary greatly depending on wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka characteristics and resource values differ habitat. The berries can be either sold investigated the scale of mistletoe between the two Phyllanthus species, the fresh or made into a variety of value-added infection, its ecological and economic species of greatest value (P. emblica) products, such as preserves, baked goods implications, and the potential of being that most seriously affected. and even wine. alternative management approaches to Institutional perspectives on the With the exception of blueberries and offer a solution to this threat to management of these two species conflict huckleberries, most wild berries do not sustainable harvesting (see Non-Wood with local practices. The Karnataka Forest currently have a large commercial market News 14/07). Department advocates removal of (i.e. it may be difficult to find a buyer for Forest surveys, mistletoe removal mistletoes by hand and has promoted this the berries). Therefore, it is not easy to experiments and mistletoe seed strategy to harvesters. In contrast, estimate prices that might be obtained for deposition surveys were employed to harvesters consider removal by hand to be the various berries. The best option for assess the prevalence of mistletoe both impractical and ineffective and fresh berries is to sell directly to a infection in the amla population, therefore prefer to chop off the infected restaurant, grocery store or at a farmers’ characteristics of infection in relation to branches in order to remove mistletoes, a market. This will also increase the price resource value and the appropriateness of practice most commonly implemented paid per litre, especially if the berries are local versus institutional management during the annual harvest. This cutting of of high quality and clean. approaches to the problem. The findings of branches by amla collectors was There are many species in the Rubus this study suggest that not only is previously considered destructive but in genus (the raspberry clan), all of which

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 12 SPECIAL FEATURES

have edible berries. It is interesting to note good tea when dried, and have been used plus the cost of the jar, label and sugar). that the new shoots (branches) of most by many Aboriginal peoples for a variety of (Source: Wendy Cocksedge and Michelle Rubus species can be eaten in the spring health ailments. Leaves and twigs can be Schroeder (eds). 2007. A Harvester’s when they are still soft and bendable (the harvested at any time but are best when Handbook. A guide to commercial non- skin is peeled and they are eaten raw or harvested in late autumn. timber forest products in British cooked). The shoots do not store well and Processing berries can add value to the Columbia. Victoria, British Columbia, have therefore not yet become a popular product. Wild berry jam generally sells for Canada, Royal Roads University, Centre for commercial product. All the species of around US$6 per 250 ml jar (with about Non-Timber Resources.) Rubus have leaves and twigs that make a four jars of jam from one litre of berries,

SALMONBERRY (RUBUS SPECTABILIS) Although huckleberry and blueberry bushes will grow in the shade, they Salmonberries grow in thickets, with erect require light to produce berries. Good branches up to 13 ft (4 m) tall, although berry bushes are found most often in averaging about 5 ft (1.5 m). They are very clear-cuts and young forests, mature common all along coastal British forests where there are gaps in the Columbia, from low up to subalpine canopy, along forest edges, and along elevations and thrive in wet areas – beside streams and lakes. Berries found in partial streams, lake edges, depressed areas shade tend to be juicier and sweeter than within forests, and also on disturbed sites. those produced on plants growing in Salmonberries have a high moisture direct sunlight (such as in a clear-cut). content, so do not store as well as other Berries are used either fresh or as a Thousands of Thai berry pickers invited to berries when fresh (they become mushy value-added product. Huckleberry Finland very quickly). Although they are often preserves are very popular. Picking the Finnish berry farms and suppliers invite considered more of a “weed” than a berries individually by hand results in the thousands of seasonal workers from delicacy, they are actually very tasty and least amount of damage to the plant, Thailand to Finland to pick wild berries have good commercial potential. They although this method can be quite slow. next summer. make a sweet jam with a distinctively A small berry comb can be dragged According to First Secretary Vesa beautiful colour. through the bush, pulling off the berries. Häkkinen from the Unit for Passports and Berry combs can be purchased, or a wide- Visas at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, a HUCKLEBERRY AND WILD BLUEBERRY toothed hair comb or pick can simply be total of 3 500 prequalification assessments (VACCINIUM SPP.) used. Combs should be used carefully to for visas to Finland have so far been avoid excessive damage to the foliage. submitted to the Finnish representation in There are a variety of huckleberry and Using a comb also requires sorting the Bangkok. blueberry species that grow in the berries once picked to remove leaves and Häkkinen adds that the problem Pacific Northwest, including Alaska imperfect berries. A standard method of evidently is that the further away the berry blueberry (Vaccinium alaskaense), red sorting is to roll the berries down a wet pickers, the higher the related expenses. A huckleberry (V. parvifolium), oval-leaved board or rough blanket – the leaves will flight ticket alone costs more than a berry blueberry (V. ovalifolium) and evergreen stick to the board or become caught in picker’s annual income would be in huckleberry (V. ovatum) at lower the blanket while the berries roll to the Thailand. In addition, the picker has to pay elevations, and black huckleberry bottom. for a visa and possibly even a fee to an (V. membranaceum) and cascade To maintain quality for both the agent in Thailand. In Finland, he or she has huckleberry (V. deliciosum) at higher Rubus spectabilis and Vaccinium spp. to pay for accommodation, transport, petrol elevations. All are edible and delicious. mentioned above, the berries should be and food. Huckleberries and blueberries are very cooled (recommended to about 5 °C) as “The process involves unscrupulous common and appear along the whole soon as possible after picking. Do not collection of money at nearly every stage. I coastal area of British Columbia. Red wash the berries prior to storing them in regard it as a kind of extortion. It is not huckleberry and evergreen huckleberry a fridge or cooler, as this will decrease trafficking in human beings but it is occur at low elevations, with evergreen their storage life. Berries should be something similar. Juridically, everybody huckleberry often found close to the taken to a buyer within a day or two comes here at their own risk, like self- ocean. Alaskan blueberry and oval- after picking, unless they are frozen. financing entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, it is leaved blueberry occur from low to When transporting, take care to use a major ethical issue,” said Häkkinen. subalpine elevations, and black wide shallow containers or baskets to A total of some 12 000 foreign berry huckleberry and cascade huckleberry are avoid crushing. If you plan on making pickers arrive in Finland every year. Most of found at middle to high (alpine) preserves, freeze the berries first as this them come from the neighbouring areas of elevations. helps break the cell walls of the berry. the Russian Federation and the Baltic states. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs recommends that berry farms should

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIAL FEATURES 13

increasingly hire pickers who come from Antioxidant in berries stops wrinkles neighbouring countries. Then it would be Data are mounting that phytochemicals easier to react to the situation if prospects found in a host of berries can improve JUNIPER “BERRIES” for the berry crop appear to be worse than health from the inside. Now comes usual. research just presented at the In certain dishes there is “When berry pickers come to Finland Experimental Biology 2009 meeting held in no substitute for juniper, from far-off countries with high hopes of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of with its unique aroma: earning money and the berry-picking America, that a specific type of antioxidant piney, woodsy and season turns out to be worse than phytochemical called ellagic acid holds the vaguely peppery. It is expected, they have no money for a return promise of enhancing our bodies on the especially popular when trip,” Häkkinen adds. outside, too. In fact, it may hold the key to used with game, but it is Most seasonal Thai workers come to slowing down or even stopping skin ageing also good with pork, Finland in order to pick wild berries. In successfully. beef and duck, and is a practice, berry farms and berry-processing Researchers in the laboratory of standard addition to dishes containing companies invite berry pickers to Finland Dr Young-Hee Kang at Hallym University in sauerkraut. Contemporary cooks have and then buy the berries they have picked. the Republic of Korea have found that been more playful with juniper, dancing The income may be low if the berry crop topical application of ellagic acid markedly around its association with gin or remains poor but, if the season is good, prevents the two major causes of wrinkles – abandoning it altogether for new many can earn a year’s income from the destruction of collagen and associations that sound promising. picking wild blueberries and lingonberries inflammation. The "berries" are actually the modified and selling them to berry buyers. Ellagic acid is found in many fruits, cones of the conifer Juniperus communis; Berry pickers from Thailand are and nuts but it is especially underripe berries are preferred by gin preferred as they are in a league of their abundant in raspberries, strawberries, makers while overripe specimens are own, says Export Manager Ben Strömsten cranberries and pomegranates. gathered for culinary purposes. Green or from Riitan Herkku. “They are diligent Scientists from the University of ripe, the berries have a lot of pinene, the pickers and easy team members,” he says. Louisville and Fox Chase Cancer Center essential oil that gives rosemary its (Source: ScandAsia.com, 3 May 2009.) published research recently in the distinctive snap, and they contain some of International Journal of Molecular Science the same compounds that give citrus Berry products showcased that strongly suggests ellagic acid can also fruits their fresh scent. But in riper berries Many new developments in functional food reduce damage to DNA and, in fact, may the sharper notes give way to a softer, and the nutraceutical industry were shared help repair faulty DNA. (Source: Natural vegetal aroma. (Source: The Seattle Times at the Vitafoods International and Finished News, 24 April 2009.) [United States of America], 17 May 2009.) Products Expo, running from 5 to 7 May 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland. Açaí berry, superfood or superfraud? Premium Ingredients International will Is the açaí berry a superfood or a be at the show with its unique product, superfraud? For years, the media has fictitious açaí berry review sites and açaí LingonMax™. Extracted from the been raving about the açaí berry and its diet blogs. These açaí scam companies lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), health benefits, but a recent rash of would promise “free trials” and guarantee LingonMax is a natural skincare ingredient negative publicity has forced people to ask that you would lose “30 pounds in one effectively shown to increase skin moisture, the question – is açaí the real deal? week”. The açaí that they sell is of very low decrease skin spots, reduce wrinkles and “The media tends to like juicy stories – quality, was never endorsed by any decrease sensitivity. (Source: NPI center either something very positive or celebrities and the only weight you lose is news, 22 April 2009.) something very negative. Of course, the in your wallet. truth usually lies in the middle. This is the “We have been raising red flags about case with the açaí berry,” states Bob these açaí scam companies for over a year Peters, Director of Communications for now,” states Peters. “However, it is unfair PowerSupplements. to say that the açaí berry is a scam or fraud The açaí berry comes from the açaí simply because there are some fraudulent palm trees in the Amazon rain forest. companies selling açaí supplements. If The berry is very high in antioxidants, consumers do their research and look for healthy omega fats, vitamins, minerals the Perfect Açaí Consumer Bill of Rights and phytonutrients. Because of its seal, they will be fine.” (Source: impressive nutritional profile, it has TransWorld News, 8 April 2009.) been called a superfruit or superfood. The mention of the açaí berry on the “Miracle fruit” turns sour things sweet Oprah television show in the United States The small fruit has the colour of a of America set off an avalanche of positive cranberry, the shape of an almond and publicity on the berry as a superfruit. tastes like a flavourless gum. But after Unfortunately, in 2008 a number of chewing the fruit and rubbing the pulp marketing companies decided to create against the tongue, the berry, known by

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 14 SPECIAL FEATURES

the scene and people are having fun with it. expects to make it commercially available It motivated us to go back and do between late 2008 and mid-2009. research." Bartoshuk said she has not Oubli has long been used as a food seen any reports of dangers from eating source by West Africans and was first the berries, but warned against premature synthesized into a sugar alternative in 1994 health benefit claims. (Source: CNN by researchers from the University of [United States of America], 25 March Wisconsin at Madison, United States of 2009.) America. Because the University of Wisconsin Guarana beverage used an artificial process to extract the BAWLS is the brainchild of entrepreneur brazzein sweetener from oubli berries, it Hoby Buppert, Chief Executive Officer of was able to obtain patents over the Hobarama, LLC, who named the beverage sweetener itself. No credit was given or for the caffeinated “bounce” the drink payment made to the indigenous Africans packs. Widely distributed, BAWLS is a who had used the sweetener for centuries, the promising name "miracle fruit" or premium, non-alcoholic, carbonated drawing accusations that the university had Synsepalum dulcificum, releases a beverage made from the guarana berry engaged in "biopiracy". The university sweetening potency that alters the taste harvested in the Amazonian rain forest. retains several patents over the ingredient buds. For about 15 to 30 minutes, The found in BAWLS contains brazzein. (Source: Natural News [United everything sour is sweet. Lemons lose the same amount of caffeine as coffee and States of America], 22 December 2008.) p their zing and taste like candy. Oranges nearly three times that of traditional sodas become sickeningly sweet. because of a naturally occurring form of Through word of mouth, these miracle the stimulant found in the guarana berry. fruits have inspired “taste-tripping” (Source: BevNET [United States of parties, where foodies and curious eaters America], 5 March 2009.) pay US$10–35 to try the berries, which are native to West Africa. Maqui superberry About five months ago, a hospital in Novelle International, the first company to Miami, Florida (United States of America) introduce maqui berry (Aristotelia began studying whether the fruit's chilensis)-based supplements, has added sweetening effects could restore the SuperFruit Energy Powder to its product appetite of cancer patients whose list. The maqui-based SuperFruit Energy chemotherapy treatments have left them Powder boasts a premier energy blend of with dulled taste buds. Dr Mike Cusnir, a rhodiola, rosea, Siberian ginseng, yerba lead researcher on the project and maté and B vitamins. Maqui is the highest oncologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center, antioxidant superfruit in the world filed for an investigational new drug delivering a high value of oxggen radical application, which is required by the US absorbance capacity ( ORAC) of almost Food and Drug Administration to use an double the açaí berry. unapproved product in a new patient Recently Novelle donated specialized population. His study seeks 40 cancer computer equipment to serve Mapuche patients. If the results show promise of Indian schools. "The Mapuche Indian helping cancer patients to maintain a families have used the maqui berry as a healthy body weight and appetite, there food supplement and for health care for will be further studies, Cusnir said. The centuries. Novelle is honoured to support process is expected to take several years. their education and help sustain their land Linda Bartoshuk, a professor at the through organic certification and University of Florida's Center for Smell sustainable harvest practices," said Annie and Taste, is also working to understand Eng, President and Founder of Novelle. better how the berry works. In the 1970s, (Source: Market Watch [United States of she studied the fruit while working for the America], 2 March 2009.) United States Army and Navy laboratories. Bartoshuk explains that the miracle fruit Berry-based natural sweetener contains a natural protein, called "brazzein" to hit the market in 2009 miraculin, which has sugar molecules that A new sweetener derived from the berry of bind to the tongue. When acid enters the the West African plant oubli Facing it, always facing it, that's the way mouth, the sugar molecules press into the (Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baillon) has to get through. Face it. sweet receptors. been successfully synthesized in a form Joseph Conrad "This new resurgence of interest is compatible with mass production and the fascinating," said Bartoshuk. "It popped on company Natur Research Ingredients

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALNEWS AND FEATURES NOTES 15

India moves to protect traditional medicines from foreign patents “Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) In the first step by a developing country to consist of goods of biological origin stop multinational companies from patenting other than wood, derived from forests, traditional remedies from local plants and other wooded land and trees outside animals, the Indian Government has forests.” effectively licensed 200 000 local treatments «Les produits forestiers non ligneux as "public property", free for anyone to use sont des biens d’origine biologique but no one to sell as a "brand". autres que le bois, dérivés des forêts, The move comes after scientists in Delhi des autres terres boisées, et des arbres noticed an alarming trend – the hors forêts.» making its own gum using only chicle gum "bioprospecting" of natural remedies by «Productos forestales no madereros base and natural flavourings and companies abroad. After trawling through son los bienes de origen biológico sweeteners. (Source: CNN [United the records of the global trademark offices, distintos de la madera derivados de los Kingdom], 3 April 2009.) officials found 5 000 patents had been bosques, de otras tierras boscosas y de issued – at a cost of at least US$150 million – los árboles fuera de los bosques.» for "medical plants and traditional (FAO’s working definition) BIOPROSPECTING/ systems". %BENEFIT-SHARING "More than 2 000 of these belong to the OR BIOPIRACY? Indian systems of medicine … We began to ask why multinational companies were Bioprospecting: “The Green Gold Rush” spending millions of dollars to patent %BIODEGRADABLE The Green Gold Rush is the name of a video treatments that so many lobbies in Europe CHEWING GUM documentary about bioprospecting and deny work at all," said Dr Vinod Kumar indigenous peoples that was produced in Gupta, who heads the Traditional United Kingdom authorities and October–November 2008 in Geneva, Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), which environmental groups were welcoming the Switzerland. This project is the result of lists in encyclopaedic detail the 200 000 launch this week of the world's first collaboration between the Swiss NGO treatments. The database, which took 200 biodegradable chewing gum, which they Group of Volunteers Overseas (GVOM) and researchers eight years to compile by say could help save some of the millions the Vice-presidency of the Plurinational meticulously translating ancient Indian spent on clearing up the mess that State of Bolivia. texts, will now be used by the European ordinary gum creates. The objective of the project is to Patent Office to check against The new gum becomes non-adhesive stimulate the debate about the protection bioprospectors. (TKDL can be found at: when dry and decomposes to dust within and valorization of traditional knowledge www.tkdl.res.in/tkdl/langdefault/common/ six weeks, a spokesman for Mexico's and biological resources in the home.asp?GL=Eng) Chicza Mayan Rainforest Chewing Gum told Plurinational State of Bolivia. It is Gupta points out that in Brussels alone CNN. Unlike other gums that contain articulated in two phases. During the first there had been 285 patents for medicinal petrochemicals, the natural gum is two months in Geneva, a video plants whose uses had long been known in produced from the sap of the chicozapote documentary was produced and the three principal Indian systems: tree (Manilkara zapota) found in the information about international Ayurveda, India's traditional medical Mexican rain forest. experiences and strategies was collected. treatment; Unani, a system believed to A spokesman for campaign group Keep During the next six months in La Paz, have come to India via ancient Greece; and Britain Tidy told CNN they welcome any Plurinational State of Bolivia Siddha, one of India's oldest health product that can help eradicate the staining (January–June 2009), various public therapies, from the south. on pavements caused by dropped chewing presentations of the video documentary In the past, India has had to go to court gum. According to the Local Government and debates, weekly meeting of experts, to get patents revoked. Officials say that to Association, removing chewing gum litter seven workshops with more than 700 lift patents from medicines created from costs local authorities £150 million a year. delegates of indigenous peoples and a turmeric and neem, an Indian tree, it spent The producer of the new gum is national encounter of 50 delegates of more than US$5 million. In the case of the Consorcio Chiclero, which comprises 46 indigenous peoples, were being organized. neem patent, the legal battle took almost cooperatives with around 2 000 chicleros The national encounter was to take place ten years. "We won because we proved farmers, working in an area of 1.3 million in La Paz over three days during the first these were part of traditional Indian ha of rain forest. Locals have been week of June 2009 in coordination with a knowledge. There was no innovation and extracting the natural chicle gum base regional encounter of 180 indigenous therefore no patent should be granted," from the bark of the chicozapote trees for a peoples' delegates on “intellectual property said Gupta. century, a spokesman for Chicza told CNN. and traditional knowledge”, organized by India's battle to protect its traditional After years of exporting the gum base to COINCABOL. It is also expected that various treatments is rooted in the belief that the be used as an ingredient in the international experts, intellectuals and developing world's rich biodiversity is a manufacture of regular chewing gum, the activists will be able to participate. (Source: potential treasure trove of starting material cooperative recently decided to start TheGreenGoldRush.org) for new drugs and crops. Gupta said that it

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 16 SPECIALNEWS AND FEATURES NOTES

costs the West US$15 billion and 15 years Order 010-2007-CR/GRC.CUSCO” that took be applied to these [Western Ghats] plants to produce a "blockbuster drug". A patent place from 21 to 23 April 2009 in Cuzco, as well, with minor modifications," says Uma lasts for 20 years, so a pharmaceutical Peru. This session analysed the impacts Shaanker, a researcher at the University of company has just five years to recover its and challenges of biopiracy in Peru, and its Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore, and one costs – which makes conventional relevance to the recently promulgated of the authors of the paper. The process is treatments expensive. Order 048-2008-CR/GRC.CUSCO. relatively simple as shikimic acid is highly "If you can take a natural remedy and This regional legal benchmark seeks to water soluble, he says. isolate the active ingredient then you just regulate the activities of access to genetic Besides isolation, commercialization need drug trials and the marketing. resources and associated traditional would require bulk extraction on a large Traditional medicine could herald a new knowledge, practices and innovations within scale and validation of the shikimic acid age of cheap drugs." (Source: the traditional territories of indigenous and content. guardian.co.uk, 22 February 2009.) native communities of the Cuzco region, as Shaanker's laboratory now plans to well as aspects related to the protection and demonstrate the feasibility of bulk Rural communities in Kenya to benefit promotion of the biocultural heritage of extraction – in tens of kilograms compared from plan to market natural plants indigenous communities in Peru. with milligrams in the laboratory – in the Rural communities are set to benefit from The workshop sought to advance the two species, Araucaria excelsa and research firms and the University of design and implementation of tools, such as Calophyllum apetalum, with the highest Nairobi’s plan to market natural plants. local biocultural registers, customary law- shikimic acid content. (Source: SciDev.Net The move is aimed at boosting the living based protocols and intercommunity Weekly Update [31 March to 5 April 2009].) standards of rural communities and agreements that will protect and defend the preserving the environment. region’s biocultural heritage and promote The initiative involves looking for special tools that foment creative economies based %“CORK REHARVEST” or plants that can be used to on solidarity, as well as protect the manufacture medicine, industrial products traditional institutions and customary laws The Willamette Valley Vineyards in Oregon, and food supplements for commercial within the respective Andean-Amazonian United States of America – the world’s first purposes. communities. (Source: www.andes.org.pe/ winery to earn Forest Stewardship Kenya has not tapped into this market, php=left_en05.php) Council/Rainforest Alliance certification for which now stands at about US$600 billion (Please also see page 20 for more using cork stoppers harvested from globally, despite its richness in biodiversity. information on the NGO ANDES.) responsibly managed forestlands – has International researchers and launched a new cork recycling programme: multinational drug manufacturing “Cork ReHarvest”. companies are now looking for ways to BIRD FLU ANTIVIRUS A first for Oregon and a model for exploit the country’s biodiversity, bearing in %SOURCED FROM INDIAN wineries around the globe, the programme mind its potential to contribute to the TREES has two aims: to collect and recycle used discovery of medicine extracts. However, corks; and to educate the public about the the strain used to manufacture a drug A team of scientists in Bangalore (India) importance of sustaining the cork forests of known as Acarbose used for treating reported in Current Science last week the Mediterranean. (Source: Rainforest diabetes came from Ruiru, although the (25 March) that they have identified several Matters, March 2009.) community around there has not benefited tree species that contain shikimic acid, a much from its discovery. crucial component in the production of Bioprospecting is not common in Kenya Tamiflu, the only drug used against bird flu %EDUCATIONAL TOOL because of lack of research and product caused by the H5N1 virus. WITH A DIFFERENCE development, poor technology, Plants meet two-thirds of the uncoordinated gathering of information, requirements for shikimic acid and the Are you a NTFP gamer? Watch out for this and lack of skills and awareness. Dr Wilbur remaining one-third is met by engineering fun game called “Lost and Found in the Lwande, a researcher at the International the bacterium Escherichia coli to produce Rainforest!” This board game popularizes Centre for Physiology and Ecology, the chemical – which is not cost-effective. the various issues surrounding NTFP says bioprospecting can be a tool of The researchers screened 210 tree management in an easily accessible form economic development, but only if products species in the Western Ghats region for are developed and proceeds from the sale shikimic acid content and shortlisted seven of the products shared among locals and trees that contain 1–5 percent shikimic acid some used for natural resources by dry weight. conservation. (Source: Business Daily The acid is mostly present in the leaves of [Nairobi], 16 January 2009.) these trees. This is an advantage, the scientists report, as the sheer volume of Biopiracy in the Cuzco region, Peru leaves present on trees – compared with A session workshop on “Biopiracy in the fruits – will make extraction cheaper. Cuzco region” was held during the "Industries have existing technologies for international workshop “Implementation of isolation of shikimic acid from Illicium the Biosafety Protocol and the Regional vernum [the Chinese plant]. The same could

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALNEWS AND FEATURES NOTES 17

for youth and adults alike. It is hoped that biodiversity assets and ecosystem services the latter are often simply thrown away. If playing the game will initiate deeper of tropical forests. This will lead to indirect we can improve this process and the discussions on the issues and threats impacts such as a decrease in water supply packaging, the kernels can be a very good related to NTFPs and managing forests. and quality, which in turn will lead to an product for export.” (Source: Voices from the Forest, 15, increase in water-related diseases, In an important development for the September 2008.) especially water-borne diseases following export potential of dried baobab fruit, the extreme rainfall. (Source: CIFOR News 46, EU has recently categorized it as a novel FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: November 2008.) food (see Non-Wood News 18), opening up a Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange whole new export market. “And the baobab Programme for South and Southeast Asia, is prominent throughout Africa, so this 92-A Masikap Extension, Barangay Central, HOPE FOR AFRICA product can be very valuable for poor Diliman, Quezon City 1100, Philippines. %IN BAOBAB African farmers.” (Source: Resource Fax: +63 2-426 2757; e-mail: Weekly for Wageningen UR, 29 January [email protected]; www.ntfp.org The baobab tree produces fruit that is rich in 2009.) vitamin C, antioxidants and minerals. “The pulp of the fruit has the most vitamin C of all FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: the natural foods in the world,” says Flora Flora Chadare, Bomenweg 2, 6703HD, Chadare in Critical Reviews in Food Science Wageningen, Netherlands. Fax: +31 317 483669; and Nutrition. “The baobab is a very rich e-mail: [email protected]/ tree. Its edible products are the fruit pulp, the seed and kernels, and the leaves.” Chadare carried out a literature study of JAPAN’S DENSO the macro- and micronutrients, amino acids %DEVELOPS “ORGANIC” and fatty acids in the pulp, leaves, seeds and RADIATOR TANK kernels of the baobab tree. “The pulp has a high antioxidant level as well as a lot of Denso says it has developed a plant- FORESTS, HUMAN vitamin C, and the link between these is also derived resin radiator tank using an organic HEALTH AND THE strong. The leaves have a high mineral compound derived from the castor oil tree % IMPACTS OF CLIMATE content, mainly calcium and iron. They also (Ricinus communis). The company says it CHANGE contain antioxidants. Baobab seeds and will start mass-producing this new product kernels are oily and fatty.” Chadare found in the spring of 2009 for vehicles sold The World Health Organization dedicated very varied results in the literature, probably worldwide. the focus of this year’s World Health Day, because several different measuring The plant-derived resin, which Denso on 14 April 2008, to “Protecting health from methods were used, and because the origin jointly developed with DuPont Kabushiki the adverse effects of climate change”. of the samples was variable. No conclusions Kaisha, is produced by a chemical reaction Although one may not readily see a can yet be drawn about biological variation between two organic compounds that are connection between climate change and either. Chadare’s follow-up research looks derived from the castor oil tree and health, the two are inextricably linked. into how available and digestible the petroleum. An additive, such as glass fibre, Studies from around the world, including minerals in the leaves are. is then added to the substance to produce those by Carol Colfer of the Center for Chadare was recently awarded a grant by the resin. The plant-derived ingredient International Forestry Research (CIFOR), the Storm-van der Chijs Fund for promoting comprises about 40 percent of the demonstrate that climate and weather the careers of women scientists at ecofriendly resin. have a powerful impact on human life and Wageningen UR. But her interest goes Since engine compartment components, health, especially the health of vulnerable beyond the nutritional value of baobab such as the radiator tank, need to be forest-dependent people. products. She has already published articles extremely heat resistant and durable, it However, according to CIFOR scientist about the various baobab food products was previously difficult to develop a resin Patricia Shanley, who has spent over five processed by the people of Benin. “For with a high percentage of plant-derived years studying the complex relationship example, they use fermented foods that are ingredients. between forests and health, “at present, unknown in the literature. People in Benin Denso says that, compared with people living in forests deal with much also use the fresh leaves, which are only conventional products, the new radiator

more immediate problems than climate available during the rainy season, to make a tank releases fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) change, like children dying of dysentery sauce. The leaves are slimy, just like okra. emissions into the atmosphere during its and malaria and other diseases caused by In dried powder form, the leaves are eaten life cycle because it is partially made from the indirect effects of forest degradation. in the dry season as well. The baobab fruit is material extracted from plants, which

Add to this the fact that many of their eaten too, and the surplus is often sold at absorb CO2 through the photosynthesis medicinal plants and other Non-Timber the market.” process. Forest Products (NTFPs) are being There are some problems to be The new product also helps conserve oil destroyed through logging.” addressed, as Chadare explains: “The and has a cold weather advantage, Denso Climate change is likely to exacerbate kernels are good for selling and eating, but says. (Source: just-auto.com [Japan], these problems by influencing the it is difficult to get them out of the seeds, so 20 February 2009.)

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 18 SPECIALNEWS AND FEATURES NOTES

% NWFPS – A GLOBAL pluvial tropical del mundo: la cuenca del NWFPS IN EUROPE PERSPECTIVE Amazonas. Europe, consisting of 48 countries and La mayoría de los PFNM de la región areas, accounts for about 17 percent of NWFPS IN NORTH AMERICA se destinan a un uso de subsistencia global land area but has one-quarter of The North America region, consisting of local, aunque algunos se venden en the world’s forest resources, three countries and two areas, has mercados nacionales e internacionales approximately 1 billion ha, of which 7 percent of the world’s population, como ingredientes para productos 81 percent is in the Russian Federation. 16 percent of its land area and sanitarios y de cuidado personal y de Europe has a long tradition of multiple- 17 percent of its forest area (677 million fármacos. La nuez del Brasil use forest management with substantial ha). About one-third of the region’s land (Bertholletia excelsa) constituye una emphasis on the provision of social and area is forested. The highly varied climate notable fuente de ingresos para los environmental services. conditions create great diversity in forest grupos indígenas de Bolivia, el Brasil y Although not a major activity in ecosystems, ranging from humid tropical Perú y es, asimismo, el PFNM comercial Europe, the collection of NWFPs is a to boreal. Some of the world’s most más importante: la cadena de common form of recreation. Key productive forests are found in this region. suministro proporciona empleo directo commercial products include Christmas Rural communities in Mexico depend a 15 000 personas. Este producto trees, game meat, cork, mushrooms on NWFPs for subsistence and income, representa el 45 % de las exportaciones (including truffles), honey, nuts and although their use is declining rapidly de Bolivia relacionadas con el bosque, berries. Most of these have limited but because of urbanization, changes in porcentaje superior al de todos los well-established (and sometimes highly employment and availability of cheaper productos madereros, y contribuye en profitable) markets. Two recent alternatives. más de 70 millones de USD anuales a la developments include a decline in the NWFP harvesting in Canada and the economía nacional. viability of cork production (because of United States of America typically takes Con el objeto de reducir los substitutes) and increased interest in place as part of forest recreation and conflictos entre las comunidades food from forests as part of the growing cultural traditions, and it is increasing. indígenas dependientes de los PFNM y consumer demand for organic products. Production of the few economically los explotadores madereros y los As with wood, European producers important NWFPs with long-established ganaderos del Amazonas, el Brasil ha and forest managers have continuously markets – notably maple syrup and creado reservas extractivas para la adapted their practices to take advantage Christmas trees – is highly recolección exclusiva de PFNM. Este of the changing market conditions. For commercialized. Both markets have been modelo, que concede derechos a largo example, cork producers have improved stable since 1994 and are expected to plazo en bosques públicos a grupos marketing and introduced stricter quality remain so. Canada accounts for dedicados a actividades sostenibles, se controls, standards and certification to 85 percent of the world’s maple syrup está extendiendo en toda la región. Las compete against substitutes. Producers of production and the United States iniciativas apoyadas por las forest food products in Eastern Europe produces the rest. Canada produced organizaciones de la sociedad civil y los have taken advantage of low labour costs 3.2 million Christmas trees in 2005. gobiernos han mejorado la recolección to serve the niche market for organic Markets for herbal products, including de los PFNM, la agregación de valor y la foods. In Western Europe, forest managers forest medicinal plants, are expanding as comercialización, con el respaldo de las are earning income from NWFPs, for society becomes increasingly health organizaciones de certificación y de example through permits for recreational conscious. Large pharmaceutical comercio justo. collection of mushrooms or sale of companies are investing in the Se prevé que, a medida que las Christmas trees. (Source: State of the production and marketing of herbal economías crezcan y se urbanicen, y se World’s Forests 2009.) plant products, which have become a disponga de oportunidades de multibillion-dollar industry in the United producción de ingresos más lucrativas, PFNL EN AFRIQUE States. (Source: State of the World’s disminuya la dependencia de los PFNM Le continent africain, composé de 58 pays Forests 2009.) para la subsistencia. La elaboración y la et zones, possède des écosystèmes très comercialización de productos que ya diversifiés. Il regroupe 14 pour cent de la PFNM EN AMÉRICA LATINA son bien conocidos mejorarán. Las population mondiale. Les forêts en Afrique La región de América Latina y el Caribe, cadenas de valor locales serán couvrent 645 millions d’hectares, soit 21,4 formada por 47 países y áreas, contiene sustituidas en gran medida por cadenas pour cent de la surface totale des terres. el 22 % de la superficie forestal nacionales y mundiales, con frecuencia Les forêts du bassin du Congo constituent mundial, el 14 % de la superficie de asistidas por iniciativas de comercio le deuxième massif forestier tropical du tierra global y el 7 % de la población justo y de etiquetado orgánico. (Fuente: monde. del mundo. En esta región se encuentra Situación de los Bosques del Mundo Les PFNL africains (gommes et résines, el mayor bloque continuo de bosque 2009.) miel sauvage et cire d’abeille, teintures et

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 SPECIALNEWS AND FEATURES NOTES 19

tanins, bambou et rotin, gibier, fourrages systematically developed with private- et un nombre important de plantes sector involvement. Lebanon’s privately médicinales) sont largement utilisés owned pine (Pinus pinea) plantations are comme produits de subsistance ou managed primarily for nut production. échangés de manière informelle. Leur The production and processing of, and contribution aux moyens d’existence et trade in, bay leaves from Turkey have leur importance au niveau local dépassent improved largely because of private- de loin ce qui peut être déduit des sector investments. statistiques officielles. No major changes are expected in the Du fait du renforcement des possibilités pattern of NWFP use. The main de commerce local, régional et challenge will be to improve the international, des changements production and value addition of less considérables se produisent dans le secteur commercialized products, to develop des PFNL en Afrique. Les Gouvernements markets and, thus, to enhance income africains multiplient les politiques et les opportunities for low-income lois en vue de formaliser des chaînes de households. (Source: State of the World’s valeur de ces produits. Il est important de Forests 2009.) noter l’émergence de marchés d’«alimentation ethnique», de plantes NWFPS IN WESTERN NWFPS IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC médicinales et de produits naturels ou AND CENTRAL ASIA The Asia and the Pacific region, biologiques, comme le miel, la cire Western and Central Asia, consisting of consisting of 47 countries and areas, is d’abeille et le beurre de karité. Plusieurs 25 countries and areas, is the least home to more than half of the world’s produits échangés aux niveaux national et forested region in the world, with only population and has some of the most international couvrent à la fois les secteurs 4 percent forest cover (1.1 percent of the densely populated countries in the formel et informel. Les activités de récolte global forest area). A few countries world. It has 18.6 percent of the world’s des produits sauvages, par exemple, font account for most of the forest area; forest area in a wide array of ecosystems, partie du secteur informel, tandis que leur 19 countries have less than 10 percent including tropical and temperate forests, transformation et leur vente s’inscrivent forest cover. About 75 percent of the coastal mangroves, mountains and dans le secteur formel. region is arid, with low biomass deserts. Rapid socio-economic changes in Compte tenu du large éventail des productivity. Vegetation ranges from the region are having profound impacts produits et de leurs utilisations finales, il desert scrub in Central Asia and the on all sectors, including forestry. While est difficile de faire des prévisions Arabian Peninsula to pockets of wood products demand is increasing, so applicables aux différents cas, mais on mangrove forests on the Persian Gulf is the demand for environmental services peut anticiper: coast and alpine meadows in Central of forests. • une consommation de subsistance de la Asia. In view of the low forest cover, NWFPs from the region are diverse – majeure partie des produits, trees outside forests, especially on farms food, medicines, fibres, gums, resins, accompagnée d’une attention and in other wooded land, have cosmetics and handicrafts. Most are used insuffisante accordée à la gestion des important productive and protective for subsistence, collected and consumed ressources; functions. locally or traded in limited quantities. • une surexploitation et un épuisement de As in other regions, the pattern of More than 150 NWFPs from Asia and the certaines ressources forestières sauvages NWFP use consists of many subsistence Pacific are traded internationally, récoltées à des fins commerciales; products and a few commercially although apart from bamboo and rattan • une pression supplémentaire exercée sur important ones, many of which are the quantities are usually small. les ressources en gibier, due à domesticated and cultivated Increasing interest in “natural products”, l’augmentation de la population; systematically. Subsistence use of and owing to their perceived health and • une domestication, une culture et une trade in NWFPs are particularly environmental benefits, is drawing transformation commerciales d’un petit significant for low-income rural attention to the multitude of NWFPs nombre de produits par des communities. In many countries, NWFPs commonly used by local communities. entrepreneurs ou des communautés provide more income than wood The consumption of many subsistence locales; production. NWFPs is likely to fall in the long term • une demande croissante émanant des Commercial products include honey, because of: marchés de niche pour des produits mushrooms, medicinal plants, pine nuts, • declining supply from the wild, largely certifiés et des produits du commerce walnuts, pistachio nuts, bay leaves, because of reduction in forest cover équitable. thyme and fodder. In the more and poor management; (Source: Situation des forêts du monde diversified economies, commercially • development of synthetic materials and 2009.) important NWFPs have been their substitution for NWFPs as a result

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 20 SPECIALNEWS AND FEATURES NOTES

of increasing incomes and consumer wild stock. Products from open-access products. Cultivation of medicinal plants access; public forests are particularly vulnerable. on farms and in home gardens, often • the decreasing attractiveness of NWFP In many cases, collection and trade are with technical and financial support from collection relative to more remunerative informal, offering minimal financial pharmaceutical companies, is becoming and less arduous occupations available benefits to collectors. popular. As with most cultivated crops, when incomes rise. Declining supply from the wild has led periodic demand-supply imbalances Several NWFPs – especially medicinal to substantial investment in the create challenges for organized plants – have been commercialized and domestication of some NWFP resources. cultivation of NWFPs. (Source: State of are traded nationally and globally. Bamboo, rattan and several medicinal the World’s Forests 2009.) Increasing demand has led to their plants are grown on a large scale and, (Please see page 73 for more intensive collection and to depletion of thus, have largely ceased to be forest information.)

NON-PROFIT negotiation with indigenous people; and The University of Minnesota's Eco-Palms % ORGANIZATIONS create a model for future protection and programme ensures that the leaves were AND NGOS development. harvested in Mexico and Guatemala in an environmentally sensitive manner by ApiTrade Africa FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: workers getting paid a fair price and ApiTrade Africa is a non-profit-making, Asociación ANDES, Calle Ruinas 451, organizers say they are getting more orders member-based company with a Casilla Postal Nº 567, Cusco, Peru. than ever. Secretariat in Kampala, Uganda, and has Fax: 51-84-232603; e-mail: The project grew from a 2001 study on the the aim of promoting African bee products [email protected]; www.andes.org.pe/ effects of the North American Free Trade on the world market. Agreement (NAFTA) to a 2005 pilot project Le Centre de développement des forêts that today has become a US$4.5 million FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: communautaires au Cameroun business. ApiTrade Africa/Uganda Export Promotion Le Centre de développement des forêts The project makes sure that workers get a Board, 5th Floor, Conrad Plaza, Plot 22, communautaires, CeDeFCom, est une better wage for picking only the highest- Entebbe Road, PO Box 5045, Kampala, Uganda. organisation non gouvernementale (ONG) quality fronds from palm trees growing wild E-mail: [email protected]; à but non lucratif. Basé au Cameroun, il in the rain forests of northern Guatemala and www.apitradeafrica.org travaille dans le domaine de la southern Mexico's Chiapas state, a practice conservation des écosystèmes forestiers that allows the plants to continue growing. The Association for Nature and et de la faune sauvage. Créé en 1998, il a And communities also benefit through an Sustainable Development (ANDES), Peru été reconnu officiellement en 2001. annual rebate. The programme this year, for ANDES is an indigenous NGO that seeks to Le Centre vise la promotion des example, will send about $32 000 to ten defend indigenous rights to genetic initiatives locales de développement en communities in Guatemala. Money in the resources, traditional knowledge and harmonie avec la nature, c'est-à-dire leur past has been used for scholarships for girls landscape character in Peru. It was organisation et leur consolidation en vue and to supplement teacher salaries. (Source: established in 1995 with volunteer staff de mettre en place des communautés Associated Press in wcco.com [United States and no funding, and has grown villageoises fières de leur existence dans of America], 3 April 2009.) considerably over the years. It now works un environnement aimé et protégé. with 39 indigenous rural communities, many of which live in conditions of poverty POUR PLUS D’INFORMATIONS, CONTACTER: PHOTOVOICES: NEW WAY or extreme poverty. Atangana Enama Barthélemy Léopold, % TO SHARE TRADITIONAL The association has successfully Coordonnateur des programmes, CeDeFCom, KNOWLEDGE bridged traditional Quechua principles B.P. 379, Mbalmayo, Cameroun. with modern organizational models to Courriel: [email protected] Photovoices provides cameras and training assert indigenous rights to heritage in on the basics of good photography to practical terms by establishing a new form indigenous people, many of whom cannot of protected areas known as Indigenous PALM FRONDS: read or write. Each project lasts from six Biocultural Heritage Areas (IBCHAs). % FAIR TRADE AND months to a year. Facilitators, fluent in These are locally and sustainably ECOFRIENDLY local languages and dialects, are assigned managed through community to visit the villagers each month to associations; form the basis for local This weekend about 2 500 congregations document the stories behind the photos on enterprise (agricultural and cultural from every major denomination will use a computer. The information is then given ecotourism); involve and benefit fair-trade palm fronds in their annual to scientists and government leaders. marginalized groups; unite communities; celebration of Jesus' arrival in (Source: The New Straits Times [Malaysia], encourage participation by and in the days before his crucifixion. 17 March 2009.)

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traceability of goods and finances and The marketing of FairWild certified documented fair-trading practices. ingredients and finished products will benefit A few wild harvest enterprises, from companies that support ecological and social Europe to Central Asia, have achieved the best practice throughout the supply chain from minimum entrance criteria for FairWild processors and wholesale ingredient certification, meeting the fair-trade distribution companies to finished product requirements for the social certification marketers and manufacturers, finished component and organic wild-crop product distributors and retailers of certified certification as the minimum indicator for products. the ecological component. As a result, The FairWild Foundation is looking for certified finished herbal products should partners among businesses, governmental begin to appear in the European and North and non-governmental organizations. SUSTAINABILITY American markets by late 2009. These initial (Contributed by: Anastasiya Timoshyna, STANDARDS IN WILD products will be certified on the basis of Medicinal Plants Officer, TRAFFIC %PLANTS HARVESTING – meeting fair-trade and organic wild Europe – Central Eastern Project Office, FAIRWILD AND ISSC-MAP requirements. As the checklist for ISSC-MAP c/o WWF Hungary, Álmos vezér útja 69/A, compliance is still under development, this 1141 Budapest, Hungary. Two sustainability standards specialized in module will be gradually implemented in a E-mail: [email protected]) wild harvesting of plants – the FairWild (FW) stepwise approach over a few years. Standard and the International Standard for Countries in which the FairWild and ISSC- FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Sustainable Wild Collection of Medicinal and MAP Standards are currently being FairWild Foundation, Secretariat, Aromatic Plants (ISSC-MAP) – recently implemented include, among others, WWF Germany, Rebstöckerstr. 55, D-60326 merged into one enterprise, offering a Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Frankfurt/M, Germany. E-mail:[email protected]; comprehensive framework for ecological, Cambodia, France, India, Lesotho, Macedonia, www.FairWild.org social and economic certification of products Nepal, South Africa and Uzbekistan. and guidelines on sustainable resource use Some of the key plant species include for governments, intergovernmental liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), cardamom THE ROLE OF organizations (IGOs), NGOs and a wide range (Amomum ovoideum), cinnamon NWFPS AND FORESTS of other stakeholders. ( cambodianum), kutki %IN IMPROVING Joint implementation of FW and ISSC- (Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora), chiraito AND SUSTAINING MAP addresses overall sustainability (Swertia chirayita), jhula (Parmelia spp.), LIVELIHOODS requirements in a more efficient manner Ailanthus triphys, puxuri (Licaria puchury- than any of the other existing standards. In major), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), preciosa Forests sustain livelihoods October 2008, at the IV IUCN World (Aniba canelilla), andiroba (Carapa Forests play an important role in the Conservation Congress in Barcelona, Spain, guianensis), andirobinha (Carapa procera), livelihoods and welfare of a vast number of an agreement was signed between the four Pelargonium sidoides and wild people in both developed and developing founding institutions of ISSC-MAP to endorse ( ursinum). countries – from urban citizens taking a global implementation of the standard The FairWild Foundation hopes that the recreational stroll in a nearby forest to isolated through the newly established FairWild major beneficiaries from the application of hunter-gatherers who live in and off the forest. Foundation. The German Federal Agency for the standards will be the wild collection The World Bank has estimated that Nature Conservation (BfN), the Medicinal communities, which will be supported and 1.6 billion people around the world depend to Plant Specialist Group (MPSG) of the rewarded for implementing these sustainable some degree on forests for their livelihoods. International Union for Conservation of collection practices in partnership with their Although only an estimate, this clearly Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission trade partners up through the supply chain. indicates that forest dependency is (SSC), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF widespread. In developing countries, it is Germany), Swiss Import Promotion projected that a large number of people will Programme (SIPPO), Forum Essenzia e.V. remain at or below the poverty level. In relation and the Institute for Marketecology (IMO) are to forests, this raises the question of whether among the organizations involved in activities forested areas can play a role in poverty of standards development since inception. alleviation. While ISSC-MAP is primarily an ecological A livelihood involves income-generating sustainability standard with supporting activities determined by natural, social, elements of economic and social human, financial and physical assets and sustainability, the FairWild Standard is access to these. Trees, shrubs, herbs, game primarily a social standard with supporting and a wide range of other forest products all elements of ecological and economic constitute important natural assets that are sustainability. Certification is based on harvested in significant quantities by a large resource assessment, the management number of households across virtually all plan, sustainable collecting practices, cost forest types. Such assets therefore make an calculation along the supply chain, Glycyrrhiza glabra important contribution to livelihoods.

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Examples are numerous. Forest- and escape poverty. However, by way of The role of NWFPs in improving rural harvested fuelwood is an important source contrast, figures from show livelihoods of household energy for heating and that areas there with high forest cover have NWFPs play many different roles in cooking in many countries. NTFPs, such as low densities of people but high poverty supporting the rural economy by bushmeat, are important to help meet rates. contributing to subsistence food security; dietary deficits and are a vital source of The World Bank and FAO have urged that nutrition; medicine; generation of additional protein. Medicinal plants from the forest, forests can and must play a far greater role employment and income; supply of raw used in self-medication or in traditional in meeting the United Nations Millennium materials; opportunities for processing medicine systems, are in many regions the Development Goals, including the target of enterprises; foreign exchange earnings; and sole or main source of medicinal remedies halving extreme poverty by 2015. There are the support of biodiversity conservation and for maintaining or improving health. Small- also international initiatives aimed at other environmental objectives. scale forest product processing, such as improving our understanding of the relation In addition, the activities related to the wood carvings or cane furniture, may be an between forests and livelihoods and the collection and primary processing of NWFPs important source of non-farm employment. impact of policies on such relations, represent opportunities for rural women to Even though forests are often very including the Poverty and Environment engage in income-generating activities. The important to households, there is Network, the Programme on Forests and degree of processing and value addition surprisingly little knowledge on the actual the International Forestry Resources and varies greatly between NWFPs, and while level of household forest income and the Institutions research programme. trade in some products is largely confined to role of such income in maintaining Being able not only to harvest forest regional markets, others are successfully livelihoods. Households typically use forest products but also to transport and sell such traded internationally. products for subsistence purposes or products is important for hundreds of Over the past 20 years, there has been a products are traded in informal markets. thousands of households in order to exploit rapid growth of interest in NWFPs among Much forest use is therefore not recorded the benefits of the forest fully. However, both conservation and development in regular income surveys. However, legislation often discriminates against small organizations. This is the result of available evidence indicates that income forest users, typically by heavily regulating increased recognition of the contribution derived from the forest may constitute their access rights. It also often gives that these goods make to the livelihoods of 20 percent or more of total household preferential treatment to influential large numbers of people in developing income, with the poor being the most companies and organizations and promotes countries; however, this potential dependent on forests. corruption. Such is the case in Honduras contribution is not always realized. There is evidence that forests are often where local communities cannot gain When thinking about the contribution of of particular importance for women, secure rights to the forests in which they live NWFP activities to reduce poverty and children and ethnic minorities. For while common, systematic and high-level vulnerability, and stimulate rural instance, forest foods are crucial for many corruption has characterized the workings development, three different NWFP-use children and the involvement of women in of the timber industry. There is thus scope strategies have been identified. They NTFP collection and trade improves for increasing the contribution of forests to highlight the fact that people may use intrahousehold equity. There are also poverty prevention and reduction. NWFPs in different ways at different times, studies indicating that richer households Building upon the emerging evidence of or that the same NWFP may provide a may be highly forest dependent – although the absolute and relative importance of safety net for some and a stepping stone such dependence relates to other sets of forests and forest products for livelihoods, for others. products than those extracted by poor governments and other development bodies The three categories of NWFP activity with households. For instance, fuelwood and the should take action to make policy reforms in regard to poverty reduction are the following. use of dung have been found to decrease as negotiation with small-scale forest users in 1) Safety nets to prevent people from falling income rises in India, while fodder and the order to create conducive production into greater poverty by reducing their use of wood for construction increase. conditions, including securing ownership vulnerability to risk. These are particularly The evidence regarding the role of and rights use; and revise legislation in important in times of crisis and unusual forests in allowing households to move out order to remove bias against household- need (e.g. during natural disasters, such of poverty is scant and mixed; there are level producers and supporting small-scale as drought or family illness). examples such as the above study from commercial units, including community- 2) Gap-filling activities, carried out regularly India indicating that income from forests based forestry. Such initiatives would allow during the non-agricultural season, allows households to accumulate assets households to use forests actively, enabling allowing for income spread and generally them to build up their assets and improve making poverty more bearable through their livelihoods. (Source: Vital Forest improved nutrition or higher income. Graphics, 2009.) There is a large body of evidence suggesting that, although many NWFP- FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: based activities generate only small Director, Division of Early Warning and amounts of income, the timing of this Assessment, United Nations Environment income during the non-agricultural Programme, PO Box 30552, 00100 Nairobi, season may increase its relative Kenya. Fax: +254 20 7623943; e-mail: importance. Such seasonal income can [email protected]; www.unep.org play a key role in reducing the vulnerability

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of the poor through a decrease in the Tulsi is one of the best plants to purify expertise and financial resources to variance of their annual revenue. the environment. It cleanses as it releases demarcate and enforce community rights. 3) Stepping-stone activities to reduce high amounts of oxygen, which minimizes Are there any reasons for optimism? poverty. Where these can permanently lift the adverse impact of industrial and Sunderlin says yes. Countries ranging from people out of poverty, the activity is refinery emission. to the Bolivarian Republic of termed poverty removal or elimination. It (Source: The Hindu, 5 February 2009.) Venezuela have made changes in law and is only in areas that are well integrated policy to facilitate recognition of indigenous, into the cash economy that some NWFP customary and community rights to forest producers are able to pursue a specialized WHO OWNS THE WORLD’S lands. These recent developments could set strategy in which the NWFP contributes % FORESTS? the stage for accelerated tenure transitions more than 50 percent of total household in the near future. In addition, rising income and collectors and producers tend Who owns the world’s forests? When Andy interest in Reducing Emissions from to be better off than their peers. White and Alejandra Martin posed and Deforestation and Forest Degradation Likewise, three household economic answered this question in their 2002 report (REDD) will put a new premium on strategies have been identified with regard to by the same name, they found that clarifying forest-related property rights. NWFP activities, based roughly on the level 77 percent of forests worldwide were But unless the pace of change is of integration into the cash economy and the administered by governments. The good quickened and extended to more countries, proportion of household income contributed news was that the forested area owned and it could take decades to shift the global by the NWFP. They are the following. designated for use by local communities balance of forest ownership from 1) Coping strategies. Households wild harvest and indigenous peoples was rising. governments to rural people. Translating a large number of NWFPs from William Sunderlin and colleagues have rights on paper into control over what unmanaged or lightly managed forests and, now updated the numbers in their report, happens on the ground is an equally in most cases, resources are in decline. From exclusion to ownership? Challenges daunting challenge, and one that will 2) Diversified strategies. Households use and opportunities in advancing forest depend on sustained commitment from NWFP-generated income as additional tenure reform. Their findings are sobering potential beneficiaries, governments and income, earning the bulk of their income for those who hoped to see an upsurge in the international community. from agriculture or non-farm sources. community control over forests. Sunderlin 3) Specialized strategies. Households et al. found that only a few of the 30 most FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: following these strategies tend to get forested countries in the had made William Sunderlin, Senior Scientist in the better production per hectare of NWFPs, significant changes in forest tenure since Policy and Social Sciences Division, command higher prices for their the 2002 study. Most are in Latin America. Center for International Forestry Research products, have higher household incomes Brazil alone is responsible for much of (CIFOR), PO Box 6596, JKPWB, Jakarta and are the most integrated into the cash the global progress, with an increase of 10065, Indonesia. Fax: 62 251 622 100; economy. 56 percent in the forest area designated for e-mail: [email protected]; Thus, there is a need for those involved in use or owned by communities and www.rightsandresources.org/documents/ and supporting NWFP activities to be both indigenous peoples. Peru and the files/doc_736.pdf p realistic about objectives and outcomes, and Plurinational State of Bolivia recorded clear and methodical about how the social significant increases. Colombia also posted and ecological impacts will be monitored and a small increase. In Africa, communities managed. (Source: Elaine Marshall and made small gains in the United Republic of Cherukat Chandrasekharan. 2009. Non-farm Tanzania, the Sudan and Cameroon. But income from non-wood forest products. Zambia and the countries of the Congo Diversification booklet 12. Rural Basin registered virtually no change at all. Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division. In Asia, India added more than 5 million ha Rome, FAO.) to the forested area designated for use by (See also pages 30 and 73 for more communities and indigenous peoples. information.) Indonesia recorded no gains. Even in the few countries that have reformed forest tenure, the granting of TULSI TO “INSULATE” rights has not guaranteed their realization. %THE TAJ MAHAL In Peru, for example, the Government has allocated forested areas for oil, gas and Tulsi, the well-known medicinal herb mining exploration in violation of indigenous Knowledge is power. Information is Ocimum sanctum (also known as holy land titles in the Amazon. In Brazil, the liberating. Education is the premise of basil), will now help to protect the Taj Government has failed to prevent illegal progress, in every society, in every Mahal from environmental pollution. One incursions into extractive reserves by family. million tulsi saplings will be planted near loggers, ranchers and miners. Even when the marble mausoleum by the Uttar there is a will to recognize rights, there is Kofi Annan Pradesh Forest Department and the not necessarily a way: meaningful tenure Lucknow-based Organic India. reform requires administrative capacity,

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%BAMBOO construction material, called cement- Bamboo keyboards manufactured in bonded board or CBB, is made from locally China available agroforest waste materials. Jiangqiao Bamboo and Wood hail from Eusebio said two bamboo species – China’s Jiangxi Province, where bamboo kauayan tinik ( blumeana) and resources are plentiful. Although the bayog (Bambusa merrillianus), which company began as a flooring company, it is thrive all over the country – were selected now diversifying its production to include in making the boards. the latest in green design: bamboo The other material, cornstalk, also keyboards. abounds in the countryside and has no use In recent years, bamboo has gained in most farms in Cagayan and the Ilocos popularity as a sturdy, sustainable Provinces, including La Union. alternative to wood flooring. Currently, Eusebio said CBBs have shown good China produces 200 000 m3 of bamboo properties and met required standards in Bamboo bicycles: a growing industry plywood annually. laboratory tests. He said they based the Riding your bike to work is becoming even Jiangqiao, which began manufacturing standards on a previously developed wood more environmentally friendly with the the green keyboards last October, has cement board (WWCB) made of growth of the bamboo bike industry. already received orders for 40 000 finished yemane (Gmelina arborea). Londoners who can afford the £3 000 price units and is China’s sole producer of these “CBBs are generally known for their tag can now buy an organic, biodegradable keyboards. The company says the product resistance to fire, water damage, fungal and bike made from bamboo. Calfee Design, is as strong as its plastic equivalent. Proof termite attack. They also provide excellent one manufacturer of bamboo bikes, is that bamboo’s strength surpasses what its sound and thermal insulation,” Eusebio using bamboo harvested in the remote flexibility suggests lies in the fact that said. CBBs passed tests on such properties mountains of Yushan National Park, Taiwan modern Hong Kong developers prefer as static bending, nail head pull-through, Province of China. The bamboo is shipped bamboo over steel reinforcing rods when thickness swelling and water absorption, he to the United States of America where it is constructing some of the world’s tallest added. He said these boards are commonly smoked and heat-treated to prevent skyscrapers. used as exterior panels, interior partition splitting. The pieces are then assembled Jiangqiao faced the same difficulties walls and ceilings, and in cabinets. with lugs made from fibre and sent to that are typical when adapting bamboo for Eusebio said he and a building product the United Kingdom for sale. industrial use: keeping the bamboo manufacturer in Bay, Laguna have already Bamboo bikes are cropping up in the keyboard frame from cracking, preventing produced 24 2 x 8 ft (0.6 x 2.4 m) boards, United States of America as well, and you the bamboo bottom plate from distorting which are more than enough to use for a can even take part in the construction of and firmly fastening the buttons with the housing unit in Tandang Sora, Quezon City to your ecofriendly transportation. Bamboo main board. However, the company has test the serviceability of CBBs. Bike Studio, based in New York, is offering successfully developed (and patented) its FPRDI is mandated to conduct basic and two-day bamboo bike-building courses. formula, and also developed a bamboo applied research and development to For US$1 000, you get all the raw materials mouse and USB expected to go on the improve the utility and value of wood and and instructions to build your own bike, market this spring. non-wood products. (Source: The Philippine custom-fit for your body and riding style Although Jiangqiao is not the first Star [Philippines], 7 May 2009.) and made with a local, renewable resource – company to use natural resources in all while supporting a good cause. That computer accessories, it may be the most Are ecoconscious consumers being cause is the Bamboo Bike Project, which ecofriendly. Much of the bamboo used in bamboozled? seeks to build a sustainable, ecofriendly the keyboards is leftover scrap from Because of its many benefits, bamboo has bike industry in Ghana – to create a bamboo floorboard manufacturing, says been touted as an environmental miracle sustainable form of transportation for poor the company’s general manager. crop. It is a significant carbon sink, grows Africans in rural areas. Combining efficiency with aesthetically quickly, is more termite-resistant than Here are a few additional reasons why pleasing design, Jiangqiao is earning a timber, and can be used for everything bamboo bikes are growing in popularity: name for itself in innovation and from food to clothing material to • bamboo absorbs five times as much sustainability. (Source: Sustainablog.com scaffolding for building construction. But greenhouse gas as a “conventional” [United States of America], 7 May 2009.) are environmentalists being bamboozled? tree plantation; Despite its benefits, increased bamboo • it does not undergo fatigue like metal; Bamboo, cornstalk used in cement- production may also give rise to a number • it is stronger than mild steel and more bonded boards in the Philippines of concerns. elastic than carbon fibre; and Manila. The Forest Products Research and Perhaps the most pressing concern • it is the fastest growing plant: some Development Institute (FPRDI) of the about bamboo arises from the fact that it species can grow 1.5 m per day. Department of Science and Technology has cannot be sustainably grown on a large If the cost does not turn you away, a developed a low-cost construction material scale in North America and Europe, bamboo bike could soften your ride to work from bamboo and cornstalk. Dr Dwight meaning it has to be imported from abroad. and your impact on the planet. (Sources: Eusebio, head of FPRDI’s Composite Currently, 80 percent of the world's various.) Products Section, said the alternative bamboo production comes from China.

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There is also concern that increased demand for bamboo could encourage farmers to bolster their use of pesticides to USE OF NEEM (AZADIRACHTA development of preservatives prepared boost yield, which would readily INDICA A. JUSS.) SEED OIL TO from natural products since synthetic accumulate as runoff in the moist regions PROTECT BAMBOO preservatives possess environmental where bamboo grows best. polluting properties. Azadirachta indica, There is also increased distress that Bamboo, a woody perennial plant commonly known as neem, which is a bamboo is environmentally inappropriate belonging to the family , plays native of the Indian subcontinent, is as a raw material for textiles and clothing a dominant role as a woody raw known for its marked medicinal, fabrics. Because of its rugged fibres, material for a variety of products. insecticidal, pesticidal and fungicidal bamboo must be cooked in strong There are about 75 genera and activity. Previous studies carried out at chemical solvents and turned into a viscose 1 250 species of bamboo in the world, the Forest Research Institute have also solution before it can be reconstructed into of which 30 genera and 136 species suggested that samples of non-durable proper weaving material. occur in India; the total forest area wood species treated with neem seed Furthermore, while expanding bamboo covered by bamboo is 9.57 million ha. oil performed excellently when production worldwide could help to prevent India is considered to be the second subjected to wood-decaying fungi and deforestation and timber usage at home, largest producer of bamboo, where termites. there are concerns that it could prompt annual production may reach up to A study was therefore carried out to farmers in the developing world to clear 4.6 million tonnes. screen the potential of neem seed oil their native forests. Because of its remarkable growth for bamboo protection. The oil was The good news is that many of these rate and versatile properties, bamboo impregnated at different concentration concerns are outweighed by the immense has been exploited for various levels into various species of bamboo benefits that bamboo production brings. industrial and architectural uses. It has by the Boucherie process. Treated and Agricultural efficiency is easily its largest wide application in the manufacturing untreated samples of bamboo, benefit. Since are the fastest of pulp and paper, as a constructional converted into a sample size of 1 ft growing woody plants in the world, the material and for the preparation of (30.5 cm), were installed in a test yard crop can be replenished quickly. handicraft articles. and observations were made at regular Furthermore, bamboo is self-regenerating, However, low natural durability and intervals on a visual basis. After which means that after the stalk has been biodegradation by fungi, termites and 12 months, it was noted that samples cut, it rapidly regrows from the remaining borers are significant problems in treated with 10, 15 and 20 percent of rootstock. As long as bamboo is grown in bamboo. Decaying fungi seriously neem seed oil were in a sound and its native habitat, its impact on local affect the pulp yield, resulting in a loss normal condition as compared with the ecosystems is minimal compared with the of up to 25 percent per year. In control untreated samples that were destructive foresting practices of timber addition, the loss of fibrous material moderately attacked by termites and production. caused by fungal, borer or termite fungi. Although concerns about bamboo as a attack increases chipping losses and Further study is therefore required textile and clothing fabric are warranted, reduces digester capacity. to explore and exploit the potential of bamboo is a remarkably suitable The service life of bamboo can be neem seed oil for bamboo and wood replacement for timber as a building increased by treatment with protection so that it can replace material. preservative solutions. The Forest synthetic chemicals. (Contributed by: Moreover, despite the fact that almost Research Institute, Dehra Dun, India has Dr Swati Dhyani, Wood Preservation all bamboo has to be imported to North been working towards the development Discipline, Forest Products Division, America and Europe, the carbon-conscious of various methodologies and chemicals Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, consumer can rest more easily knowing to enhance the service life of bamboo. Uttarakhand, India. E-mail: that the fuel used for transporting bamboo Research has been directed towards the [email protected] from Asia to California is essentially equivalent to shipping timber coast-to- coast in the United States of America, according to the United States Department of Energy. Bamboo firewood and charcoal programme Rattan Development Programme For farmers and local communities in in Ethiopia and Ghana (BARADEP), Ghana; and Nanjing Forestry developing countries such as Viet Nam, it is Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The International University (NFU), China, announce the impossible to deny the economic benefits of Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) launch of their “Bamboo as sustainable growing more bamboo. As many as and the European Union, together with their biomass energy: a suitable alternative for 1.5 billion people already rely upon bamboo partners: the Rural Energy Development firewood and charcoal production in Africa” or rattan in some significant way, according and Promotion Centre (EREDPC), Ethiopia; programme in Ethiopia and Ghana. to the International Network for Bamboo the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana The project is the first to develop bamboo and Rattan (INBAR). (Source: Ecoworldly, (FORIG); the Federal Micro and Small firewood and charcoal as an alternative to Guardian Environment Network, Enterprises Development Agency timber charcoal in the region. It will increase guardian.co.uk, 18 February 2009.) (FeMSEDA), Ethiopia; the Bamboo and the range of useable bamboo available in

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each country, establish bamboo charcoal % FRANKINCENSE In order to determine that frankincense micro and small enterprises (MSEs), and was the effective oil, they compared it with help government and civil society Frankincense: a brief update sandalwood, fir, palo santo and hemlock organizations to support bamboo firewood The year 2008 saw the publication of a oils, which did not differentiate between the and charcoal production and use. The number of papers on the analysis and types of cells. The study references experiences from the programme will be therapeutic properties of frankincense numerous other studies that have found applicable throughout the bamboo-growing gum, extracts and distillates. Frankincense that frankincense has potential in treating regions of Africa. gum (syn. olibanum) (syn. incense) is cancerous cells. (Source: Aroma Dr Coosje Hoogendoorn, Director General, obtained by tapping the trees of a number Connection [United States of America], INBAR said: “We are very excited to launch of Boswellia spp., and the gum and 21 March 2009.) this innovative new programme today. The derivatives are valuable exported new bamboo charcoal technologies commodities for the Horn of Africa region developed in Asia by INBAR and our partners (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and the %HEDYCHIUM SPICATUM over the past decade have enormous island of Socotra [off Yemen]), but also for potential to help reduce deforestation and the Sudan and other African regions. Hedychium spicatum – a commercial generate sustainable incomes, and this Frankincense gum is used to prepare Himalayan herb needs entrepreneurship programme marks a major step in their incense, and extracts and distillates have at local level application for improved energy security, been widely used as fragrance ingredients. The genus Hedychium (Zingiberaceae), environment and livelihoods of the peoples of Indian, Arabian and African Boswellia spp. represented by about 50 species, is found the bamboo-growing regions of Africa.” have a number of uses in local ethnic in Africa (Madagascar) and tropical to The programme will work in Benishangul- medicine, which is starting to translate into warm-temperate Asia, with major Gumuz state, Amhara national regional state uses in evidence-based conventional distribution in tropical and subtropical Asia. and Southern Nations Nationalities and medicine (see, for example, the major Of 30 species in India, Hedychium spicatum Peoples’ regional state in Ethiopia and the feature on frankincense and derivatives in Buch.-Ham., a rhizomatous perennial herb, Western region of Ghana to develop at least Phytomedicine, June 2008). is native and near endemic to the Indian 1 000 enterprises producing bamboo For a working definition, frankincense can , growing along a 900–2 800 m charcoal, and 30 000 households using it. It be said to be the dried exudation obtained altitude in temperate/subtemperate forests will train over 6 000 people in bamboo from the schizogenous gum-oleoresin in Himachal Pradesh to Arunachal cultivation, best bamboo firewood practices pockets in the bark of various Boswellia spp. – Pradesh; it is found up to 3 200 m in China, and bamboo charcoal production, set up three the Boswellia group itself being placed Bhutan, and Nepal. bamboo charcoal technology centres and within the Burseraceae 12 family. Commonly referred to as “bari- develop marketing strategies for bamboo Frankincense has been very highly sothi/ban-haldi” (shathi) or “kapurkachari” charcoal. valued for thousands of years, and has (in the trade), it is used in the Indian Funding for the programme comes mainly many uses and applications. It is the Horn indigenous medicine system. from the European Commission’s of Africa’s highest volume export and, apart Its robust pseudostem (‹1.5 m) produces “Environment and sustainable management from uses in incense/perfumery, the gum broad sessile leaves and extends a little of natural resources, including energy” oleoresin and preparations thereof are also over 30 cm. The white in terminal programme. (Source: INBAR press release, 6 used in a number of medicinal systems, for spikes are fragrant and attract visitors. April 2009.) flavourings and for skin cosmetic This species has scarcely been studied applications for toner, emollient and substantially for quantum availability in FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: antiwrinkle uses. nature, which is sciophytic, growing as Fu Jinhe Ph.D., Senior Programme Officer, Several Boswellia spp. are listed in the patches, with partial shade. I have International Network for Bamboo and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008, investigated over a dozen microhabitats Rattan (INBAR), 8 Fu Tong Dong Da Jie, including several individual species from within Himalayan niches. In the relatively Wang Jing Area, Chao Yang District, Beijing the island of Socotra. (Source: Cropwatch dry northwest, the species grows on the 100102, China. Fax: +86-10-6470 2166; Newsletter [United States of America], ground, especially shady/rocky habitats, e-mail: [email protected]; www.inbar.int 14 January 2009.) whereas in the high rain zones of Sikkim, it flourishes as an epiphyte, besides retaining Frankincense oil may be a treatment for ground niches. bladder cancer Uses. The rhizomes yield about According to a study published this week in 4 percent essential oil, possessing antiseptic BMC Complementary and Alternative properties, considered stomachic, Medicine 2009, 9:6, “Frankincense oil carmative, stimulant, insect-repellent and derived from Boswellia carteri induces tonic and are used for dyspepsia, asthma, tumor cell specific cytotoxicity”. Scientists diarrhoea, dropsy, headaches and skin at the University of Oklahoma Medical diseases. In addition, the plant is used to Center have found in vitro evidence that curb hair loss. Abir, a fragrant coloured frankincense oil (probably its constituent powder marketed for religious ceremonies, boswellic acid) can kill bladder cancer cells is prepared from dried rhizomes. Recently, without affecting non-cancerous cells. in the preparation of the anticancer drug,

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PADMA 28, a rich antioxidant supporting activity in manuka honey. Waikato healthy circulation and general immune University Associate Professor Dr Merilyn health (as PADMA Basic multiherb Tibetan Manley-Harris said: “We have known for medicine-based formula), a crude rhizome some time that a unique antibacterial extract of H. spicatum is used, as an activity of manuka honey is associated with important ingredient of a mixture among the presence of methylglyoxal, or MGO. But 18 dried/milled herbs/spices, etc. In Tibetan until now the origin of methylglyoxal was medicines, the species has 19.43 percent not known.” uses in 175 herbal formulations. Similarly, The research showed dihydroxyacetone, one of the pharmaceutical companies in or DHA, was present in young honey shortly India revealed in the Therapeutic Index its after the bees had deposited it in the comb. use in 10.3 percent of 233 formulations. As the honey ripens, the DHA converts to Ethnobiologically, the species is not MGO, the component that gives manuka commonly popular throughout the Indian honey its antibacterial activity. The Himalayas, but use is practised specifically researchers stored the young manuka Hedychium spicatum in different regions. In Himachal Pradesh, I honey for 120 days and found a strong studied ethnobiological use of its leaves in highly rhizome-dependent and voluminous correlation in the dropoff of DHA, and an making mats for the home, combined with in situ harvesting may negatively influence increase in MGO. Since DHA is not wheat straw, enhancing the durability of its survival. antibacterial like MGO, the antibacterial the product. In Manipur, the rhizome is For global demand, the herb offers activity increases as the honey matures. cooked to prepare chutney. However, in immense scope for commercial Dr Manley-Harris said that when the Sikkim, the people do not see its entrepreneurship through ex situ researchers realized that DHA was the importance even though appropriate conservation/cultivation. Rhizome precursor of MGO, they set about agroclimatic conditions exist, indicating the segments may be used for developing determining its origin. “They discovered it immense possibility of adopting species planting material at short intervals and ex when they tested the nectar from manuka under ex situ cultivation. situ-produced seeds for mass flowers from various trees around Hamilton Markets. H. spicatum is traded in India multiplication. Sandy loam soil with forest and the Waikato,” she said. and wholesalers are available – the humus is the best substrate for vegetative This discovery will enable producers to Amritsar and Delhi markets are propagation providing ›90 percent success determine when a batch of honey will particularly large. As dried slices, rhizomes and averaging 30–60 percent seed mature, whether it will remain inactive and are marketed from different Himalayan germination in wild populations. other details. (Source: Indian newslink [New ranges. Large traders often employ local Standardizing propagation, suited to Zealand], 12 May 2009.) agents to collect raw material from regional physiography, is a prerequisite, villagers, who are lured economically for in choosing 2 000–2 400 m as appropriate British beekeepers charge high prices for situ harvesting. In Himachal, the species is altitudes. Organic-based field “local” manuka honey mentioned under export permit after 1993, demonstrations at different agroclimatic Beekeepers in the United Kingdom have by the State Forest Department, with zones, involving stakeholders, are strategic imported manuka plants from New Rs70/quintal royalties. In Sikkim, by 2001, at the local/regional level. Zealand to produce their own version of the state government had completely Marketing produce should not be a medicinal manuka honey, which they are banned the harvesting of herbs from the problem; direct connectivity between selling at £5 (US$13) a teaspoonful. wild, viewing their depletion with concern. growers and pharmaceuticals needs The honey is being produced on the However, good populations of H. spicatum strengthening and scientific Tregothnan estate in Cornwall, United at present available are an important guidelines/monitoring are vital. Kingdom. Tregothnan's garden director, genetic resource and need to be identified (Contributed by: Dr Hemant K. Badola, Jonathan Jones, said: "The honey is and evaluated for elite stock and Scientist, Conservation of Biodiversity, G.B. expensive, but it is Britain's only manuka immediate ex situ multiplication. In recent Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment honey. It has become a lifestyle product, a years, few organizations have fixed their and Development, Sikkim Unit, Gangtok luxury. This year is the first time the plants selling rates of self-produced fresh (Campus: Pangthang), Sikkim 737 101, produced nectar, which gave us our first rhizomes/whole plants of herbs; for India. E-mail: [email protected] or jars, around 100. They were sold to women H. spicatum, rates varied between [email protected]) of a certain age who are very health Rs8–10/plant or 50–80/kg (fresh rhizome). conscious, but recently we have been Increased wild harvesting has led getting much wider interest." H. spicatum to be considered vulnerable % HONEY The estate company claimed the price (IUCN criteria; CAMP workshop, north tag was justified because its 100 000 bees India), and as rare for Garhwal-Himalayas. Scientists identify antibacterial agent in are housed in 20 special hives claimed to Specific habitat requirements have made manuka honey be worth £5 000 each and have the the species highly susceptible to forest Chemistry Department researchers at New exclusive run of the garden's manuka degradation. Ongoing global warming and Zealand’s Waikato University made a bushes. resulting habitat loss may further adversely breakthrough discovery when they The honey is claimed to have medicinal affect its populations. Its natural spread is identified the source of the antibacterial qualities and can help ailments including

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gum disease, sore throats, acne, sunburn without the loss of mental clarity and digestive problems. (Source: The New associated with alcohol. Zealand Herald [New Zealand], 19 May Vanuatu and Fiji are among the world's 2009.) largest producers of kava, and Mr Sarris said that the loss of major export markets had Exporters misuse the “Kashmir” honey delivered a significant blow to the islands' brand economies. "Allowing the sale of kava in Honey exporters of Punjab and Tamil Nadu Europe, the United Kingdom and Canada have been alleged of selling inferior quality would significantly enhance Pacific island honey under the brand name “Kashmir”. economies, which have lost hundreds of Kashmiri apiculturists have demanded millions of dollars by not being able to export legal action against the “brand theft”. the plant over the past several years," he Apiculturists have alleged that a Punjab- said. (Source: The Age.com [Australia], 11 based exporter, Kashmir Apiaries Exports, May 2009.) a leading honey producer in India, has been selling honey extracted from Punjab and Kashmir honey would sell for more than elsewhere under the Kashmir brand to Rs1 000 on the international market. % MEDICINAL PLANTS European and Middle Eastern countries. (Source: Institute of International Trade AND HERBS Every year, 70 000 tonnes of honey are [India], 12 May 2009.) produced in India, of which 25 000 tonnes Medicinal plants becoming extinct are exported. Punjab’s contribution to the According to a report from the international honey exports is around 5 500 tonnes, of % KAVA conservation group, Plantlife, 15 000 of which 3 000 tonnes, worth US$3 million, 50 000 medicinal plant species are under are exported to the United States of Kava (Piper methysticum) can help treat threat of extinction. Medicinal trees at risk America, United Kingdom, Europe and anxiety, depression include the Himalayan yew (Taxus West Asia. Kava (Piper methysticum), used for wallichiana), a source of the anticancer drug, Although the Punjab-based honey generations in traditional ceremonies by paclitaxel; the paper bark tree (Warburgia exporter claims to be collecting honey from Pacific islanders, is an effective and safe spp.), which yields an antimalarial; and the Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Kashmiri bee treatment for anxiety, university African cherry (Prunus africana), an extract keepers belie the claim, saying that the researchers say. During a 60-person trial of which is used to treat a prostate condition. exporter is cheating buyers by mixing undertaken at the University of Queensland Most people worldwide, including Kashmir honey with significantly large (UQ), Australia, people with "chronic high 80 percent of all Africans, rely on herbal volumes of honey produced from other levels of anxiety" feel less worried and, in medicines obtained mainly from wild plants. states. some cases, less depressed. "We've been This presents a risk because the loss of Lion Kashmir Honey, a Chennai-based able to show that kava offers a natural medicinal plants used to make traditional honey exporter, claims to meet alternative for the treatment of anxiety and, remedies, together with the loss of medicinal international standards for the Kashmir unlike some pharmaceutical options, has plant diversity in general are quite status. However, since no geographic less risk of dependency and less potential disastrous. Commercially, collectors identification (GI) status has been granted of side-effects," said lead researcher generally harvest medicinal plants with little to Kashmir honey, such claims by Jerome Sarris, a Ph.D. candidate from UQ's care for sustainability, partly through manufacturers are baseless. A proposal School of Medicine. "We also found that ignorance, but mainly because such has already been sent to the Ministry of kava had a positive impact on reducing collection is unorganized and competitive. Food Processing and as soon as Kashmir depression levels, something which had The solution is to provide communities honey is granted a GI status, a campaign not been tested before." with incentives to protect these plants. will be launched against all such parties. Critically, the study's participants did not Projects in many countries have shown that Kashmir honey is unique because it is show any signs of potential liver damage – this approach can succeed. (Source: Times produced from wild trees – about contrary to concerns that prompted of India, 12 January 2009.) 90 percent from acacia trees (commonly European, United Kingdom and Canadian known as kikar) and the remaining authorities to ban kava sales in 2002. Kava Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) could tackle 10 percent from wild flowers. The honey products sold in these countries were dengue fever produced in other states comes either from based on ethanol or acetone extracts of the Curitiba. An Amazonian plant could form poplar trees or mustard plants. Moreover, kava plant, Mr Sarris said, not the water- the basis of a drug to combat dengue fever, Kashmir honey is a fertilizer- and soluble extracts used traditionally by according to Brazilian researchers. pesticide-free product, and its glucose and Pacific islanders and approved for sale in A group of scientists at the Viral fructose content is several times higher Australia. Immunology Laboratory of the Brazil- than that of the honey produced in other Kava contains the psychoactive agent based Oswaldo Cruz Foundation has found parts of the world. "kavalactones" and a traditional ceremony that compounds of the plant cat's claw If the Good Manufacturing Practices involves pulping roots of the plant and then (Uncaria tomentosa) – native to the Amazon (GMP) and Good Agricultural Practices drinking them mixed with water. This is rain forest – have both antiviral and (GAP) standards are maintained, 1 kg of said to have a tranquillizing effect but immune system-regulating properties

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when they come into contact with infected cells in the laboratory. Cat's claw is known in traditional CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL COLEUS Varieties. Maimmul, Mangani beru and medicine for its anti-inflammatory – (COLEUS FORSKOHLII .) IN INDIA Garmai are some of the popular varieties immune system-regulating – effects, which in India. prompted the scientists to investigate the Coleus forskohlii Briq. (syn. Coleus Soil and climate. Well-drained red loamy plant. barbatus Benth.), belonging to the soils are suited for cultivation. Water Dengue fever is a disease caused by a Labiatae family (Lamiaceae), is an stagnation should be avoided. The crop virus of the genus Flavivirus, transmitted ancient, perennial aromatic thrives best in areas receiving 70 cm by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The World herb with fasciculate tubers. annual rainfall. Health Organization (WHO) estimates there The tuberous roots have been Propagation and season. The crop is might be 50 million dengue infections found to be a rich source of propagated through terminal cuttings worldwide every year. No effective medicine forskolin; a diterpenoid (10 cm). Commercial exists so the only recommended treatment activates cyclic adenosine planting is carried is hydrating patients while they are monophosphate or cyclic AMP out during June–July. recovering. in the cells. In addition, Planting is carried Besides Uncaria tomentosa, the minor diterpenoids, i.e. out at 60 x 45 cm Brazilian group is currently looking for deacetylforskolin, 9 – spacing (37 030 antidengue properties in solutions of deoxyforskolin, 1, 9 – plants/ha). In low- approximately 15 other plants. deoxyforskolin, 1, 9 – fertile soils, planting The research was published in dideoxy-7 – is done at 60 x International Immunopharmacology in deacetylforskolin and 30 cm (55 500 December. (Source: SciDev.Net Weekly four other diterpenoids plants/ha). Update [2–8 March 2009].) have been reported to be present Irrigation is given immediately in the tuberous roots of C. forskohlii. after planting and subsequently at Medicinal value of forskolin This plant is well known throughout the weekly intervals. India is rich in medicinal plant biodiversity country and is known as Pasan Bhedi in Manuring. Incorporate 15 t/ha of and is one of the 12 megabiodiversity hot- Sanskrit, Patharchur in Hindi, Garmalu in farmyard manure (FYM) during final spot regions of the world, having Gujarati, Maimmul in Marathi, Makkadi ploughing. Nitrogen, phosphorus and 2.4 percent of the world’s area with beru or Mangani beru in Kannada and potassium (NPK) at 30:60:50 kg/ha should 8 percent global diversity. Coleus forskohlii Koorkan kilangu in Tamil. The crop has be applied in two split doses at 30 and 45 is a medicinal plant well recognized by been distributed all over the tropical and days after planting. Apply 10 kg ZnSo traditional users, pharmaceutical subtropical regions of India, Pakistan, 4/ha to avoid micronutrient deficiency. industries, entrepreneurs and innovative Sri Lanka, Egypt and Ethiopia. In India, it is Harvest can take place five to six months and progressive growers. found in the subtropical Himalayan after planting and must be carried out The tuberous roots of Coleus forskohlii regions from Kumaon to Nepal, Bihar and without damaging the tubers. are found to be a rich source of forskolin; a the Deccan plateau of South India. Yield. Fresh tubers: 15–20 t/ha; dry labdane diterpenoid activates cyclic In India, the plant is cultivated in tubers: 2 000–2 200 kg/ha. adenosine monophosphate or cyclic AMP Rajasthan, Maharastra, Karnataka and Post-harvest handling. Harvested tubers (cAMP) in the cells. In addition, Tamil Nadu in an area of about 2 500 ha. are cut into small pieces and dried under diterpenoids have been reported to be The scientific cultivation of the crop is shade until they reach 8 percent present in these tuberous roots. given below. moisture level. Coleus is the only known natural source of forskolin. Because of its versatile pharmacological effects, forskolin is used for the treatment flatulence, dropsy, insomnia and cardiomyopathy. It helps in relaxation of the of eczema (atopic dermatitis), asthma, convulsions. In addition, it possesses arteries and other smooth muscles. It also psoriasis, cardiovascular disorders and positive inotropic, broncho-spasolytic, increases cerebral blood flow. This hypertension, where the decreased antithrombotic and platelet aggregation indicates that it may be helpful in improving intracellular cAMP level is believed to be a inhibiting activities and has proved to post-stroke recovery. Inhibition of platelet major factor in the development of the enhance fat loss without loss of muscle aggregation (blood clotting) also adds to its disease process. mass in human beings. value in the treatment of cardiovascular It is being developed as a drug for Forskolin is a vasodilator, increases the and cerebrovascular disorders. It has been glaucoma, congestive heart failures and skin's natural resistance to burning under found that symptoms of psoriasis have certain types of cancers. The drug is ultraviolet light and promotes nerve repair been improved through the use of forskolin. claimed to improve appetite, facilitate by increasing cAMP concentrations. It has (Contributed by: M. Velmurugan, digestion and increase vitality. The crop is been shown to be safe and effective and K. Rajamani, P. Hemalatha and popular owing to its extensive use in has great potential as a sports supplement. C. Harisudan, Tamil Nadu Agricultural preparing Ayurvedic and Unani medicines Forskolin can reduce blood pressure and University, Coimbatore – 641 003, India. for curing anaemia, inflammation, improve heart function in people with E-mail: [email protected])

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% NATURAL FIBRES began in the twenty-seventh century BC. materials, in medical implants, and geo- and The oldest wool textile, found in Denmark, agrotextiles. Animal fibres include wool, hair Natural fibres – an overview dates from 1500 BC, and the oldest wool and secretions, such as silk. (Please see Natural fibres are greatly elongated carpet, from Siberia, from 500 BC. Fibres page 36 for more information on silk.) Plant substances produced by plants and such as and have been cultivated fibres include seed hairs, such as cotton; animals that can be spun into filaments, since antiquity. stem (or bast) fibres, such as and hemp; thread or rope. Woven, knitted, matted or While the methods used to make fabrics fibres, such as ; and husk fibres, bonded, they form fabrics that are have changed greatly since then, their such as coconut. (Source: International Year essential to society. functions have changed very little. Today, of Natural Fibres 2009 Web site; Like agriculture, textiles have been a most natural fibres are still used to make www.naturalfibres2009.org/) fundamental part of human life since the clothing and containers and to insulate, dawn of civilization. Fragments of cotton soften and decorate our living spaces. The revival of the most resistant natural articles dated from 5000 BC have been Increasingly, however, traditional textiles fibre in the world excavated in Mexico and Pakistan. According are being used for industrial purposes as Apart from the non-wood sources of raw to Chinese tradition, the history of silk well as in components of composite materials for pulp making, a number of

EXAMPLES OF PLANT FIBRES bramantes, cordeles, líneas de pesca y 8 to 20 tonnes/ha, with fibre yields of 1.5 redes, así como tela basta para sacos. tonnes reported. Abacá (Musa textilis) También está creciendo el nicho de fibre is white with a silky lustre, También llamada cáñamo de Manila, el mercado especializado en ropa, cortinas, similar to flax in absorbency and density abacá se extrae de la vaina de las hojas pantallas y tapicería de abacá. but coarser (25–30 microns). One of the que rodean el tronco de la planta de El papel hecho de la pulpa de abacá strongest natural fibres, it has low abacá (Musa textilis), pariente cercana es usado para esténciles, para filtros de elasticity and dyes easily. Strands of ramie de la banana, nativa de Filipinas y cigarrillos, bolsas de té y piel de range up to 190 cm in length, with ampliamente distribuida en los trópicos salchichas, y también para papel moneda individual cells as long as 40 cm. húmedos. Cosechar abacá es laborioso. (los billetes del yen japonés contienen Transfibre fissures make ramie brittle but Cada tallo debe cortarse en tiras, las hasta un 30% de abacá). favour ventilation. cuáles son raspadas para remover la La Mercedes Benz ha usado una The ramie plant is grown for fibre pulpa. Luego las fibras se lavan y secan. mezcla de polipropileno termoplástico e mainly in China, Brazil, the Lao People’s El abacá es una fibra de hoja, compuesta hilaza de abacá en partes del cuerpo de Democratic Republic and the Philippines. por células largas y delgadas que forman los automóviles. Se estima que la While it is considered a promising parte de la estructura de soporte de la producción de fibra de abacá utiliza un "ecological" fibre for use in textiles, fibre hoja. El contenido de lignina está por 60% menos de energía que la extraction and cleaning are difficult and encima del 15%. El abacá es valorado producción de fibra de vidrio. labour-intensive. por su gran resistencia mecánica, Producción y comercio. En el 2007, Uses. Coarse ramie fibres are suitable for flotabilidad, resistencia al daño por agua Filipinas produjo cerca de 60 000 making twine, rope and nets. Wet-spun, it salada, y por el largo de su fibra - más de toneladas de fibra de abacá, mientras produces a fine yarn with high lustre, 3 metros. Las mejores clasificaciones del que Ecuador produjo 10 000. La suitable for a wide range of garments, abacá son finas, brillantes, de un color producción mundial está evaluada en ranging from dresses to jeans. habano claro y muy fuertes. cerca de 30 millones de USD al año. Casi Fabrics of 100 percent ramie are El líder mundial en producción de todo el abacá producido es exportado, lightweight and silky, similar in abacá es Filipinas, en donde unos 90 000 principalmente a Europa, Japón y los appearance to . The Korean pequeños agricultores (encima) cultivan Estados Unidos de América. Filipinas traditional costume, the ramie hanbok, is la planta en 130 000 hectáreas. Aunque incrementa sus exportaciones en forma renowned for its fineness. However, since la planta se cultiva en otros países del de pasta de abacá más que en forma de it has low elasticity and resilience, ramie is Asia sudoriental, el rival más cercano de fibra bruta. usually blended with other textile fibres. It Filipinas es Ecuador, en dónde el abacá increases the lustre and strength of cotton ha sido sembrado en muchas fincas y la Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) fabric and reduces shrinkage in wool producción está cada vez más Native to East Asia and commonly known blends. It is also blended with silk. mecanizada. as China grass, ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is Production and commerce. FAO estimates Usos. Durante el siglo XIX, el abacá fue a flowering plant of the nettle family. Its world production of ramie green plant at ampliamente usado en aparejos de bark has been used for millennia to make 280 000 tonnes in 2005, almost all of it barcos, y la pulpa era usada para hacer twine and thread, and spun as grass cloth grown in China. Most of the ramie fibre sobres resistentes de papel manila. (or "Chinese linen"). It grows to a height extracted is used in producing countries, Hoy, aún se emplea para hacer sogas, of 3 m. Yields of green plants range from and only a small percentage reaches

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plants provide fibrous substances suitable southeastern Mexico. It is not easy to One hectare of forest can provide for making cloth, ropes and woven harvest or carry, and in order to gather about 20 kg of fibre each year and an materials, including several species of 1 kg of pita fibre, about 300 leaves need to average cash income can amount to grasses (Sterculia villosa, Broussonetia be collected. US$930/ha, an income far superior to papyrifera, Agave sissalana, Ceiba The longer the leaf the better, because that obtained by coffee or cattle pendandra, etc.) and palms (Carludovica it means a longer fibre and a better producers. Pita is the most valued and palmata and Brahea dulcis). Palms and market price. Processing begins by sought-after natural fibre on the grasses are used for weaving baskets, scraping away the leaf pulp, pulling out Mexican market and surpasses the hats, mats and other items in Latin the fibre, bleaching it in lemon juice and price of linen and silk, with a price America, Africa and Asia. Bromeliad washing powder, combing it and finally as high as US$100/kg. (Source: Elaine species also provide an important natural rolling it into thread. The fibre is then used Marshall and Cherukat Chandrasekharan. source of fibre. to embroider leather articles, e.g. belts, 2009. Non-farm income from non-wood Pita (Aechmea magdalenae), a boots and saddles, by skilled craftspeople, forest products. Diversification booklet thorny-leaved terrestrial bromeliad, sold principally in Mexico, the United 12. Rural Infrastructure and Agro- grows naturally in the tropical forests of States of America and Spain. Industries Division. Rome, FAO.)

international markets. The main importers Les paysans vendent leur production à brute et le restant sous forme de produits are Japan, Germany, France and the des négociants ou sur le marché local. La manufacturés. L'Inde exporte seulement United Kingdom. fibre change ainsi plusieurs fois de mains 200 000 tons d'articles en jute, le reste et de catégorie avant d'arriver à l'usine étant utilisé sur place. Jute (Corchorus capsularis et C. olitorius) ou d'être exportée. Les utilisations du jute sont en plein Extrait de la tige de plantes appartenant Si la culture du jute est exigeante en essor dans le monde entier car le secteur aux genres Corchorus capsularis et C. main-d'œuvre, elle est peu gourmande manufacturier s'intéresse de plus en plus olitorius, le jute est une fibre naturelle en engrais et en pesticides. La fibre est le aux matières biodégradables très résistante; il vient en deuxième plus souvent récoltée manuellement, la respectueuses de l'environnement et position, après le coton, en termes de mécanisation n'étant pas adaptée à la pouvant se substituer aux matières volume de production et d'utilisation. culture à petite échelle pratiquée dans synthétiques. Cependant les producteurs Pendant la révolution industrielle, il a les pays en développement. Les tiges de jute et le secteur de transformation connu un grand essor dans la fabrication sont fauchées et couchées sur le champ n'ont guère innové en matière de de toile de sac, se substituant au lin et pour les débarrasser des feuilles; au bout production et de transformation. au chanvre cultivés en Europe. Si les sacs de quelques jours, elles sont liées en Le kénaf, fibre apparentée. Tout comme constituent encore de nos jours la faisceaux. On procède ensuite au le jute, le kénaf sert à fabriquer des majeure partie des produits rouissage, qui consiste à faire flotter les cordes, des ficelles et des toiles manufacturés en jute, un grand nombre tiges sur un cours d'eau pour les libérer grossières, mais il est issu d'une autre d'articles novateurs à haute valeur de la pectine et autres substances plante, Hibiscus cannabinus. En 2007, la ajoutée ont vu le jour: revêtements pour mucilagineuses qui les soudent. Le production atteignait 340 000 tonnes, sols, composants, géotextiles, non-tissés, rouissage est terminé – il dure de une à l'Inde étant le principal producteur. pâte à papier, textiles techniques, trois semaines - quand l'enveloppe de la Parmi les utilisations récentes de la fibre, produits chimiques, tissus d'habillement, tige, qui contient la fibre, se sépare citons le papier journal, les mélanges de artisanat et accessoires de mode. facilement du cœur ligneux. Après avoir cultures, les matériaux d'emballage et les La plante herbacée dont est extrait le extrait la fibre, le plus souvent emballages en matériaux composites. jute abonde dans les régions humides manuellement, on procède au lavage et (Source: International Year of Natural (températures comprises entre 24 et 38 au séchage. Fibres 2009 Web site, degrés et précipitations annuelles de 1 La production de jute fluctue au gré www.naturalfibres2009.org/) 000 mm au moins). Le Bangladesh et le des conditions météorologiques et des Bengale-Occidental sont les principaux cours. Ces dernières années, elle For more information, please contact: producteurs mondiaux de jute, suivis de s'échelonnait entre 2,3 et 2,8 millions de Brian Moir, International Year of Natural loin par le Myanmar et le Népal. Le jute tonnes, à l'instar de la production de Fibres Coordination Unit, Trade and est produit par de petits paysans. En laine. Mais la valeur du jute, nettement Markets Division, FAO, Viale delle Inde et au Bangladesh, on estime que 4 inférieure à celle de la laine, est estimée à Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy. millions environ de paysans vivent de 480 millions de tonnes. L'Inde fournit 60 Fax: +39 06 57054495; cette culture, assurant la subsistance de pour cent de la production mondiale et le e-mail: [email protected]) 20 millions de personnes, et que des Bangladesh la presque totalité du reste. (Please see page 66 for more centaines de millions de personnes Ce dernier exporte près de la moitié de sa information on the International Year of travaillent dans le secteur manufacturier. production annuelle sous forme de fibre Natural Fibres.)

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NATURAL DYES AND COLOURS indigo dye (Indigofera tinctori), traditionally used for dying a variety of Many forests are rich repositories of textiles, including silk and wool plants producing dyes and pigments that garments. can be sustainably harvested for Research from the forests of Peru has commercial use and processed locally, identified 56 dye-yielding plants, and thereby supporting rural employment the Vegetable Dye Society in Bangladesh and development. has identified about 30 dye-yielding Ornamentation of cloth with natural plants for textiles. dyes dates back about 3 000 years, and Some common natural dyes used for because of the toxic nature of some silk in the Lao People’s Democratic synthetic pigments, there has been a Republic include the following. resurgence of interest in natural dyes. • Pink. Rind of mangosteen fruit An advantage of natural dyes lies in the (Garcinia mangostina) potential for designers to control • Red/purple. Stick lac, wood of with economic support from the global home variations of shade and tones, which is Caesalpinia sappan furnishing company IKEA. The subsequent not possible with synthetic dyes. Dye • Yellow. Root of berberin (Coscinium phase (2009–2011) entitled “A switch to pigments are derived from tree bark, finestratum) sustainable harvest rattan production and leaves and wood, including the bark of • . Seed of annato (Bixa orellana) supply” was launched on 5 March 2009, with akan-asante or yaruba (Anonidium • Greyish-black. Fruit of ebony funding mainly from the European Union and mannii) and the leaves of magnolia (Diospyros mollis) IKEA. “Our goal is that by 2010, 100 (Rothmannia whitefieldii). • Pinkish-grey. Leaf of teak (Tectona communities in the Lao People’s Democratic Examples of natural dyes include grandis) Republic, Cambodia and Viet Nam will be henna, which is extracted from the dried • Grey. Tuber of Dioscorea bulbifea engaged in sustainable rattan production and leaf of Lawsonia inermi and provides a (Source: Elaine Marshall and Cherukat with 40 percent of the identified small and dye ranging in colour from black to red; Chandrasekharan. 2009. Non-farm medium enterprises (SMEs) actively engaged kamala, an orange-yellow dye used for income from non-wood forest products. in cleaner rattan production. This will textiles, obtained from the fruit of the Diversification booklet 12. Rural support local economies and help conserve kamala tree (Mallotus philippinensis); Infrastructure and Agro-Industries forests,” says the WWF regional rattan and the widely used blue-coloured Division. Rome, FAO.) programme manager. WWF, with national stakeholders, is engaging with rattan traders and processors to develop more environmentally and economically viable processing practices %RATTAN In Sopphouan, a small village of with the aim of becoming more efficient, approximately 400 inhabitants outside Lak improving resource usage and reducing raw Villagers from Southeast Asia benefit Xao, in the province of Bolikhamxay, Lao material wastage along the supply chain. from sustainable rattan harvesting People’s Democratic Republic, the WWF At the same time, WWF works with Can the sustainable use of rattan boost rattan project has already brought positive national, regional and international buyers to communities, businesses and the results. “Last year our village earned influence the demand for cleaner and more environment? Yes, that is the firm belief of 8 500 000 kip (approximately US$1 000) in sustainable rattan at fairer prices. In doing the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), additional income from rattan seedlings and this, they work with entrepreneurs or rattan which piloted a community-based rattan cane. This is an important contribution processors and traders, who are the people sustainable management and production to the livelihood of farmers who are that buy the raw material, add value by model project that began in 2006 in the Lao otherwise wholly dependent on family-based processing it and then link up with regional People’s Democratic Republic and rice production and other small-scale crops,” and international buyers such as IKEA. Cambodia and is now engaging Viet Nam. says Phantone Keomany, 43 years. Through this approach, WWF is confident More than 90 percent of rattan processed To secure a long-term use of the that incentives will be in place for local in the Mekong subregion comes from natural resource, the villagers have started communities to conserve forest ecosystems forests, but rattan stocks are being depleted nurseries and plantations, which they where rattan is available. (Contributed by: at an unsustainable rate, fears WWF. proudly show to visitors. This bold initiative Thibault Ledecq, Chief Technical Advisor, are climbing palms belonging to entails an entirely new way of thinking and WWF Greater Mekong Programme – Laos the palm family, with tough stems, which can requires careful long-term planning. Country Programme, PO Box 7871, be used for food, shelter and furniture. A Previously, rattan was only harvested in the House 39, Unit 05, Ban Saylom, Vientiane, survey by WWF in 2008 showed that rattan is wild state directly from the forest. Lao People’s Democratic Republic. E-mail: a major NTFP and one that makes a crucial Since 2006, the project has been carried [email protected] or contribution (more than 30 percent cash and out in collaboration with forest researchers, [email protected]; non-cash value) to local livelihoods other NGOs, government institutions and www.panda.org/greatermekong

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Viet Nam: Nghe An exports rattan products comes from the saffron plant ( Afghanistan has all the environmental for the first time sativus L.). The of the plant criteria appropriate for the production of The central province of Nghe An, Viet contains three stigmas, which are saffron. For best growth and production, Nam, will send its first consignment of collected and dried, becoming the saffron saffron requires mild winters with heavy rattan products under a recently signed spice. The plant has a corm/rhizome that snowfall and hot summers. It grows well contract between the Duc Phong company is about 3 cm in diameter and weighs up to under temperate and dry climates; its and the leading Swedish company IKEA. a maximum of 8 g. Saffron has narrow vegetative growth coincides with cold The Duc Phong company, based in Nghe leaves like grasses with a length of weather and freezing conditions. It An, will export three models of rattan 6–10cm and a width of 2–3 mm. Its flower tolerates a maximum of +45 ºC and a lamps, earning a minimum revenue of is light purple, with red or white stripes. minimum of -18 ºC. The annual rainfall VND25 billion in the first year of the The uses of saffron are many. The requirement for saffron is about 300 mm. contract and tripling their revenue over saffron is rich in aroma and used Maximum water requirement is in March and the next five years. The company, which as a spice, a condiment, an aphrodisiac April of about 15–20 litres/m2 per irrigation currently needs an additional 4 000 and a colouring agent. period. The plant can be grown in a wide workers to complete the contract, is In dried or powdered forms, stigmas range of soils, with moderate structure and outsourcing much of the work to local are commonly used as the following. good infiltration. But for best growth and households. It has conducted extensive • A therapeutic plant, excellent for production, the soil should be sandy loam, research on different kinds of rattan stomach ailments and as an rich in calcium and with a high content of products such as tables, lanterns and antispasmodic; it helps digestion; and organic matter. The soil is prepared in other interior decorations for markets it heals a variety of diseases ranging autumn or winter and an application of such as Japan, the United States of from arthritis to impotence and 8–12 tonnes of well-decomposed animal America and Europe. As many as 80 infertility. It is also used for curing manure/acre (0.4 ha) is recommended. percent of Duc Phong products have been asthma, coughs and the common cold. The flowering stage of saffron starts from designed by the company, with the rest Saffron anticancer effects have been October and continues for some three weeks. coming from individual customers. studied. Each flower lives only for 48 hours, which is Duc Phong, which processes millions • A spice used in cooking for colouring the reason why saffron has such a high value. of tonnes of rattan per year, also takes and as a flavouring agent. It is also The optimal harvest time is therefore early in the lead in growing rattan, reducing its used for making cheese products, in the morning before full sun. A flower dependence on outside sources. It has milk- or cream-based confectionery collector can collect as many as 3 000 flowers so far spent nearly VND100 billion and in dairy products such as ice per hour. The saffron flowers should be planting 1 350 ha of rattan in four cream-flavoured milk. stored at temperatures near 0 °C and the districts and the company adopts an • A material used in the layer of fresh flowers should not exceed approach that combines its own pharmaceutical, cosmetics and 10 cm. Under these conditions, saffron investment with the local labour force. perfume industries. flowers can be kept for up to seven days. Duc Phong is expected to produce • A dye used extensively in textile Post-harvest processing gives the best 7 tonnes of rattan/ha over the next production. saffron spice quality. During this processing, 30 years, ensuring the sustainability of its Saffron leaves are also used as animal the stigmas are separated from the flowers. production. (Source: Voice of feed. The stigmas are bright orange-red and are News [Viet Nam], 9 March 2009.) clearly visible among the lilac . It takes some 450 000 stigmas to make up 1 kg of saffron spice. Workers, therefore, must %SAFFRON SAFFRON () process 150 000–170 000 flowers to produce 1 kg. The deep red stigmas are attached to the Saffron cultivation in Afghanistan: a Crocus sativus belongs to the family flowers by pale filaments called styles. These, lucrative NWFP and a potential Iridaceae. The flowers of Crocus sativus as well as the yellow , are worthless alternative to poppy have trifid orange-coloured stigmas. as spice. Many merchants prefer to buy only After the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, Saffron is the dried form of these pure saffron, requiring that the stigmas be development organizations and stigmas. The name saffron is obtained separated from the styles, which has to be multinational forces are making efforts to from the words “sahafarn”, done by hand as long as the material is fresh. find an alternative crop to replace illicit meaning thread and “za’faran”, In Afghanistan, most saffron is air dried and poppy cultivation in the country. It is meaning yellow. packed in airtight and light-protected assumed that the dilemma of this war- The plant is native to southern containers such as tin cans and dark glass. devastated country has long been Europe and is cultivated in Spain, Farmers cultivate saffron bulbs in late May correlated with the production of poppy France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Islamic to August and reap the purple flowers in mid- itself. Development workers are hoping Republic of , India and China. October. The average yield of saffron is that saffron could be a lucrative Saffron grows well in cold regions. 7 kg/ha and a maximum could be 24 kg/ha. alternative to poppy. (Source: MFP News, (19)1, January– The Afghan saffron markets are mostly within Popularly known as jafran in the Middle March 2009.) Afghanistan itself, the Islamic Republic of East and Asia, saffron is the most valued Iran, India, Dubai, Pakistan, the United States and most luxurious spice in the world and of America and Europe. Prices of saffron

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range from US$1 200 to 1 400/kg in local Programme, BRAC Afghanistan, House 45, markets (December 2007) and US$1 400 to Lane 4, Baharistan, Kart e Parwan, Kabul, HISTORY OF SAFFRON 8 000/kg in the European and American Afghanistan. E-mail: markets (2006). It has been estimated that [email protected]; www.bracafg.org) the net income/ha from saffron is $2 716. To eradicate production in the Saffron cultivation and use in India country, the Government of Afghanistan is In India, the cultivation of saffron is mostly being supported by international donor carried out in Kashmir. However, Himachal agencies in terms of technical and financial Pradesh and the upper regions of Uttar support but the results will only be visible Pradesh are favouring saffron cultivation. when an alternative income source is in Saffron is extensively used as a spice place. Considering the massive pressure (especially in Kashmir). Saffron has also been from the government and other agencies, used as a flavouring and colouring agent and farmers tend to refrain from opium in food, sweets, tobacco and the zarda production rather than getting interested in industries. It is also used for improving skin saffron production for its high price in the complexions and is a valuable medicinal domestic and international markets. Experts herb. The saffron pigment is used to stabilize at the Ministry of Agriculture in Kabul have light-sensitive insoluble drugs. A hair tonic admitted that saffron is compatible with the with saffron extract is extremely effective at The history of saffron is very ancient and climate and soil of the southern, eastern and promoting hair growth. Saffron is also used in esteemed. Historical accounts suggest western parts of the country and its Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. (Source: MFP that the cultivation of saffron was started cultivation does not require additional News, (19)1, January–March 2009.) in 1600 BC by the Minoans. But irrigation, which the country lacks. cultivation is probably older than that Donors such as the United Kingdom’s and is believed to have begun in Department for International Development Southwest Asia. The Minoans probably (DFID) have funded projects to promote brought saffron as a traded item from saffron production in Afghanistan. A handful the East as part of their network of sea of entrepreneurs have also invested in the and land traders who ranged throughout packaging, branding and export of Afghan- the Mediterranean at that time. made saffron to regional and European Native to Southeast Asia, the crocus markets. Afghanistan’s western neighbour, species produces the valuable reddish- the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a leading orange colour stamens cherished by saffron exporter. However, insecurity and cooks around the world to colour and narcotics gangs have hindered government flavour their dishes. efforts to replace poppy with lawful crops The Persians had spread cultivation since these groups earn large profits from of saffron corms throughout the Persian illicit poppy cultivation and they oppose and

Empire along the Silk Road routes by impede saffron cultivation by forcing farmers Sandalwood 500 BC and cultivation in northern India to grow poppies. and Kashmir was formally under way. Saffron quality tests show that Afghan The Phoenicians dominated the saffron can be one of the best in the world in %SANDALWOOD Mediterranean trade of saffron spice terms of quality. This is attributed to the during Greco-Roman times. climatic conditions of Afghanistan as suitable Sandalwood: a critical view of Subsequently, the Romans brought for growth and production. In the context of developments saffron with them to Europe. Saffron Afghanistan, saffron has a tremendous The fact that some sandalwood species are gradually spread to North America opportunity on the domestic and under threat is an inconvenient truth ignored through the Anabaptists from Eastern international market since demand is by many cosmetic companies and essential and Central Europe, who set up increasing every year. It is hoped that this oil traders. Four Santalum (sandalwood) profitable saffron trading from 1730 to spice will soon replace the poppy throughout species are present in the IUCN Red List 1740 with the Spanish settlers in the the country for its high market value. 2008, including the extinct Santalum Caribbean. This trade continued until Meanwhile, farmers involved in opium fernandezianum. The more familiar the 1812 war. cultivation should be assisted and promoted Santalum album L. is one of the remaining Historical accounts of saffron to cultivate saffron as their alternative three, assessed as vulnerable in 1998, but a cultivation in India date back to 550 AD. livelihood. It is time for the United Nations, more detailed breakdown of the ecostatus of At present, the major saffron- donor agencies and NGOs to work together in individual Santalum species from various producing countries in the world are Afghanistan to explore the utilization and geographic locations, with ancillary notes, is Spain, the Islamic Republic of Iran and development of this valuable NWFP in the available on the Cropwatch Web site India. country. (Contributed by: Mohammad (www.cropwatch.org). Muktadir Hossain, Sector Specialist The shortage of East Indian sandalwood oil [Forestry], Agriculture Development has been caused by the ravages of spike

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disease over many decades and, to a lesser intelligence official specializing in cross- extent, by fire, vandalism, animal damage border smuggling prevention said, "Due to and other factors, on the existing Indian less fragrance but equal curving capacity sandalwood forests in Karnataka and Tamil and strength, red sandalwood is preferred Nadu, not to mention the ruthless for making butts of firearms. China is one of overexploitation of this declining resource by the largest buyers. Now since all attention is illegal distillers, smugglers and corrupt focused on political developments in officials. Arguably the overexploitation of Kathmandu, the grey trade operatives are sandalwood only came about because of the likely to increase their activities." persistent market demand for sandalwood The consignments, generated largely as a logs for incense, wood carving and furniture result of illegal Indian felling in Karnataka, making, to continue the supply of are first routed to Nepal through the porous sandalwood-based attars and, of course, the Indo-Nepal border along Uttar Pradesh, demand for sandalwood oil itself (which Bihar or West Bengal. From there, they get some have estimated at 250 tonnes/year), into China through Tatopani on the Arniko despite warnings of serious resource Highway in North Nepal, the largest Sino- depletion from eco-aware groups. Nepal trading point. A few years back, some aromatherapy "Arniko Highway has practically been profession officials and certain aromatherapy taken over by red sandalwood smugglers," Sclerocarya birrea essential oil trading representatives belittled said Nepali exporters working in Tatopani. the threat to sandalwood, and inferred that if "The Governments of India, Nepal and d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, any blame was to be apportioned at all, it China should jointly focus on the issue on Ghana, Togo, Benin, the Niger and Nigeria in should be laid at the door of the major user, common interest," they added. (Source: western Africa; Chad and the Sudan in the fragrance industry. Even now, within the The Economic Times [India], 12 May 2009.) Central Africa; Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, European Union, nationally run Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania aromatherapy vocational courses still feature in eastern Africa; and Angola, southern sandalwood oil for study. The incense trade %SCLEROCARYA BIRREA Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, has naturally ignored its obligations almost Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South completely and, as far as we can tell, many Sclerocarya birrea: a lesser-known NWFP Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland in southern sectors of the conventional perfumery trade of Africa Africa. In addition, within the past 30 years have done the same. The contribution of forests and trees to food the tree has been established in plantations Cropwatch is persuaded that with proper security in Africa is vast, diversified and in Israel and Oman. policies and investments, some sandalwood highly valuable. It ranges from the direct Across Africa the tree has three sources could be made truly sustainable, and production of food to the provision of jobs, subspecies, namely S. birrea, we believe this may well be the case in income generation and support for the S. multifoliolata and S. cafra. The United Vanuatu. However, taking pure East Indian sustainability of farming systems. The foods Republic of Tanzania is the only country sandalwood oil as a benchmark, the odour from forests and trees are particularly where all three subspecies occur, so is the profiles of sandalwood oils from other essential to improve the nutritional status most diverse ecoregion for Sclerocarya. geographic locations and/or other species of the people by providing vitamins and The tree provides fruits and many other are usually different in character, lack fine other elements, which are not found in food locally used NTFPs. In a few countries, the notes and may be oversweet (as with East produced by agriculture. fruits are processed into products that are African sandalwood oil) or predominantly In spite of the importance and richness of traded internationally. The fruits are rich in woody-camphoraceous (as with Chinese food from forests and trees, progress has vitamin C, about five times higher than that sandalwood oil), or just plain lacking in been very slow in considering measures and of citrus fruits. They are also used to make impact and character (as with Indonesian programmes to increase the contribution of juice, jam, jellies and as a cosmetic agent. sandalwood oil). From here, the future looks wild plants and animals to food production The fruit pulp is eaten fresh, boiled to a difficult for sandalwood. (Extracted from: and food security. A combination of thick paste for sweetening porridge, or Cropwatch Newsletter, January 2009.) initiatives aiming at improved knowledge of fermented to make alcoholic drinks of both local and traditional practices, inventorying local and commercial value. Southeast Asia smuggling via Nepal in and managing resources, and further The tree’s leaves and bark have upward swing integrating trees in farming systems could medicinal properties. Siliguri. According to the Sashastra Seema have a significant impact on food security In famine years, the kernel is locally Bal (guards at the Indo-Nepal border) and and income generation. roasted and eaten. At 96 percent dry matter, Nepal security agencies, over 1 000 tonnes Sclerocarya birrea, which is a the kernel is 57.3 percent fat, 28.3 percent of red sandalwood have been seized during wild/semidomesticated tree, can be used as protein, 6 percent total carbohydrates, the last year from both sides of the border. a case tree to reveal the potentials of lesser- 2.9 percent fibre and is rich in phosphorus, Apparently the wood is in high demand known but valuable trees. The species is magnesium and potassium. because it is used to make the butts of guns. widely distributed, occurring in 29 different The fruits of Sclerocarya birrea are also While talking to The Economic Times countries in Africa from north to south and used to brew the popular Amarula cream in about the possible buyers, a senior east to west: Senegal, -Bissau, Côte South Africa. Amarula is almost exclusively

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available in luxurious outlets and hotels, % SILK These yardsticks signify that the eggs at sold on average at US$2–5/5 cc volume. the research centre are healthy. The main This cream thus generates substantial Nainital Research Centre, India, achieves reason for this success can be attributed amounts of income from local and world record in breeding silkworm eggs to the innovative measures taken by international markets. Nainital-based Regional Oak Tasar scientists at the centre. Empirical experiments are still needed to Research Centre has created a world “We provide good feed to the silkworms develop better ways of harnessing the record in the field of silkworm egg-laying. due to which the silkworm gains more potential of Sclerocarya birrea. The ultimate The scientists and other staff members of weight. When it converts into pupa, it goal must be for local people to apply this the research centre are very pleased by becomes big and therefore the moth is knowledge to diversify their income and the way their project has shaped up. also big, and when the moth is big, it will improve their livelihoods. (Source: Guardian The average number of eggs/moth at certainly produce more eggs,” said Dr R.S. in IPPMedia.com, 6 January 2009.) the research centre is in the range of 240 Yadav, a scientist at the Regional Oak to 260 as compared with China’s 160–200 Tasar Research Centre. The centre has eggs. The number of eggs/g is 108–110 in also been taking special care to minimize % SHEA BUTTER comparison with China’s 120 eggs/g. egg losses.

Fair trade partnerships . Knowledge shared throughout the millennia by generations of African women meets the twenty-first century, during Fair SILK Silk is used in sewing Trade Month. Ten Thousand Villages, a North thread for high-quality American fair trade dealer and Uniterra, one Silk is produced by the articles, particularly silk of Canada's leading international voluntary silkworm, Bombyx mori. apparel, and in a range of programmes, welcome their partners from Fed on mulberry leaves, it household textiles, including Burkina Faso to celebrate Certified Fair produces liquid silk that upholstery, wall coverings and Trade shea butter. Ms Kourtoumi Chalim hardens into filaments to rugs and carpets. Aschlet Niangao and Mr Abou Dradin Tagnan form its cocoon. The larva is It is also being used as a represent the Union of Producers of Shea then killed and heat is used to soften surgical suture – silk does not cause Products of Sissili and Ziro in Burkina Faso, the hardened filaments so they can be inflammatory reactions and is absorbed where shea is the third largest export. unwound. Single filaments are combined or degraded after wounds heal. Shea, dubbed "the gold of African with a slight twist into one strand, a Other promising medical uses are as women", is well known for its moisturizing process known as filature or "silk biodegradable microtubes for repair of and protective properties. Equitably traded reeling". blood vessels and as moulded inserts for organic shea turns those benefits into real A silk filament is a continuous thread bone, cartilage and teeth reconstruction. gold for nearly 3 000 women, who have of great tensile strength measuring from Production and commerce. Global silk doubled their income as a result of this 500 to 1 500 m in length, with a diameter production rose from around 100 000 collective. Since earning fair trade of 10–13 microns. In woven silk, the tonnes in 2 000 to 150 000 tonnes in certification in 2006, producers have poured triangular structure of the fibre acts as a 2006, thanks mainly to the growth of much of their earnings back into community prism that refracts light, giving silk cloth China's output. China produces about projects such as literacy groups for women, its highly prized "natural shimmer". It has 70 percent of the world's silk, followed by programmes for children orphaned by HIV good absorbency, low conductivity and Brazil, India, Thailand and Viet Nam, with and Aids, and the construction of a childcare dyes easily. minor production in Turkmenistan and centre. These are welcome developments in Silk is produced in more than Uzbekistan. India, Italy and Japan are the Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in 20 countries. While the major producers main importers of raw silk for processing. Africa, ranked at 173 of 177 on the Human are in Asia, sericulture industries have The unit price for raw silk is around Development Index. been established in Brazil, Bulgaria, Egypt 20 times that of raw cotton. (Source: Despite the economic downturn, Canadian and Madagascar. Sericulture is labour- International Year of Natural Fibres 2009 sales of fair trade shea products are on the intensive. About 1 million workers are Web site, www.naturalfibres2009.org/) rise. Ten new personal care products, prepared employed in the silk sector in China. with certified fair trade shea, will be launched Sericulture provides income for 700 000 For more information, please contact: this month at Ten Thousand Villages' 47 stores households in India and 20 000 weaving Brian Moir, International Year of Natural throughout Canada, at festival sales and on its families in Thailand. Fibres Coordination Unit, Trade and Web site. Shea Delapointe, a -based Uses. Silk's natural beauty and other Markets Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme family business and a Ten Thousand Villages properties – such as comfort in warm di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy. Fax: +39 supplier, imported 9 tonnes of certified fair weather and warmth during colder 06 57054495; e-mail: [email protected] trade shea in 2008, expected to double in months – mean that it is much sought (Please see page 66 for more information 2009, thanks to fair trade partnerships after for use in high-fashion clothes, on the International Year of Natural between Canadian entrepreneurs and lingerie and underwear. Fibres.) African producers. (Source: marketwire.com [Canada], 7 May 2009.)

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India is the second largest producer report's authors, Sandra Altherr of Pro • Loss of pollinators. Large fruit bats in of silk after China and the largest Wildlife, said it appeared that the extent of particular are extremely important consumer of silk in the world. (Source: primate hunting in Latin America was pollinators of many tropical forest trees. Thaindian.com, 18 April 2009.) higher than in Africa or Asia. • Loss of seed predators (e.g. pigs, "While the devastating effects of the peccaries, agoutis, large squirrels). With Silkworm’s chemical attraction to bushmeat trade in Africa continues to hit reduced seed predation, trees with large mulberry leaves discovered the headlines, the largely uncontrolled seeds are at a competitive advantage over Tokyo. Japanese scientists say they have hunting of primates in Central and South trees with smaller seeds. In one study in isolated the jasmine-scented chemical America has been all but ignored," Altherr Panama, such trees dominated forest that attracts silkworms to mulberry told Spiegel Online. "At an international patches after less than 75 years following leaves – their primary food source. level there is almost no discussion about the depletion of seed-eating animals. The findings could help silk producers this problem. We need to change this • Loss of seed dispersers (e.g. primates, fine-tune the diets of silkworms to get because the situation is becoming worse." frugivorous bats, frugivorous birds, forest them to eat more and digest food more The report also found that primate ungulates). Many large animals play a efficiently, a study published in Current hunting in Latin America, once a primary role in seed dispersal; seeds of Biology reported on Friday. subsistence-level activity, is becoming up to 75 percent of plant species in The chemical cis-jasmone emitted in increasingly commercialized, with African rain forests are dispersed by small quantities by the leaves of the traditional hunting methods being replaced animals. Hunting can deplete complete mulberry tree triggers a single, highly by modern weapons. guilds of seed dispersers by removing tuned olfactory receptor in the worms' The report also claims that the hunting primates, large birds and bats. The exact antennae, said Kazushige Touhara, a of primates for food rather than habitat balance between animal dispersed plants professor at the University of Tokyo. Cis- loss poses the most serious threat to the and vegetative propagation of rain forest jasmone is so powerful that just a tiny survival of large primates in Latin America plants is still unknown, but the loss of amount draws silkworms towards the within the next two decades. As the rain seed dispersers will undoubtedly affect source of the smell, he said. Cis-jasmone forest is cleared away by loggers, new forest composition, in ways that are might be added to artificial diets to paths and roads into forest regions allow difficult to predict. increase the efficiency of the worms' food hunters increasingly easy access to • Loss of predators (e.g. large cats, intake. It could also be used to develop a primate breeding grounds. raptors). This can cause unusual and safe form of pest control, attracting Primate hunting is already illegal in uneven densities of different prey unwanted insects also drawn to the scent most Latin American countries, but Altherr species. In turn, proliferation of certain of cis-jasmone. (Source: United Press said that the authorities in many areas prey species can lead to declines or local International, 8 May 2009.) turned a blind eye to the problem. (Source: extinctions of their animal or plant food Spiegel Online International, 13 April 2009.) species, which changes forest composition and decreases overall WILDLIFE biodiversity. In Barro Colorado Island, %AND BUSHMEAT Panama, the absence of large predators led to an increase in mesopredators Primate hunting reaches crisis point (coatis). The increased predation by the in Latin America mesopredators on birds’ eggs and Monkey numbers in Latin America have fledglings caused declines and local fallen dramatically in recent years as extinctions of many low-nesting birds. primate hunting reaches unsustainable • Loss of food for predators. Hunting of levels. Most are used for food, but an ungulates and primates can reduce the increasing number of souvenirs are also populations of predators that depend on produced using dead monkeys. them for prey. In India, hunting can result The authors of a report published this in reductions of 90 percent of the prey week by the British wildlife charity Care for eaten by tigers. This reduces tiger the Wild International and the German densities and also results in their hunting organization Pro Wildlife claim that the smaller prey, thereby causing further number of primates hunted in Latin The impact of hunting on the biological detrimental effects on the biological America could be as high as 10 million a community community. The loss of animals from year. In some parts of the Amazon basin, Hunters focus initially on large animals and forest ecosystems and the resultant the numbers of medium- and large-size continue to hunt them even when their disruption of ecological and ultimately primates have dropped by a staggering numbers become low. Such species evolutionary processes, changes in 93.5 percent over the last 20 years. comprise the majority of the mammalian species composition and probable The report concludes that primate biomass in undisturbed forests and play reduction in biological diversity are populations in 16 of the 22 Latin American keystone ecological roles. Reduction or collectively known as the “empty forest countries are under threat, particularly loss of such species will have wider syndrome”. larger species such as woolly, spider, impacts on the forest community, as a (Source: R. Nasi, D. Brown, D. Wilkie, howler and capuchin monkeys. One of the result of the following factors. E. Bennett, C. Tutin, G. van Tol and

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T. Christophersen. 2008. Conservation and Libreville and Brazzaville to London and use of wildlife-based resources: the New York. In these cases, wild meat is bushmeat crisis. CBD Technical Series 33. consumed as a luxury item to maintain a 50 pp. Bogor, Indonesia, Secretariat of the link to a departed lifestyle and is not a Convention on Biological Diversity, Montreal, staple source of animal protein. and Center for International Forestry Scientific data to determine how Research [CIFOR].) important a role taste and culture play in the overall demand for wild meat are FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: scarce. Most studies of preference have Secretariat of the Convention on Biological often simply documented that consumers Diversity, World Trade Centre, 413 St Jacques, noted “meat hunger” when their diet is Suite 800, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9. composed primarily of starches, or have Fax: 1 (514) 288 6588; focused solely on which species of wildlife e-mail:[email protected]; www.cbd.int Frogs important food source consumers prefer. They have not With its famous diversity of frog species, established that consumers have clear Madagascar has long been targeted by taste preferences for wild meat relative to smugglers for the pet trade. While this the meat of domesticated animals. In a “FOOTBALL FOR THE FORESTS” threat is relatively well understood, less recent study in Gabon, consumers were BUSHMEAT AWARENESS MATCH known is the domestic market for edible asked to select which of two plates of meat WILL TAKE PLACE IN 2010 frogs. Writing in Tropical Conservation they preferred. Only poor rural people Science, researchers from the University of showed a measurable preference for The antibushmeat charity football match Aberdeen (United Kingdom) and bushmeat. And, of the 42 subjects who scheduled for June 2009 in Yaoundé, institutions in Madagascar provide a stated a preference for domestic poultry, Cameroon has been postponed to 2010. glimpse into this activity. 78 percent avoided bushmeat when given Given that 2009 is the International Richard Jenkins and Malagasy colleagues the choice of porcupine or chicken. Overall, Year of the Gorilla, the Great Apes conducted a five-month survey of collectors results suggest that taste is not the Survival Project (GRASP) Secretariat delivering frogs to a restaurant in eastern primary determinant of consumer demand announced that they are planning an Madagascar. They found a thriving trade – for wild meat. (Source: R. Nasi, D. Brown, antibushmeat charity football match to 3 233 frogs were delivered to the restaurant D. Wilkie, E. Bennett, C. Tutin, G. van Tol be held in Yaoundé between the during the period. Income for collectors and T. Christophersen. 2008. Conservation national teams of Cameroon and selling edible frogs was only slightly lower and use of wildlife-based resources: the Nigeria. It is hoped that the good per edible frog (US$0.29) than it was for bushmeat crisis. CBD Technical Series 33. example of the football heroes of Mantella milotympanum ($0.32), a critically 50 pp. Bogor, Indonesia, Secretariat of the Cameroon and Nigeria will have a endangered frog collected for the Convention on Biological Diversity, significant behavioural impact on the international pet trade, thus providing an Montreal, and Center for International illegal harvesting of bushmeat in the importance source of income for frog Forestry Research [CIFOR].) region. The aim is to broadcast the hunters. The researchers are now working to match throughout equatorial and determine the sustainability of the industry. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: southern Africa and use any revenue The authors conclude by noting that Secretariat of the Convention on Biological generated to support gorilla forest degradation – largely a result of Diversity, World Trade Centre, 413 St Jacques, conservation projects in both countries. conversion of agriculture – probably Suite 800, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9. The “Football for the Forests” match will damages frog habitat, thereby potentially Fax: 1 (514) 288 6588; e-mail: also serve as an awareness-raising pilot impacting collector livelihoods. (Source: [email protected]; www.cbd.int project to determine the possibility of Mongabay.com [Madagascar], 23 March future matches between great ape 2009.) United States of America imports 1 billion range states and to determine possible pet animals from the wild between 2000 involvement in 2010’s World Cup in The role of taste in determining the and 2006 South Africa. The GRASP Secretariat is demand for wild meat Poor regulation of the international wildlife provided jointly by UNEP and UNESCO. The role of taste and cultural preference in trade has increased the vulnerability of the (Source: Nature & Faune, 23(2), 2008.) driving the demand for wild meat is United States of America to outbreaks of unclear. It is commonly believed that disease and alien invasive species, report For more information, please contact: people in tropical forest countries often researchers writing in Science. Great Apes Survival Project (GRASP) prefer the taste of wild meat over that of Analysing Law Enforcement Partnership Secretariat, United Nations domestic animals, and that wild meat Management Information System (LEMIS) Environment Programme, consumption is a deeply rooted tradition data gathered by the United States Fish and PO Box 30552, Nairobi, 001100 Kenya. that is highly resistant to change. These Wildlife Service from 2000 through 2006, Fax: +254 20 7624249; e-mail: views are supported by the continuing Katherine Smith of Brown University and [email protected]; www.unep.org/grasp demand for wild meat from formerly rural colleagues found that of the more than people now living in middle-class urban or 1.5 billion live wildlife animals legally even overseas environments, from Jakarta, imported to the United States of America

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during the period, only 14 percent were casque and feathers, are an important part Tree iguanas targeted by hunters as source classified to the level of species despite of the traditional rituals and customs of of traditional medicine in the Plurinational federal mandates for such labelling. The many tribes. Hunting is deeply ingrained in State of Bolivia lack of accurate reporting makes it the local culture across the state and Harvesting of a Bolivian lizard for its impossible to "accurately assess the perhaps across many a tribe in northeast purported healing powers is leading to its diversity of wildlife imported or the risk India, making the curbing of hunting an depletion, report researchers writing in they pose as invasive species or hosts of exceptionally challenging task. The Tropical Conservation Science. harmful pathogens", they write. younger generation is slowly forgetting the Erika De la Galvez Murillo and Luis F. "If we don't know what animals are rules of hunting that their ancestors Pacheco of the Universidad Mayor de San coming in, how do we know which are going revered. (Extracted from: CEPF E-News, Andrés found that collection of the Andean to become invasive species or carry January 2009.) tree iguana or "Jararank'o" (Liolaemus diseases that could affect livestock, wildlife signifer), a lizard found on Bolivia's dry or ourselves?" asked Peter Daszak, altiplano for use in traditional medicine, President of Wildlife Trust and a coauthor reduced the population by nearly half relative on the paper. to unharvested sites. They note that the "The threat to public health is real. The WILDLIFE SEIZURES species may suffer increased mortality when majority of emerging diseases come from AND PROSECUTIONS dens are destroyed during harvesting since wildlife," added Smith, Assistant Research mother lizards – targeted by collectors for Professor in the Department of Ecology and • Investigators have seized about 300 their size – care for their young. Evolutionary Biology at Brown University wildlife items, including rhinoceros To improve the sustainability of the and lead author on the paper. "Most of teeth, tortoise shells, snake skins and practice the authors suggest that hunters these imported animals originate in a crocodile (species not reported) avoid collecting females and destroying Southeast Asia – a region shown to be a hot from a collector in what is described dens. (Source: Mongabay.com [Bolivia], spot for these emerging diseases." as the biggest haul of illegal wild 23 March 2009.) p The researchers found that 92 percent of animal trophies in western imports were designated for commercial Switzerland. The collector is said purposes, the majority of which were for to have acquired approximately the pet trade. Almost 80 percent of 600 trophies; about 200 items were shipments contained animals from wild apparently imported illegally and populations, "the majority of which have no 350 were later sold over the Internet mandatory testing for pathogens before or and by post. after shipment," they note. • In July 2008, forest police of The authors call for stronger regulation Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia, seized to improve monitoring of the live wildlife 190 bear (CITES I/II) paws and trade. They note that Congress is currently 14 moose Alces alces noses, which deliberating the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion were to be sent to Harbin, Prevention Act (HR 669), which would Heilongjiang Province by train. tighten regulations on wildlife imports but • In April 2008, two wildlife dealers say that the proposed legislation does not were arrested in Douala, Littoral go far enough to control what they term Province, after being found trying to "pathogen pollution". sell leopard Panthera pardus (CITES I) The authors further urge education skins and trophies derived from other programmes to make individuals, species. The arrest was carried out by importers, veterinarians and the pet the Provincial Delegation of Forestry industry aware of the "dangers of diseases and Wildlife, in collaboration with transmitted from wildlife to humans and the forces of law and order, the domesticated animals". They also call for judiciary and the Last Great Ape captive-breeding initiatives to reduce Organization (LAGA), and was part pressure on wild populations and reduce of a nationwide programme the risk of disease introduction. (Source: launched in 2003 by the Government Mongabay.com, 30 April 2009.) of Cameroon, with technical assistance from LAGA, which aims at Great hornbill at stake the effective enforcement of the Hornbills, especially great hornbills, are country’s 1994 wildlife law. The slowly and steadily vanishing from the still enforcement programme targets Strength does not come from physical intact forests of Arunachal Pradesh, India. wealthy dealers rather than villagers. capacity. It comes from an indomitable Hunting has proved to be a far greater (Source: TRAFFIC Bulletin, 22(1), will. threat than habitat loss from logging and October 2008.) Mahatma Gandhi shifting cultivation. Great hornbill body parts, especially the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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%NIGERIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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AFRICA: MINISTER bioresources. The Minister also said that According to Sheil and Murdiyarso’s TASKS CONTINENT the loss of biodiversity was accompanied by paper, conventional theories not only do not % ON BIORESOURCES the loss of indigenous knowledge as the explain the connection between forests and DEVELOPMENT elders, who were the custodians of rainfall, but they have yet to explain fully the indigenous knowledge, die without having actual production of rain across regions. If Lagos. The Nigerian Minister of Science passed their knowledge on to the younger one employs only the conventional theory and Technology, Dr Alhassan Zaku, has generation. (Source: The Daily Champion that "precipitation should decrease called on Africa to develop its bioresources [Nigeria], 2 March 2009.) exponentially with distance from the to harness the continent's abundant oceans", all the would look like natural products for economic diminishing green spirals from space, with development. Zaku, represented by the landscape turning browner and drier Professor Peter Onwualu, the Director closer to the centre. General of the Raw Materials Research and The new theory claims that “areas able to Development Council, made the call maintain high levels of atmospheric recently in Abuja at a three-day herbal and condensation draw in air and moisture from natural products exhibition tagged elsewhere”. What regions maintain high "HerbFest 2009". HerbFest was organized levels of atmospheric condensation? Quite by the Nigeria Natural Medicine simply the answer is forests, with rain Development Agency (NNMDA) in forests maintaining greater quantities than collaboration with the International Centre temperate forests, but both are important. for Ethnomedicine and the Drug (Source: Mongabay.com, 1 April 2009.) Development and Bioresources FOREST ELEPHANTS Development and Conservation %AND THEIR ROLE IN Programme. “PLANTING” TREES PLANT WORKSHOP The Minister urged participants at the IN THE CONGO % WINDS UP WITH RESOLVE exhibition to tap Africa's biodiversity to TO CREATE A REGIONAL encourage the development of the A new study finds that forest elephants may NETWORK continent. He said Africa had suffered be responsible for planting more trees in the economic losses through illegal and Congo than any other species or genus. Indigenous San and Nama plant unauthorized collection and use of its Conducting a thorough survey of seed specialists gathered at Dqae Qare San dispersal by forest elephants, Dr Stephen guest farm in the Central Kalahari Desert Blake, formerly of the Wildlife Conservation (4–9 March 2009) to share experiences and Society (WCS) and now of the Max Planck needs in relation to sustainable cultivation UNEP-WCMC LAUNCH NEW CARBON Institute for Ornithology, and his team found and conservation of precious plants. AND BIODIVERSITY ATLAS that forest elephants consume more than 96 The workshop focused on sharing species of plant seeds and can carry the information and experiences with The new Carbon and Biodiversity Atlas seeds as far as 57 km from their parent tree. sustaining both plant biodiversity and the shows that areas high in both carbon (Source: Mongabay.com, intergenerational transmission of plant and biodiversity do exist and can be 9 April 2009 in Nature and Faune, 23(2). knowledge. All delegates expressed a identified by relatively simple mapping grave concern that indigenous knowledge tools. Prioritizing such areas could give of plants is not being transmitted to young the double benefit of reducing FORESTS MOVE RAIN: people, and that regional governments are emissions from land-use change while %STUDY REVOLUTIONIZES not empowering local communities to conserving biodiversity. METEOROLOGY conserve precious natural resources. The atlas can be downloaded from The workshop resolved to create a the United Nations Environment A new paper in Bioscience by Douglas Sheil regional network to help educate Programme (UNEP) Web site as a and Daniel Murdiyarso reintroduces a indigenous people about policies, screen-friendly version or as a printable revolutionary theory that turns modern methods and practices to harvest and version. It is also available as hard copy meteorology on its head. They posit that conserve plant biodiversity sustainably. or as a CD-ROM upon request. forests – and their capacity for condensation Indigenous delegates recognized that – are actually the main driver of winds rather they need to be speaking to their For more information, please contact: than temperature. While this model has governments on a more regular basis Barney Dickson, UNEP-WCMC, 219 widespread implications for numerous in order to develop commitment to Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0DL, sciences, none of them are larger than the ecosystems approaches to governance United Kingdom. Fax: +44 (0) 1223 277136; importance of conserving forests, which and conservation. They also felt that e-mail: [email protected]; are shown to be crucial to “pumping” there was a lot to learn in terms of www.unep-wcmc.org/latenews/index. precipitation from one place to another. The access and benefit sharing, intellectual cfm#st172 theory explains, among other mysteries, why property rights and good harvesting deforestation around coastal regions tends practices. (Source: IPACC [Africa], to lead to drying in the interior. 10 March 2009.)

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TRANSBOUNDARY RAIN % WILD FOOD food and livelihood security in southern %FOREST PARK IN WEST BIODIVERSITY Africa where the value of day-to-day wild AFRICA: A SYMBOL OF resource consumption is around US$800 PEACE AND STABILITY Wild food biodiversity can reduce risk and million per year, according to the recent mitigate impacts of natural disasters and Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. In The Presidents of and Liberia long-term environmental change. Zimbabwe, some poor households rely on today met in the Gola Forest, Sierra Leone, Many adaptive responses to environmental wild fruit species as an alternative to to announce the establishment of a new change draw on the huge pool of cultivated grain for a quarter of all dry Transboundary Peace Park, to protect one biodiversity available. At the local level, season meals. In Botswana, the of the largest remaining blocks of intact food providers and their organizations agropastoral Tswana use 126 plant species forest in the Upper Guinea area of West harness diversity within and between and 100 animal species as sources of food Africa. The Peace Park unites the Gola species to adapt to environmental change by adaptively responding to the availability Forest Reserve in Sierra Leone (75 000 ha) in their fields, forests, wetlands, of different types of wild foods across the and the Lofa and Foya Forest Reserves in rangelands and landscapes. Many different landscape. Liberia (80 000 and 100 000 ha, types of agricultural biodiversity Diverse portfolios of activities based on respectively), with additional forest to (“cultivated”, “reared” or “wild”) are used the contributions of agricultural provide corridors for the movement of by different people at different times and in biodiversity (e.g. crop cultivation, harvest wildlife between them. different places. The resilience of food of wild plant species, herding, fishing, The local communities in Sierra Leone, systems depends on such creative use of hunting, whole ecosystem management) through their traditional chiefs and biological diversity by local organizations of help sustain rural livelihoods because they Members of Parliament, have expressed producers to minimize risk and realize new improve their long-term resilience in the both their support for the conservation of opportunities created by dynamic change. face of environmental change, adverse the Gola Forest and its designation as a For example, indigenous farming trends or shocks. In general, increased national park. communities in the Andes have diversity promotes more flexibility because The Upper Guinea forest ecosystem, domesticated over 70 species of cultivated it allows greater possibilities for which extends from Guinea to Togo, is one crops and generated a huge diversity of substitution between opportunities that of the world’s most biodiversity-rich genetically distinct landraces within these are in decline and those that are ecosystems. However, centuries of human crop species. Their chacras (fields marked increasing. In this context, local activities have led to the loss of more than off for cultivation) exist in an environment organizations play a key role in 70 percent of the overall forest cover, which characterized by criteria used as indicators coordinating such community-based was initially estimated at 420 000 km2. The to decide which crop varieties to sow in adaptive responses to change. (Source: remaining forest is highly fragmented, different soil microenvironments in the Michel Pimbert. 2009. Towards food restricting habitats to isolated patches and risk-prone drylands. sovereignty: reclaiming autonomous food threatening the unique flora and fauna. Many other examples show that small- systems. London, United Kingdom, IIED.) The forests provide very important scale producers and their institutions ecological services locally, nationally and continuously adapt to their dynamic FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: regionally, including wood and NTFPs, environments by deploying a mosaic of Michel Pimbert, Director, Sustainable medicinal plants, continuous provision of plant and animal genetic diversity, both Agriculture, Biodiversity and Livelihoods water, protection against soil erosion, within microenvironments and across Programme, International Institute climatic conditions conducive to landscapes. Moreover, many rural people, for Environment and Development (IIED), agricultural production and climate change regardless of their type of land use 3 Endsleigh Street, London WC1H 0DD, mitigation. They are also internationally (pastoral, swidden or continuous cropping), United Kingdom. important for carbon sequestration. Both deliberately incorporate wild resources into E-mail: [email protected] p governments have expressed interest in their livelihood strategies in order to adapt carbon trading and in the REDD (Reducing to environmental change. Emissions from Deforestation and Forest In northeast Thailand, for example, Degradation in Developing Countries) 50 percent of all foods consumed are wild process. The Peace Park will provide the foods from paddy fields, including fish, potential to raise tens of millions of dollars snakes, insects, mushrooms, fruit and over forthcoming decades, ensuring nutritious vegetables that are available in sustained funding for protected area different seasons and diverse management and community development. microenvironments. Up to 24 percent of the The establishment of the Peace Park will Scottish (United Kingdom) population ensure that the long-term conservation of collect NTFPs for household use on a the forests, their biodiversity and global regular basis. Some Aboriginal groups in carbon storage benefits are secured through central Australia and the James Bay Cree national and international partnerships for in Canada are foraging more for wild foods improved forest governance across the today than they did 20 years ago. Sierra Leone-Liberia border. (Source: Much of the harvest of wild plants and BirdLife International, 15 May 2009.) animals significantly contributes to local

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% FAO information base for sustainable forest management so that developing countries are able to manage their trees and forests based FORESTRY DEPARTMENT on timely and reliable information,” he said. (Source: FAO Newsroom, 27 March 2009.) Finland/FAO provide €14 million for data collection and management skills” Forests and the global economy: Finland and FAO signed a €14 million 10 million new jobs partnership agreement to improve forest data Ten million new “green jobs” can be created collection and analysis as well as by investing in sustainable forest availability of labour, skill levels and local management skills in selected developing management, according to FAO. “As more social, economic and ecological conditions. countries for sustainable forest management. jobs are lost due to the current economic A number of countries, for example the The aim of the four-year programme is to downturn, sustainable forest management United States of America and the Republic of help developing country governments protect could become a means of creating millions of Korea, have included forestry in their their forest resources, build sustainable green jobs, thus helping to reduce poverty economic stimulus plans. Similarly, forest livelihoods and provide governments and improve the environment,” said Jan afforestation is an important component of with the knowledge to mitigate and adapt to Heino, Assistant Director-General of FAO’s India’s rural employment guarantee climate change. Forestry Department. Since forests and trees programme. According to FAO, the global The selection process for the three to six are vital storehouses of carbon, such an potential is at least 10 million new jobs countries that will pilot the “Sustainable investment could also make a major through national investments. forest management in a changing climate” contribution to climate change mitigation and At the same time, improved forest programme is under way and should be adaptation efforts, he added. management and new tree planting could concluded in the coming weeks. Increased investment in forestry could significantly reduce the downward trend in “FAO is very grateful to the Finnish provide jobs in forest management, forest cover reported by many countries. This Government for having the foresight to realize agroforestry and farm forestry, improved fire would help to reduce carbon emissions from just how important this work is and for management, development and management land-use change and could potentially have a providing the financial, technical and political of trails and recreation sites, expansion of larger positive impact on climate change than support to carry it out,” said Jan Heino, urban green spaces, restoring degraded any other initiative currently being planned or Assistant Director-General of FAO’s Forestry forests and planting new ones. Activities can considered by world leaders. (Source: FAO Department. “It is vital that we strengthen the be tailored to local circumstances, including Newsroom, 10 March 2009.)

WORLD’S HUNGRY EXCEEDS world peace and security. We urgently The urban poor will probably face THE ONE BILLION PEOPLE MARK need to forge a broad consensus on the the most severe problems in coping with total and rapid eradication of hunger in the global recession, because lower World hunger is projected to reach a the world and to take the necessary export demand and reduced foreign historic high in 2009 with 1 020 million actions." direct investment are more likely to hit people going hungry every day, Hunger has been slowly but steadily urban jobs harder. But rural areas will according to new estimates published by on the rise for the past decade, and not be spared. FAO. drawing on analysis by the United States The economic crisis also comes on the The most recent increase in hunger is Department of Agriculture, FAO projects heel of the food and fuel crisis of not the consequence of poor global that the number of hungry people last 2006–08. While food prices in world harvests but is caused by the world year (915 million) is expected to grow by markets declined over the past months, economic crisis that has resulted in about 11 percent this year. The number domestic prices in developing countries lower incomes and increased of hungry people increased between came down more slowly. They remained unemployment. This has reduced access 1995–97 and 2004–06 in all regions on average 24 percent higher in real to food by the poor, the United Nations except Latin America and the Caribbean. terms by the end of 2008 compared with agency said. Almost all of the world's 2006. For poor consumers, who spend up "A dangerous mix of the global undernourished live in developing to 60 percent of their incomes on staple economic slowdown combined with countries. In Asia and the Pacific, an foods, this means a strong reduction in stubbornly high food prices in many estimated 642 million people are their effective purchasing power. It countries has pushed some 100 million suffering from chronic hunger; in sub- should also be noted that while they more people than last year into chronic Saharan Africa 265 million; in Latin declined, international food commodity hunger and poverty," said FAO Director- America and the Caribbean 53 million; prices are still 24 percent higher than in General Jacques Diouf. "The silent in the Near East and North Africa 2006 and 33 percent higher than in hunger crisis – affecting one sixth of all 42 million; and in developed countries 2005. (Source: FAO Newsroom, 19 June of humanity – poses a serious risk for 15 million in total. 2009.)

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FAO IN THE FIELD EU-funded project GCP/RAF/408/EC entreprises impliquées dans les filières “Mobilization and capacity building for des produits forestiers non-ligneux en Nature & Faune small- and medium-scale enterprises Afrique Centrale” and by GTZ as part of the Nature & Faune is a peer-reviewed involved in the production and ProPSFE (Programme d'appui au international bilingual (English and French) commercialization of non-wood forest Programme sectoriel forêt et publication of the FAO Regional Office for products (NWFPs) in Central Africa” environnement). The Cameroonian Africa. Its aim is to disseminate information On 11 June 2009, the Director of Forests of Minister of Forestry and Wildlife made a and promote the exchange of experiences the Cameroonian Ministry of Forestry and specific request to FAO in October 2008 for on wildlife, protected area management Wildlife, Mr Samuel Ebia Ndongo, and the the project to support the development of a and the sustainable use and conservation Director of Cooperation and Projects of management plan. FAO requested CIFOR of natural resources in Africa. ANAFOR (the National Agency for Forestry to elaborate such a plan. The authorities The latest issue, 23(2), highlighted the Support), Mr Schadrack Ondoua, and their accepting the plan, which included “Success stories in management of wildlife teams, accepted the “National representatives of the Cameroonian CITES and nature in Africa”. The theme of the next Management Plan for Prunus africana’’ Management Authority (the Ministry of issue will be “The relevance of mangrove presented by representatives of CIFOR, the Forestry and Wildlife) and the Scientific forest to African fisheries, wildlife and German Agency for Technical Cooperation Authority (the National Forestry water resources”. (GTZ) and TRAFFIC. Development Agency), indicated their Prunus africana is a tree native to intent to appropriate the plan and present FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: African montane tropical forests, occurring it at the next CITES meeting in Geneva on Mrs Ada Ndeso-Atanga, Nature & Faune, RAFT in 22 countries. The hard wood has 15 July, prior to its official adoption. The Natural resources – Fisheries – Forestry, FAO multiple uses, particularly for the plan will also be presented at the First Regional Office for Africa, PO Box GP 1628, Accra, medicinal properties of its bark, which is Pan-African Workshop on Access and Ghana. Fax: (+233-21) 7010943 or the basis of pharmaceutical treatment for Benefit Sharing (ABS) and Forests from (+233-21) 668 427; e-mail: [email protected] prostate problems, which affect between 22 to 25 June 2009, in Nairobi, Kenya. or [email protected]; www.fao.org/africa/ 5 and 15 percent of men aged over 65 in The plan presents a pragmatic approach publications/nature-and-faune-magazine/ the United States of America and Europe. to sustainable exploitation of Prunus Cameroon has been one of the major africana, setting out the institutional, exporters of Prunus africana worldwide technical, legal and operational since the 1970s with 48 percent (on procedures for management and average 2 000 tonnes yearly) of gross harvesting of Prunus africana in Cameroon exports since trade records commenced in in the short and long term. It was 1995. A combination of growing demand conceived and developed using a and unsustainable harvesting has led to participatory approach to ensure a broad the species being included in Appendix II of consensus of the many stakeholders, both the Convention on International Trade in national and international, involved in the Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Prunus africana chain. This included Flora (CITES). CITES is an international numerous meetings and consultations agreement between governments that organized by SNV and CIFOR with the FOREST CONSERVATION RECEIVES aims to ensure that international trade in government, economic operators and the US$200 000 FROM FAO wild animals and plants does not threaten private sector, community forest their survival. All imports of Prunus institutions, nature and conservation Kampala. Uganda has received a africana to the European Union, the largest organizations, development agencies and US$200 000 (U Sh430 million) grant from market for Cameroon, are currently research and scientific institutions. FAO to implement forestry conservation suspended, until a national plan can be The plan combines published literature activities between 2009 and 2012. provided that shows how sustainable and unpublished data, indigenous The grant will finance the second exploitation and trade can be managed and knowledge, a market chain baseline study phase of the National Forest Programme monitored. This has led to stocks held by and inventory data on Prunus africana in Facility. Uganda is one of the 70 countries pharmaceuticals companies that produce Cameroon from CIFOR, a regulatory and supported by the FAO National Forest the drugs dropping to very low levels and a policy study by GTZ, and a report on Programme (NFP). Phase one covered negative impact on the livelihood of small- domestication and harvesting by ICRAF. Wakiso, Mukono, Mubende, Luweero, scale harvesters, farmers and enterprises (Contributed by: Verina Ingram, Scientist, Hoima and Masindi districts. The in Cameroon. Center for International Forestry Research programme is implemented through a The plan has been the product of over (CIFOR), c/o IITA Humid Forest Ecoregional partnership between the Uganda Forestry two years of work conducted by CIFOR, Centre, BP 2008, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Working Group, the Government and a FAO, the Netherlands Development E-mail: [email protected] or network of forest conservationists across Organisation (SNV) and the World [email protected]; the country. (Source: The New Vision Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) as part of the www.cifor.cgiar.org) [Uganda], 9 April 2009.) EU-funded project GCP/RAF/408/EC: “Mobilisation et renforcement des FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE: capacités des petites et moyennes www.fao.org/forestry/43055/en/

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THE XIII WORLD (e) Developing opportunities; (f) Organizing CENTER FOR % FORESTRY CONGRESS sustainable forest management; and INTERNATIONAL (WFC2009) (g) People and forests in harmony. %FORESTRY RESEARCH A large Forestry Fair will be held in tandem (CIFOR) An update with the congress. Various public The XIII World Forestry Congress, which will organizations and private enterprises CIFOR's strategy 2008–2018. Making a take place in Buenos Aires, , from connected with forestry and related sectors difference for forests and people 18 to 25 October 2009, will address the role of will exhibit. In the two weeks following the CIFOR has a new strategy that focuses its forests in a changing environment. Increasing congress, study and recreational tours will be resources on critical global issues pressure on forests, climate change, global offered to introduce participants to the influencing the world’s tropical forests and deforestation and the challenge of ecological country’s varied forests and landscapes. the people who depend on them. “Forests are integrity, economic development and social now receiving a level of attention that we equity need innovative thinking and strategies FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: haven’t seen for many years, if ever, and to conserve and manage forests at the local, Mr Olman Serrano (Associate Secretary General) there’s no doubt that climate change is a regional and global levels. Renowned experts or Francesca Felicani Robles (Legal Consultant- major reason for this,” said Andrew Bennett, from all over the world, from various Assistant), XIII World Forestry Congress, FAO Chair of CIFOR’s Board of Trustees. “So, organizations and communities connected Forestry Department, Viale delle Terme di CIFOR must ensure it represents the best with forests, including academics, producers, Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy. Fax: +39 06 57055137; interests of tropical forests and the people environmentalists, indigenous and rural e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]; who depend on them, and informs the global communities, forest managers, government www.wfc2009.org/ or www.cfm2009.org climate debate with relevant, thorough and experts and policy-makers, will be invited to up-to-date research.” discuss and seek solutions to keep forests in The new strategy will see: a vital balance. • governance, livelihoods and The congress will encompass a week of environmental services remain as CIFOR’s presentations, discussions, round tables, key programme areas, but with a greater parallel events and exhibitions, focusing on emphasis on interdisciplinary research; the following main issues: (a) Forests and • CIFOR continue to engage in diverse, biodiversity; (b) Production for collaborative partnerships, but with development; (c) Forest in the service of greater relevance and purpose; and people; (d) Caring for our forests; • CIFOR continue to communicate its research findings in a tailored and targeted manner, but with greater deployment of electronic and interactive channels. WORKSHOP ON BUSHMEAT The meeting will build on previous At the end of the priority-setting process, efforts of the CBD Liaison Group on Non- six research domains were selected for The Convention on Biological Diversity Timber Forest Products including inclusion in CIFOR’s future research agenda: (CBD) Secretariat, together with CIFOR, bushmeat, which developed and (1) Enhancing the role of forests in mitigating FAO and the International Council for published recommendations for the climate change; (2) Enhancing the role of Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) conservation and sustainable use of forests in adapting to climate change; will organize a workshop on the wildlife-based resources (3) Improving livelihoods through smallholder sustainable use of bushmeat, from 15 to (UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/13/INF/9 and CBD and community forestry; (4) Managing trade- 17 October, in Buenos Aires, Argentina Technical Series 33, available in English offs between conservation and development (www.cbd.int/ts). The meeting is and French at www.cbd.int/ts). on the landscape scale; (5) Managing the organized in conjunction with the XIII Specifically, the meeting will focus on impacts of globalized trade and investment World Forestry Congress (WFC) and the situation of bushmeat hunting in on forests and forest communities; and workshop results will be presented at tropical moist forests, with the aim of (6) Sustainably managing tropical production WFC plenary session 1.6. "Wildlife discussing and consolidating further the forests. associated with forests". above-mentioned recommendations. The CIFOR will continue to base itself in Bogor, The purpose of the meeting, pursuant meeting will be held in English and Indonesia, and to concentrate its research on to decision IX/5 of the Conference of the participation is by invitation only. the Amazon basin, the Congo basin, dryland Parties at its ninth meeting, is to support Africa and Southeast Asia. Parties in their efforts to implement For more information, please contact: “Forests are being hailed as a potential further the CBD programme of work on Caroline Belair, Secretariat of the solution to the global climate crisis,” said forest biodiversity. The unsustainable Convention on Biological Diversity, World Frances Seymour, CIFOR Director General. hunting and trade of bushmeat, and Trade Centre, 413 St Jacques, Suite 800, “Huge sums of money are being projected to their impacts on non-target species, have Montreal, Quebec, Canada H2Y 1N9. Fax: conserve tropical forests – sums that could been identified es issue to be addressed 1 (514) 288 6588; e-mail: [email protected] finally invert the political and economic as a matter of priority. or [email protected]; www.cbd.int priorities that drive deforestation. But carbon sequestration is not the only reason why forests are important. Forests harbour over

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half of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity; communities that are driven by their needs to they sustain the livelihoods of over a billion sustain their livelihoods often in the face of people worldwide; and they provide a whole poverty. These landscapes are also affected NATURAL FIBRES 2009 CONFERENCE range of other ecosystem services, including by government laws and policies regarding water filtration, soil stabilization and the raw land management and biodiversity The Natural Fibres 2009 Conference, ingredients for much of the world’s conservation, which determine how and for organized by the Institute of Materials, medicine,” added Seymour. what these lands can be used. Minerals and Mining, will be held from “With this new strategy, we’ve tried to find The evolution of these mosaics, 14 to 15 December 2009 in London, the right balance. To respond to the therefore, needs to be understood from a United Kingdom, to celebrate the opportunities presented by this dynamic point of view, considering all the International Year of Natural Fibres. unprecedented focus on forests, without elements that shape them in a certain This conference will focus losing sight of our core purpose, which is to length of time. This requires effective tools predominantly on the industrial advance human well-being, environmental to monitor the changes in biodiversity and applications of natural fibres and conservation and equity.” livelihoods in these mosaics, which are in includes presentations on fibre or near to protected areas. extraction, fibre processing, FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: It is because of the need to develop an biocomposites, geotextiles, biomimetic CIFOR headquarters, PO 0113 BOCBD, integrated strategy to address these materials, animal fibres, natural fibres Bogor 16000, Indonesia. E-mail: [email protected]; complex and often conflicting ecological for the developing world and more. www.cifor.cgiar.org or www.cifor.cgiar.org/strategy and social dynamics that CIFOR and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) For more information, please contact: CIFOR’s vision launched the Biodiversity Platform in 2006. Dawn Bonfield, Institute of Materials, We envision a world where: In June 2007, the Biodiversity Platform Minerals and Mining, 1 Carlton House • forests are high on the political agenda; launched its inaugural project, “Integrating Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG, United • people recognize the value of forests for livelihoods and multiple biodiversity values Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected]; maintaining livelihoods and ecosystems; in landscape mosaics”, in five tropical www.iom3.org/events/fibres • decisions that influence forests and the countries with high levels of biodiversity: people who depend on them are based on the United Republic of Tanzania, southwest solid science and principles of good Cameroon, Sumatra (Indonesia), the governance, and reflect the perspectives northern Lao People’s Democratic Republic French: www.naturalfibres2009.org/ of developing countries and forest people. and eastern Madagascar. fr/aifn/ressources.html The project focuses on informing and Spanish: www.naturalfibres2009.org/ facilitating a negotiation process on land-use es/aifn/recursos.html rights allocation. To support and inform this Poster The guest author for this issue of Non- process, the project is conducting a series of An IYNF-2009 poster (13.5 x 40 in [34.3 x Wood News is CIFOR scientist Ms research activities to collect and analyse 101.6 cm]) has been produced in English. Patricia Shanley. Her interesting article socio-economic and biophysical data, and The poster can be downloaded from the can be found on page 3. to investigate the potential for reward IYNF-2009 Web site at: www.naturalfibres mechanisms for environmental services. 2009.org/en/iynf/media.html (Source: CIFOR News, 46, November 2008.) Newsletter To subscribe to the IYNF-2009 newsletter, CIFOR’s landscape mosaics project send an e-mail to [email protected], As more of the world’s forests rapidly INTERNATIONAL YEAR leave the subject line blank, and put the text disappear and become increasingly OF NATURAL FIBRES subscribe IYNF-2009-L in the body of the fragmented, conservation efforts have %(IYNF) 2009 message. focused on establishing protected areas to conserve these key ecosystems that support An update FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: a diverse array of flora and fauna. More Fact sheets Brian Moir, Trade and Markets Division, FAO, recently, conservationists and scientists have A set of fact sheets in PDF for low-cost Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, observed that protected areas are necessary printing have been developed, which you Italy. E-mail: [email protected]; but not sufficient for the conservation of are encouraged to print and distribute to www.naturalfibres2009.org/ biodiversity. In this context, the role of any interested audience. Please note that multifunctional landscape mosaics including all the PDF files of all our information When is a fibre natural? and surrounding protected areas has become products, in all languages, have now been The International Year of Natural Fibres increasingly important for conservation. unprotected, as some people have had (IYNF) celebrates fibres produced by plants These landscapes include everything from problems adapting them to different and animals. It does not include modern agricultural land, agroforests and printing formats. manufactured artificial and synthetic settlements to patches of remaining forest These new versions are available for fibres such as , , acrylic and dotting the terrain. What has shaped, and download from the IYNF-2009 Web site: . Tree fibres are not covered by continues to shape, these mosaics are English: www.naturalfibres2009.org/ IYNF, but will be one focus of the human activities, most commonly en/iynf/media.html International Year of Forests in 2011. p

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SHEA 2009: OPTIMIZING point to the necessity and urgency of INDIGENOUS PLANT USE THE GLOBAL VALUE clarifying rights. %FORUM 2009 ANNUAL %CHAIN – SECOND Agenda items included: experience with CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL SHEA extraction and management of NTFPs; the STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA CONFERENCE role and perspective of forest communities 6–9 JULY 2009 OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO in the forest reform process; and a round- 25–27 MARCH 2009 table discussion on the role of tenure and The 12th annual Indigenous Plant Use governance in climate change mitigation Forum (IPUF) conference had as its theme Between 2004 and 2008 the shea industry and adaptation. “Exploration and commercialization: has effectively doubled. How will we opportunities and challenges”. continue that growth while addressing key FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: As in the past, several short symposia challenges? Firms from more than Eduardo Mansur (ITTO Reforestation and Forest were held, including: Fynbos plants; 12 African countries joined experts, Management [RFM]), International Tropical Timber Conservation and cultivation; Indigenous international buyers and regional service Organization, International Organizations knowledge; Ethnoveterinary medicine; providers to explore fundamental and Centre, 5th Floor, Pacifico-Yokohama 1-1-1, Honeybush symposium; Biological activity; cutting-edge issues in the shea industry. Minato-Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, 220-0012 Japan. Indigenous foods; Natural products from Fax: 81-45-223-1111; e-mail: [email protected]; Fynbos; Fibres and crafts; and South FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: www.itto.int/en/workshop_detail/id=44270000 African standards and control. Vanessa Adams (Director) or Dr Peter Lovett (Shea Butter Technical Advisor), West Africa FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Trade Hub, 4th Street, Kuku Hill, Osu, Accra, LOCALIZING PRODUCTS: Bernard de Villiers, IPUF Secretariat, Ghana. E-mail: [email protected]; A SUSTAINABLE Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, www.watradehub.com or www.globalshea.org/ % APPROACH FOR NATURAL University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, AND CULTURAL Auckland Park, 2006 South Africa. DIVERSITY IN THE SOUTH? Fax: +27 (0) 11 559 2411; e-mail: [email protected]; FOREST TENURE, PARIS, FRANCE www.uj.ac.za/ipuf/IPUFannualconference/tabid GOVERNANCE AND 9–11 JUNE 2009 /16318/Default.aspx ENTERPRISE: NEW %OPPORTUNITIES FOR This International Symposium was LIVELIHOODS AND organized by UNESCO/Mab, IRD, CIRAD, INTERNATIONAL WEALTH IN CENTRAL MNHN, in collaboration with FRB, FFEM, TRAINING WORKSHOP AND WEST AFRICA AFD and IDDRI to explore the links between ON NON-TIMBER- YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON biological and cultural diversity, and the %FOREST-PRODUCTS 25–29 MAY 2009 processes designed to enhance the value of INDUSTRIAL AND local specialities in South countries. COMMERCIAL Organized by the International Tropical Many presentations on the agenda covered DEVELOPMENT Timber Organization (ITTO), Rights and the marketing of NWFPs, including: ZHEJIANG PROVINCE, CHINA Resources Initiative (RRI), FAO and the • constructing the identity of products 27 AUGUST–16 SEPTEMBER 2009 Cameroon Ministry of Forests and Wildlife, (names, image, typicality, reputation); this conference aimed to catalyse new and • valuing local products in the frame of China is well known for its long history broader actions on securing tenure rights in conservation politics; of large-scale production and complete Central and West Africa for implementation • valuing local products and potential supply chains of NTFPs. For example, China by governments, civil society organizations impacts on biodiversity; and now produces 70 percent of the world’s and local communities with the support of • social and territorial changes linked to edible fungi. The NTFP development of international institutions and funding the valorization of local products. China is an organic combination of agencies. This will involve establishing goals sustainable resource cultivation, highly and developing agendas for new FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: efficient industrial processing, a smooth interventions and reforms. Emmanuelle Gerard, Maison de l'UNESCO, marketing network and a constructive Participants shared experiences in 7 place de Fontenoy, 75007 Paris, France. institutional culture. NTFPs and their securing tenure rights, including the E-mail: [email protected]; production have become one of the relationship between tenure reform and www.mnhn.fr/colloque/localiserlesproduits/ supporting poles of the economic other goals such as improving livelihoods, index_va.php or www.sfak.slu.se/ development in China’s forest areas. securing investment, spurring on small- ShowPage.cfm?OrgenhetSida_ID=10300 The objectives of this training workshop scale enterprises and addressing climate are to share with participants the change. The new initiatives emanating from experiences and technologies of China in this conference will help strengthen the the development and utilization of non- impact of other key efforts, particularly on timber forest resources, sustainable forest law enforcement and governance development, management of forests, and and voluntary partnership agreements that the production, utilization and marketing are being launched in Africa, all of which technologies of NTFPs.

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ST ND Courses will include: THE 41 APIMONDIA 2 INTERNATIONAL • sustainable management and %CONGRESS: THE BEE, CONFERENCE ON development of NTFPs; THE SENTINEL OF THE % THATCHED BUILDINGS • NTFPs in China and their development, ENVIRONMENT “PINOLERE 2009” industrialization and MONTPELLIER, FRANCE TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS commercialization; 15–20 SEPTEMBER 2009 2–5 OCTOBER 2009 • "company + farmers" – the best model for NTFP industrialization; Beekeepers, technicians, scientists, • the main experiences in the suppliers and the media should actively FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: sustainable development of China's participate in this congress. The high- Rafael C. Gómez León, Coordinador del bamboo sector and bamboo- quality scientific programme will Congreso, Calle Germinal nº 36, Pinolere, La processing technologies; concentrate on the work of international Orotava, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain 38310. • development of intangible resources in researchers, and includes activity areas E-mail: [email protected]; the forest; and demonstrations in the heart of the www.congresoconstruccionescubiertavegetal. • the development model of ecotourism ApiExpo exhibition. org or www.pinolere.org and leisure industry in Lin'an and Anji, Beyond the spectrum of knowledge Zhejiang Province – a model that led about bees and their products, the biology local farmers towards wealth; of the bee, its farming, its role in the INBAR-UBFDB • the cultivation and processing pollination of plants and as the sentinel of INTERNATIONAL technologies of wild medicinal plants the environment, the 2009 edition will TRAINING WORKSHOP and edible/medicinal fungi; highlight a truly worrying phenomenon % ON “BAMBOO AS A • the comprehensive development of found everywhere in the world: bee MODERN CONSTRUCTION forest biochemical products; mortality. MATERIAL” • the development of wild vegetables, DEHRA DUN, INDIA fruits and nuts; FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 5–14 OCTOBER 2009 • the impact of NTFPs on poverty Apimondia 2009, Sup Agro, 2 Place Pierre Viala, alleviation and rural sustainable 34060 Montpellier Cedex 1, France. The International Network for Bamboo and development in the forest area; Fax: +33 (0)4 99 61 29 68; e-mail: Rattan (INBAR) and the Uttaranchal Bamboo • the role of governments in promoting [email protected] and Fibre Development Board (UBFDB) are NTFPs; and jointly organizing this international training • industrial cooperation and NGOs workshop. forming the links among companies, VIII WORLD BAMBOO Since time immemorial, bamboo has markets and farmers. CONGRESS THAILAND contributed to the construction of houses The workshop will give an introduction to % 2009: BAMBOO, THE and various other structures all over the the NTFP development experience of ENVIRONMENT AND world. It has strength, flexibility and China, especially on the aspects of CLIMATE CHANGE versatility and therefore it is a suitable industrialization and commercialization. BANGKOK, THAILAND material for every component of the house The field visit will provide opportunities to 16–18 SEPTEMBER 2009 when treated and used properly. Bamboo is see the most developed and largest-scale used preferentially to other materials for bamboo industry in China in Anji county, The VIII World Bamboo Congress will focus housing because of its intrinsic properties and the largest bamboo shoot and hickory on the role of bamboo in rural, economic, that have been traditionally utilized. A firm production base in Lin'an city. industrial and environmental development. scientific and engineering foundation has Participants will also be able to see the The congress will include the following been given to this traditional understanding, development and utilization of local topics: architecture, engineering and social resulting in the qualification of bamboo as a medicinal plants, the cultivation of edible housing; protection and construction; sound structural and engineering material. and medicinal fungi, and China's biggest community and economic development; Bamboo houses dot the rural landscape in honey industry base in Tonglu. There will industrial aspects; products – design and many developing countries of Asia, Latin also be the chance to visit one of the most technologies; plantation development and America and Africa and bamboo is intimately beautiful cities in China, Hangzhou, and management; resources, standards and associated with the livelihoods and traditions China’s most beautiful mountain, the Yellow policy; biological aspects; ecology and of several million people. The properties of Mountain, and its surrounding areas, which environmental concerns; and horticulture bamboo combined with its availability and have developed various kinds of NTFPs. and landscape design. ease of use make it an ideal candidate for housing the rural and urban poor. It is FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: estimated that more than one billion people Zhu Zhaohua or Jin Wei, International Network Mr Kamesh Salam, President WBO and in the world live in bamboo houses. for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), 8 Fu Tong Dong Conference Secretary, Director, Cane and Bamboo plays a significant role in the Da Jie, Wang Jing Area, Chao Yang District, Bamboo Technology Centre, Zoo-Nargangi creation of employment and income- Beijing 100102, China. E-mail: [email protected] Road, Narikal Basti, Guwahati 781024, Assam, generation activities in an ecologically or [email protected]; www.inbar.int/ India. E-mail: [email protected]; sustainable manner. Its use for housing not show.asp?BoardID=171&NewsID=519 www.worldbamboocongress.org only meets safety-related needs essential in

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seismically active zones, but also offers conservation and human cultures; Plant applied research. While some decades ago the highly viable solutions for both rural and conservation and agriculture; Frontiers of focus was on “traditional knowledge”, there is urban areas, using renewable resources. plant conservation technology; and Plant now an increasing focus on the dynamics of Furthermore, by deploying local resources in conservation: what can we afford to lose? knowledge. Additionally, a greater awareness terms of labour and material, bamboo- has developed as to how crucial the protection based housing can help develop the local FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: and sustainable use of biodiversity are, and economy, provide employment and further Plant Conservation Conference, Royal Botanic about the intrinsic link between biological and environmental protection. The traditional Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, cultural diversity. Ideas taken from traditional skill capital of the local community is also United Kingdom. E-mail: [email protected]; knowledge systems continue to be an utilized, resulting in the generation of www.kew.org/science/anniversary-conference important source of inspiration in drug employment and creation of income- development and, at the same time, “new” generation opportunities in rural areas. As food supplements and herbal remedies from an excellent building material, bamboo is XIII WORLD FORESTRY “traditional societies” are entering the market relatively inexpensive, easy to work with and %CONGRESS at an ever-increasing rate. readily available in most of the countries BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA The congress, themed “Continuity where it grows; its role in house construction 18–25 OCTOBER 2009 and change in ethnopharmacology: has been substantial. transdisciplinary science for our future”, will This workshop aims to impart knowledge (Please see page 65 for full information on address the above dynamics and will offer a and skill sets to those involved in the bamboo this event.) unique opportunity to present sector, in housing and other structural ethnopharmacological work and to discuss developments, with the objective of training the wider implications of the research being people who are knowledgeable in the DECENTRALIZATION, carried out in this field. nuances of bamboo-based housing to POWER AND TENURE The congress includes the following topics: become more expert in building bamboo %RIGHTS OF FOREST- • ethnopharmacology and biocultural houses. The workshop provides theoretical DEPENDENT PEOPLE diversity; and practical training, in particular. GUJARAT, INDIA • circum-Mediterranean The topics covered in the training will 27–28 OCTOBER 2009 ethnopharmacology/ and its include: species selection; foundations; exchange with the Americas; roofs; walls; treatment methodologies; The aim of this symposium is to share • from traditional remedies to modern harvesting methods; bamboo connections; recent research experiences and to review medicines – phytochemical, bamboo stitching with other construction state-of-the-art approaches related to pharmacological and clinical studies; material; and design and structural decentralization policies and local forest • NGOs and their role in applications, including seismic institutions; the power and political position ethnopharmacology; considerations for bamboo houses. of forest-dependent indigenous peoples, • the interface between history and Registration closes on 15 September 2009. pastoralists and tribals; and the legislative ethnopharmacology; recognition of forest tenure rights. • the interface of medicine and food FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: plants. Mr T.P. Subramony, Regional Coordinator (South FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: The congress will be celebrated jointly Asia), INBAR, South Asia Regional Office, A-408, Harnath Jagawat, Director, NM Sadguru with the first Spanish-Portuguese Defence Colony, New Delhi 110 024, India. Fax: Water and Development Foundation, PB 71, Symposium on Ethnobiology. +91-11-2433 4804; e-mail: [email protected]; Dahod 389151, Gujarat, India. Both the congress and symposium are www.inbar.int or http://www.ubfdb.org E-mail: [email protected]; being coorganized by ISE (International www.forestrynepal.org/event/4149 Society of Ethnopharmacology) and the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha. PLANT CONSERVATION FOR THE NEXT DECADE. A THE 11TH INTERNATIONAL FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: %CELEBRATION OF KEW'S SOCIETY FOR Professor Michael Heinrich, Resident, ISE 250TH ANNIVERSARY ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY (2008–2010), Centre for Pharmacognosy and ST KEW, RICHMOND, UNITED KINGDOM %CONGRESS AND 1 Phytotherapy, School of Pharmacy, University of 12–16 OCTOBER 2009 SPANISH-PORTUGUESE London, 29/32 Brunswick Square, London WC1N SYMPOSIUM ON 1AX, United Kingdom. Fax: (+44) 20 77535844; The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is hosting ETHNOBIOLOGY e-mail: [email protected] p this celebratory scientific conference. The LA MANCHA, ALBACETE, SPAIN programme will include three days of 20–25 SEPTEMBER 2010 scientific sessions, showcasing Kew's conservation research and inviting leading Several generations of ethnopharmacological international research scientists to present researchers with diverse backgrounds and papers in six sessions: Plant conservation: interests have shaped the field of policies and politics; Plant conservation: ethnopharmacology and today it certainly is a management and restoration; Plant diverse and flourishing area of academic and

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 70 PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST

Republic of). Following the publication of Fundação do Instituto de Biociências. the first edition in June 2007, a number of Revista Brasileira de Plantas entrepreneurs in Europe and the United Medicinais, 10(1). States of America are working to import sustainable Amazon products mentioned Guschanski, K., Vigilant, L., McNeilage, A., in the book. The book contributes to the Gray, M., Kagoda, E. & Robbins, M.M. 2009. international marketing of sustainable Counting elusive animals: comparing field products from the Amazon and thus to and genetic census of the entire mountain forest conservation, poverty alleviation and gorilla population of Bwindi Impenetrable the growth of a sustainable forest economy National Park, Uganda. Biol. Conserv., in the region. It is a valuable source of 142(2): 290–300. information on sustainable forest management practised within the Hamilton, A.C. (ed.). 2008. Medicinal plants in Amazon. Available in English, Portuguese, conservation and development: case Spanish and Dutch through: studies and lessons learnt. Salisbury, www.amazonyourbusiness.nl United Kingdom, Plantlife International. Argumedo, A. & Stenner, T. 2008. Association ANDES: conserving indigenous biocultural Butler, R.A. & Laurance, W.F. 2009. Is oil palm He, Jun, Zhou, Zhimei, Weyerhaeuser, H. & heritage. Gatekeeper, 137a. the next emerging threat to the Amazon? Xu, Jianchu. 2009. Participatory technology Trop. Conserv. Sci., 2(1): 1–10. development for incorporating non-timber Avocc.vou-Ayisso, C., Sinsin, B., forest products into forest restoration in Adcbgbidi, A., Dossou, G. & Van Damme, Christensen, G.A., Campbell, S.J. & Fried, J.S. , southwest China. Forest Ecology P. 2009. Sustainable use of non-timber 2008. California's forest resources, and Management, 257(10): 2010–2016. forest products: impact of fruit 2001–2005: five-year Forest Inventory and harvesting on Pentadesma butyracea Analysis report. General Technical Report. Hurley, P.T., Halfacre, A.C., Levine, N.S. & regeneration and financial analysis of its PNW-GTR-763. Pacific Northwest Burke, M.K. 2008. Finding a “disappearing” products trade in Benin. Forest Ecology Research Station, United States nontimber forest resource: using grounded and Management, 257(9): 1930–1938. Department of Agriculture (USDA) visualization to explore urbanization Forest Service. impacts on sweetgrass basketmaking in Ba NGai, Nguyen, Nguyen Quang Tan, Greater Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Sunderlin, W.D. & Yurdi Yasmi. 2009. Chukwuone, N.A. 2009. Socio-economic The Professional Geographer, 60(4): Forestry and poverty data in Viet Nam: determinants of cultivation of non-wood 556–578. status, gaps and potential uses. Viet Nam. forest products in southern Nigeria. Regional Community Forestry Training Biodivers. Conserv., 18(2). id21. 2009. Are NTFPs a way out of poverty? Center for Asia and the Pacific (RECOFTC), id21 insights 77. Brighton, United Kingdom, Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) and Chun, Young Woo & Tak, Kwang-Il. 2009. Institute of Development Studies at the Viet Nam Forestry University. Songgye, a traditional knowledge system University of Sussex. May. for sustainable forest management in the (Please see page 50 for more information.) Bifarin, J.O., Ajibola, M.E. & Fadiyimu, A.A. Choson Dynasty of Korea. Forest Ecology 2008. Analysis of marketing bushmeat in and Management, 257(10): 2022–2026. Ingram, V., Awono, A., Schure, J. & Ndam, Idanre local government area of Ondo state, N. 2009. National Management Plan for Nigeria. Tropag & Rural database. Griscom, H.P., Griscom, B.W. & Ashton, M.S. Prunus africana in Cameroon. Yaoundé, Academic Journals. African J. Agricultural 2009. Forest regeneration from pasture in CIFOR. 156 pp. Res., 3(10): 667–671. 12 refs. the dry tropics of Panama: effects of cattle, (Please also see page 64 for more exotic grass and forested riparia. Restor. information.) Brosi, B.J. 2009. The effects of forest Ecol., 17(1): 117–126. fragmentation on euglossine bee Jenkins, R.K.B., Andriamanana communities (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Grønhaug, Tom Erik, Silje Glæserud, Mona Rabearivelo, Chan Tak Chan Wai Mine Euglossini). Biol. Conserv., 142(2): 414–423. Skogsrud, Ngolo Ballo, Sekou Bah, Drissa Andre, Roma Randrianavelona & Diallo & Berit Smestad Paulsen. 2008. Christian Randrianantoandro, J. 2009. Brouwer, M. 2008. Amazon your business. Ethnopharmacological survey of six The harvest of endemic amphibians for Second ed. Bunnik, Netherlands, medicinal plants from Mali, West Africa. food in eastern Madagascar. Tropical Meindert Brouwer Partner in Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 4: 26. Conserv. Sci., 2(1): 25–33. Communications. Amazon your business is the first guide to Guimarães, L.G.L. 2008. Yield evaluation of Jones, R. 2008. Bee-seiged – bees in warfare. sustainable products from the rain forests both the essential oil and the main United Kingdom, Bees for Development. and rivers of Amazon countries. Countries component of Eucalyptus citriodora It is often stated that bees have been used covered include Bolivia (Plurinational State Hook. leaves harvested in different in warfare and in this book Ray Jones has of), Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, seasons in the municipalities of Minas endeavoured to document some of the Peru, Suriname and Venezuela (Bolivarian Gerais State, Brazil. Botucatu, Brazil, many odd ways in which bees have been

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exploited. For example, in 400 BC the Greek Msuya, Tuli S. & Kideghesho, J.R. 2009. Pei, Shengji, Zhang, Guoxue & Huai, Huyin. historian Xenophan related that 10 000 The role of traditional management 2009. Application of traditional mercenaries were forced to retreat after practices in enhancing sustainable use knowledge in forest management: eating unripe honeycomb produced from and conservation of medicinal plants in ethnobotanical indicators of sustainable Rhododendron ponticum and Azalea the West Usambara Mountains, forest use. Forest Ecology and ponticum nectar, containing toxins that Tanzania. Tropical Conserv. Sci., 2(1): Management, 257(10): 2017–2021. April. caused them to suffer vomiting and 88–105. diarrhoea and made them unable to stand. Pimbert, M. 2009. Towards food Other bee products are discussed in Nantha, H.S. & Tisdell, C. 2009. The sovereignty: reclaiming autonomous chapters that include “Beeswax, magical, orangutan-oil palm conflict: economic food systems. London, United Kingdom, malicious and medicinal” and “Pollen: bee constraints and opportunities for International Institute for Environment food or chemical agent?” Jones’ book is an conservation. Biodivers. Conserv., 18(2): and Development (IIED). 70 pp. entertaining source of many obscure and 487–502. (Please see page 62 for more unusual anecdotes about bees and their information.) products. Nasi, R., Brown, D., Wilkie, D., Bennett, E., Tutin, C., van Tol, G. & Christophersen, Pradeep Chaudhry, Srivastava, R.L., Lakshmi, S. & Beena, J. 2009. Advances in T. 2008. Conservation and use of Pramod Kumar, Arvind Apte & Rao, N.S. medical treatment with plant-based wildlife-based resources: the bushmeat 2008. Role of non-timber forest products natural products. Recent Progress in crisis. CBD Technical Series 33. in sustaining rural livelihoods: a case Medicinal Plants, 24(1): 171–197. Montreal, Canada, Secretariat of the study from biggest state of India. Int. J. Convention on Biological Diversity. 50 pp. Forest Usufructs Management, 9(2). Lian Pin Koh & Wilcove, D.S. 2009. Oil palm: (Please see page 37 and 38 for more disinformation enables deforestation. information.) Rayan, D.M. & Mohamad, S.W. 2009. The Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 24: 67–68. importance of selectively logged forests Newton, A.C., Marshall, E., Schreckenberg, for tiger Panthera tigris conservation: a López Camachó, R. 2008. Productos K., Golicher, D., te Velde D.W., Edouard, population density estimate in forestales no maderables: importancia e F. & Arancibia, E. 2006. Use of a Bayesian Peninsular Malaysia. Oryx, 43(1): 48–51. impacto de su aprovechamiento. Revista belief network to predict the impacts of Colombia Forestal, 11. December. commercializing non-timber forest Rayburn, A.P. & Schulte, L.A. 2009. (Please see page 47 for more information.) products on livelihoods. Ecology and Integrating historic and contemporary Society, 11(2): 24. Download from www. data to delineate potential remnant López-Feldman, A. & Wilen, J.E. 2008. ecologyandsociety.org/vol11/iss2/art24/ natural woodlands within midwestern Poverty and spatial dimensions of non- agricultural landscapes. Nat. Areas J., timber forest extraction. Environment and Nhancale, B.A., Mananze, S.E., Dista, N.F., 29(1): 4–14. Development Economics, 13(5). Nhantumbo, I. & Macqueen, D.J. 2009. Small and medium forest enterprises in Robbins, P., Emery, M. & Rice, J.L. 2008. Matsushima, K., Minami, M. & Nemoto, K. Mozambique. London, United Kingdom, Gathering in Thoreau's backyard: 2008. Usage of edible wild plants in Bhutan. International Institute for Environment nontimber forest product harvesting as Journal of the Faculty of Agriculture, and Development (IIED). practice. Area, 40(2): 265–277. Shinshu University, 45(1/2): 49–54. 18 refs. Niederhofer, H. 2009. Panax ginseng may Sanford, M.P. 2009. Valuating mangrove Mulliken, T. 2009. The role of CITES in improve some symptoms of attention- ecosystems as coastal protection in controlling the international trade in forest deficit hyperactivity disorder. J. Dietary post-tsunami South Asia. Nat. Areas J., products: implications for sustainable Supplements, 6(1): 22–27. (abstract) 29(1): 91–95. forest management. NWFP Working Document 7. Rome, FAO. Nyaupane, G.P. & Chhetri, N. 2009. Senthilkumar, N., Barthakur, N.D. & Rao, Vulnerability to climate change of M.L. 2008. Bioprospecting with Mulyoutami, Elok, Rismawan, Ratna & Joshi, nature-based tourism in the Nepalese reference to medicinal insects and tribes Laxman. 2009. Local knowledge and Himalayas. Tourism Geographies, 11(1): in India: an overview. Indian Forester, management of simpukng (forest gardens) 95–119. 134(12): 1575–1591. among the Dayak people in East The tribes of northeast India have been Kalimantan, Indonesia. Forest Ecology and Ocampo, R. & Balick, M.J. 2009. Plants of using several insect-based traditional Management, 257(10): 2054–2061. semillas sagradas: an ethnomedicinal drugs to cure various diseases. Over 500 garden in Costa Rica. Finca Luna Nueva species of insects are used as medicine Murray-Smith, C., Brummitt, N.A., Extractos de Costa Rica, S.A. to cure both common and complicated Oliveira-Filho, A.T., Bachman, S., Moat, ailments in the northeast from time J., Lughadha, E.M. & Lucas, E.J. 2009. Pattanaik, C., Prasad, S.N. & Reddy, C.S. immemorial. Some valuable information Plant diversity hotspots in the Atlantic 2009. Need for conservation of regarding traditional medicinal uses of coastal forests of Brazil. Conserv. Biol., biodiversity in Araku Valley, Andhra common insects by folk doctors has 23(1): 151–163. Pradesh. Curr. Sci., 96(1): 11–12. been summarized.

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Setty, R.S., Kamal Bawa, Ticktin, T. & Gowda, Urban, J., Kokoska, L., Langrova, I. & C.M. 2008. Evaluation of a participatory Matejkova, J. 2008. In vitro anthelmintic resource monitoring system for nontimber effects of medicinal plants used in Czech forest products: the case of amla Republic. Pharmaceutical Biol., (Phyllanthus spp.) fruit harvest by Soligas in 46(10–11): 808–813. South India. Ecology and Society, 13(2). Van Sam, H., Baas, P. & Keßler, P.J.A. 2008. Sheil, D. & Murdiyarso, D. 2009. How forests Traditional medicinal plants in Ben En attract rain: an examination of a new National Park, Vietnam. Blumea, 53(3): hypothesis. Bioscience, 59(4). 569–601. (Please see page 61 for more information.) Varghese, A. & Ticktin, T. 2008. Regional Silva, M.P.P. & Pôrto, K.C. 2009. Effect of variation in non-timber forest product fragmentation on the community structure harvest strategies, trade and ecological of epixylic bryophytes in Atlantic Forest impacts: the case of black dammar remnants in the Northeast of Brazil. (Canarium strictum Roxb.) use and Biodivers. Conserv., 18(2): 317–337. conservation in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India. Ecology and Society, 13(2). Sunderland, T.C.H., Balinga, M.P.B., Asaha, S. & Malleson, R. 2008 The utilization and Wunder, S., Börner, J., Rügnitz Tito, M. & management of African rattans: constraints Pereira, L. 2008. Pagamentos por serviços Non-Wood Forest Products series to sustainable supply through cultivation. ambientais: perspectivas para a Amazônia Bees and their role in forest livelihoods. Forests, trees and livelihoods, 18(4): Legal. Série Estudos 10. Download from A guide to the services provided by bees 337–353. www.amazonia.org.br/guia/detalhes.cfm?id and the sustainable harvesting, =302089&tipo=6&cat_id=44&subcat_id=186 processing and marketing of their Sunderlin, W.D., Hatcher, J. & Liddle, M. 2008. products From exclusion to ownership? Challenges Youn, Y.-C. 2009. Use of forest resources, This volume – no. 19 in our NWFP and opportunities in advancing forest traditional forest-related knowledge and series – provides basic information tenure reform. Washington DC, United livelihood of forest dependent communities: about managing wild bees and on the States of America, Rights and Resources cases in South Korea. Forest Ecology and use of their products. It identifies and Initiative. Management, 257(10): 2027–2034. describes major bee species and their (Please see page 23 for more information.) importance for nature conservation and for sustaining the livelihoods of rural Tarawneh, K.A., Omar, S., Twissi, O.A., people. Bee products are considered at Khleifat, K.M., Al-Mustafa, A. & Al-Sharafa, NEW PUBLICATIONS FROM both subsistence and commercial K. 2008. Antifungal and antioxidant effects FAO’S NON-WOOD FOREST levels, and particular attention is given of extracts of some medicinal plant species PRODUCTS SERIES to the potential for further development growing in South Jordan. Bull. Fac. Agric., of managing wild bee species in 59(3): 241–248. 27 refs. NWFP Working Documents developing countries. The role of bees FAO’s NWFP Working Document series has for pollination of crops and the impact Theo, A., Masebe, T., Suzuki, Y., Kikuchi, H., a new volume – No. 7. The role of CITES in of managing bees on forestry and Wada, S., Obi, C.L., Bessong, P.O., Usuzawa, controlling the international trade in forest farming are presented. Wild M., Oshima, Y. & Hattori, T. 2009. products: implications for sustainable beekeeping techniques, honey Peltophorum africanum, a traditional forest management. production and marketing, and the South African medicinal plant, contains Forests, and forest products, are international trade in bee products are an anti HIV-1 constituent, betulinic acid. fundamental to the health and well-being described with further references and Tohoku J. Experimental Medicine, of the vast majority of the world’s human sources of additional information given. 217(2): 93–99. 38 refs. population. Technological innovations, and Using this publication, readers will specifically improvements in the global understand better the complexities and Topp-Jørgensen, E., Nielsen, M.R., Marshall, transport infrastructure, combined with opportunities for developing apiculture A. & Pedersen, U. 2009. Mammalian human migration have increased the use by rural livelihoods. density in response to different levels of and availability of forest products even Copies of this publication can be bushmeat hunting in the Udzungwa further. However, this use is not without a purchased from FAO’s Sales and Mountains, Tanzania. Trop. Conserv. Sci., cost – the populations of many wild species Marketing Group at: publications- 2(1): 70–87. have declined as a result of harvest for [email protected]. An electronic version international trade, some to the point that will shortly be available from FAO’s UNEP, FAO, UN Forum on Forests (UNFF). entire species are threatened with NWFP home page: 2009. Vital Forest Graphics. Nairobi, Kenya, extinction. www.fao.org/forestry/site/6367/en UNEP. Download from www.grida.no/_res/ In order to address international trade site/file/publications/vital_forest_graphics.pdf threats to wild species, governments

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established the Convention on International farmers and local communities in low- and los pueblos indígenas informaciones sobre Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna middle-income countries – about rural las hierbas y remedios para curar las and Flora (CITES). CITES entered into force livelihood opportunities resulting from NWFP enfermedades. Algunas plantas son todavía in 1975 and has over 160 member activities. It provides an overview of the uses of utilizadas y parecen ser muy eficaces. Una governments (Parties). This report explores NWFPs (section 2); insight into the gran cantidad de información ha sido reunida the role and impact of CITES on the trade in complementary contribution that they can en el libro, Medicine etniche e tradizionali forest products and sustainable forest make to sustainable livelihoods (section 3); an (Macro edizioni, 416 páginas, € 14.50), de útil management throughout its 30-year overview of NWFP trade (section 4); strategies consulta no sólo para los interesados en las history, with an emphasis on plant, and for successful NWFP trade and livelihoods curas alternativas, sino también para los specifically timber, species. (section 5); and support and services that can curiosos de las hábitos y maneras de vivir de An electronic version of this document help promote NWFPs as a livelihood source los pueblos que viven en zonas de las que will be available shortly from our NWFP (section 6). It provides advice as to how the poco se habla, y que guardan tradiciones y home page. Hard copies are available free right support and services can help promote usos que vale la pena conocer. La of charge from FAO’s NWFP Programme at NWFPs as a successful livelihood option. catalogación de apasionado científico y the address on the first page or by sending Sources of additional information and botánico de las hierbas y plantas an e-mail to [email protected]. technical support for any follow-up are medicinales, con relativos nombres identified at the end of the book científicos y usos, y la detallada explicación Marshall, E. & Chandrasekharan, C. 2009. de los usos medicinales, son acompañadas OTHER RECENT PUBLICATIONS Non-farm income from non-wood forest por curiosas narraciones históricas. products. Diversification booklet 12. Rural Por ejemplo, una de ellas se refiere a la State of the World’s Forests 2009 Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division. medicina clásica de los árabes, origen de What will be the impact on forests of future Rome, FAO. fundamentales escuelas médicas, con economic development, globalized trade and Avicena, quien escribió los cinco libros del increases in the world’s population? The FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Canon de la medicina, o Albucazis, el más 2009 edition of the biennial State of the Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries grande cirujano árabe. Y el celebre World’s Forests looks forward, with the Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Paracelso quien, bien que intensamente theme “Society, forests and forestry: 00153 Rome, Italy. E-mail: [email protected] dedicado a la fármaco-química en pleno adapting for the future”. Part 1 summarizes (Please also see pages 30 and 73 for more siglo XVI, estaba invadido por una visión the outlook for forests and forestry in each information.) panteísta de lo creado, que atribuía una region, based on FAO’s periodic regional dimensión espiritual a los fenómenos forest sector outlook studies. Past trends Medicinas étnicas y tradicionales naturales, ejercitando la práctica de la and projected demographic, economic, ¿Quién sabe que en Afganistán la medicina signatura, filosofía que afirma que Dios institutional and technological changes are pashtún adopta todavía la cañafistula como habría puesto unos signos en las plantas, de examined to outline the scenario to 2030. laxante y la semilla de anís para curar las los cuales derivan sus capacidades de curar Part 2 considers how forestry will have to indigestiones? ¿Y qué los curanderos de la las enfermedades. Al fin, descubrimos que adapt for the future, focusing on: the global Amazonia usan, con óptimos resultados, la la granadilla era usada como febrífugo o outlook for wood products demand; uña de gato, planta curandera, en contra de para lenificar las úlceras, que en la Edad mechanisms for meeting the demand for la artritis, las hemorroides y las lesiones media se difundió desde Persia a todo el environmental services of forests; changes cutáneas? ¿O qué la dieta espacial de los Mediterráneo, y que de ella deriva el nombre in forest sector institutions; and astronautas americanos comprende también de la ciudad andaluza de Granada. developments in science and technology. la maca, la quínoa y la kiwicha, especies Brandolini, Giorgio V. 2008. Medicine This volume will serve as a source of herbáceas y alimentos tradicionales del etniche e tradizionali. Macro edizioni. 416 information to support forest-related policy mundo andino? Todo esto podría llamarse páginas. ISBN: 8-8750-7867-X; ISBN-13: and research. It is hoped that it will also medicina alternativa o herboristería, pero es 9788875078676 stimulate creative thinking and debate to más apropiado llamarlo medicina popular. enhance the future of the world’s forests. Estas prácticas curativas en épocas y zonas PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN, DIRIGIRSE A: diferentes han substituido o integrado la Giorgio V. Brandolini, Orizzonte terra, 30 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: medicina moderna y convencional. Está Via Mazzini, I-24 128 Bérgamo, Italia. Ms Andrea Perlis, Forestry Department, FAO, reconocido que la técnica médica moderna Teléfono/fax: +39 035 219142; correo Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy. no puede ignorar otras experiencias como electrónico: [email protected] o E-mail: [email protected]: estas, de las cuales – en todo caso – ella [email protected] p www.fao.org/ (Please also see pages 18-20 for misma desciende directamente, bajo more information.) muchos aspectos. Esto es lo que afirma Giorgio V. Brandolini, Non-farm income from non-wood forest ingeniero agrónomo de Bergamo y It matters not how a man dies, but how products divulgador cultural, quien ha viajado en unos he lives. The act of dying is not of The aim of this booklet is to raise awareness – de los rincones más remotos del mundo, importance, it lasts so short a time. among people and organizations that provide también por cuenta de organizaciones Samuel Johnson advisory business and technical support internacionales, en particular en Suramérica services to resource-poor small-scale y en el Oriente Medio, donde ha recogido de

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Newsletters/e-zines Sustainable Development ListServe SD-L is a free and moderated community FAO’S NWFP HOME PAGE British Columbia’s Buy BCwild Initiative communications tool for knowledge- e-zine sharing on sustainable development. It is a Please help us make our Web site a British Columbia’s “Buy BCwild Initiative” grassroots, peer to peer service meant to rich resource by continuing to send us has recently launched the Buy BCwild e- advance understanding and application of ([email protected]) your NWFP Newsletter: “A future beneath the trees”. the SD framework by allowing subscribers Web sites and citations of any The newsletter is a triannual publication to post announcements related to publications that we are missing, as and is released in April, August and contributions and activities with a strong well as any research that you would December. The first issue is available focus on sustainable development. SD-L is like to share. online. an excellent way to circulate cutting-edge www.fao.org/forestry/site/6367/en http://buybcwild.com/newsletter information on meetings, policy -a-future-beneath-trees developments, publications and new initiatives, as well as keep abreast of the Coleopterists online newsletter latest sustainable development-related A new online newsletter for coleopterists issues and events. SD-L offers users a Agroforestería Ecológica: Temas has just been published as a pdf document. chance to publicize and coordinate their de Actualización (2008 y 2009) The first issue contains an article on the efforts better through virtual knowledge www.agroforesteriaecologica.com orange ladybird in Cheshire, United exchange. Kingdom. The newsletter can be Amazon Centre for Environmental downloaded from the following site: FOR ASSISTANCE OR FURTHER INFORMATION, Education and Research (ACEER) http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/ PLEASE CONTACT: www.wcupa.edu/aceer/ forum/viewforum.php?f=8 [email protected]; www.iisd.ca/SD-L

Crops for the Future First forest carbon newsletter Research and Media Network www.cropsforthefuture.org/ http://ecosystemmarketplace.com/pages/n http://researchandmedia.ning.com/ ewsletter/fc_02.12.09.html Databases Traditional Knowledge Digital Library The National NTFP Network of Canada www.tkdl.res.in/tkdl/langdefault/common/ New interactive database on indicators of e-zine home.asp?GL=Eng sustainable forest management in Europe The NTFP Network of Canada has recently The Timber and Forestry Programme of the launched an electronic NTFP newsletter. United Nations Economic Commission for This quarterly publication is available online Europe (UNECE) and FAO have released a and features news, events, research and new Web-based resource tool designed by other NTFP-related activities from across the international community to enable Canada. It contains articles written in both researchers, policy-makers, practitioners French and English. NWFP-DIGEST-L and the general public to access data on www.ntfpnetwork.ca/en/node/89 Europe’s forests. The database is a The Digest is a free monthly e-bulletin comprehensive research tool based on the NWFP Directory for Atlantic Canada and produced by FAO’s NWFP Programme report State of Europe’s Forests 2007, and Maine and covers all aspects of non-wood includes data that have not been published www.FromOurAtlanticWoods.com forest products. Past issues can be to date. found on FAO’s NWFP home page at These data are presented alongside Photovoices: empowering people through www.fao.org/forestry/site/12980/en other statistical data from different parts of photography You can take part in contributing to the UNECE work programme. The www.photovoicesinternational.org/index.html the continued success of this UNECE/FAO Timber Section encourages newsletter by sharing with the NWFP the international community to take Platform for agrobiodiversity research community any news that you may advantage of this resource and to make www.agrobiodiversityplatform.org/wp_main/ have regarding research, events, suggestions for further improvement. publications and projects. Kindly send http://w3.unece.org/pxweb/Dialog/ Portals such information to NWFP-Digest- [email protected]. Threatened aromatic plants Forest carbon portal, ecosystem To subscribe: send an e-mail to: www.cropwatch.org/Threatened%20Arom marketplace's newest service [email protected], with the atic%20Species%20v1.09.pdf www.forestcarbonportal.com/n message: subscribe NWFP-Digest-L; or through the NWFP Programme’s home Forum UNESCO University and Heritage Information portal: negotiations related to page at Web site the International Regime on Access and www.fao.org/forestry/site/12980/en p http://universityandheritage.net/eng/ Benefit Sharing index.html www.cbd.int/abs/ir/

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Comments received putting me in contact with people who could benefit from receiving Non-Wood CONTRIBUTIONS TO NON-WOOD NEWS Reader from the Philippines News; or by going to great lengths to send Non-Wood News is of great help and a me the photos for the back cover. This issue Subscription to Non-Wood News is free valuable source of information to our is particularly rich, with contributions on of charge. Please send an e-mail to researchers and staff. (Forest Products your research/activities coming from all [[email protected]] if you would Research and Development Institute, around the world – from Afghanistan to the like to receive a copy and be added to Philippines) Sudan, from Hungary to Peru, and many our mailing list. more in between. A strong characteristic of Non-Wood Reader from the United Kingdom It is truly a great pleasure to be the editor News is that it is open to contributions In these days of information overload, I find of Non-Wood News – and a great privilege to from readers. Should you have any myself looking at things arriving via e-mail correspond with so many of you. Thank you interesting material on any aspect of or in the post and thinking "I just don't have for your continued support. NWFPs that could be of benefit to all the time to look at this". But NOT when (Tina Etherington, [email protected]) p our readers, please do not hesitate to Non-Wood News arrives! I received it this submit it. Articles are welcomed in morning, and will look forward to settling English, French and Spanish and should down for a proper read. Once again, thanks be between 200–500 words. for providing this excellent service. The deadline for contributions for Non-Wood News 20 is 31 October 2009. Reader from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic For more information, please contact: I have received the last NWFP newsletter Tina Etherington at the address on the and it’s a really great work you are doing. front page or by e-mail to non-wood- [email protected] Reader from Indonesia I read the latest issue of Non-Wood News from cover to cover with great interest. It is an invaluable service you offer by gathering so much diverse, relevant and fascinating information together on NWFPs.

Contributions to this issue – a special thank you I would like to thank all of you who have contributed to this issue – whether by sending me your articles, books and newsletters; by providing me with links; by

COMMENTS FROM AN INTERN experiences, knowledge and support. This builds solidarity and enhances the “Think global, act local,” this is the potential for local initiatives to be omnipresent motto in my hometown successful. Acting locally is critical, but (Eugene, Oregon, USA). As a result without a global community exchanging Eugene always buzzes with the activity knowledge and experience, local action of new local initiatives, from urban will never become what it could be. Non- farming to restoring traditional NWFP Wood News provides a platform for this harvesting. However, we can easily global exchange, enabling productive overlook the benefits local communities local initiatives. It has been my pleasure receive when people act globally. Non- to be part of this community, locally and Wood News is one such example of globally. (Adam DeHeer) global action resulting in direct benefits To be a success, I must contribute to the for local communities all over the world. Adam DeHeer has been working as an welfare of others, to put in another way, By contributing to and reading intern with FAO's NWFP Programme to be all I can be, I need to help you be Non-Wood News and the NWFP-Digest, since late February 2009. His assignment all you can be. people can learn from and share with us finishes in August. John Maxwell

NON-WOOD NEWS No. 19 July 2009 Bushmeat: a source of protein and trade © David Wilkie © Tom Daspit/flickr © Tom © Elizabeth L. Bennett

Bushmeat is a major source of protein for forest-dependent communities. It is also an important source of income through trade in local, national and international markets. However, the illegal bushmeat trade has led to wildlife being hunted in an unsustainable manner. This has resulted in the "bushmeat crisis", with many species becoming endangered.

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