An article discussing the release of a new report: "Conservation Value of the North American Boreal Forest from an Ethnobotanical Perspective".  Read the full article.

Source: United Nations University – IAS, 19 October 2009

A new policy brief discusses laws and policies relevant to sustainable and equitable NTFP use. The policy brief is a collaboration between the United Nations University - Institute of Advanced Studies (via the Traditional Knowledge Initiative), Centre for International Forestry Research, People and Plants International, Environmental Evaluation Unit, University of Cape Town and the Insitute for Culture and Ecology. It draws from the book Wild Product Governance: finding policies that work for non-timber forest products to be published by Earthscan in 2010 as part of the “People and Plants” series.

            People have long developed and depended upon useful species from diverse ecosystems. Even today, botanical NTFPs provide critical subsistence and trade goods for forest and other communities. In many areas, NTFPs are the main source of cash to pay school fees, buy medicines, purchase equipment and supplies, and even buy food. However, NTFPs have been both overlooked and poorly regulated by governments. Laws tend to be inconsistent and confusing, with little resembling a policy ’framework’ or strategy. Many are opportunistic or drafted in response to perceived threats, and rarely do regulations follow from consultations with stakeholders or careful analysis of the complex factors involved in the sustainability and equity of NTFP management, use and trade.

            Despite wide variations in cultural, economic and political conditions, experiences with NTFP law and policy are remarkably similar around the world, and are characterized by common regulatory features. This finding applies to both developed and developing countries, and includes regions that still have strong traditional and subsistence use of NTFPs and those that may have reduced their dependence on NTFPs, but have recently ‘rediscovered’ natural products.

            Case studies which contributed to this project include those from Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, China, Fiji, Finland, India, Mexico, the Philippines, southern Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. Important lessons for policy makers, NGOs, community groups, and others working with NTFPs include the need for better information, simplification, clarity, and consistency in NTFP policy frameworks.

For full story, please see: www.unutki.org/news.php?news_id=83&doc_id=103

The third edition of the National NTFP Newsletter, dedicated to 'NTFP Education', is now available.

A recent front page feature in Monday Magazine discusses 'Shop the Wild' and profiles some of BC's NTFP-based businesses.  Read the full article.

Shop the Wild offers a bounty of forest products!  Read the full article.

Kim Davis, of the Vancouver Sun, writes about wild foods, sustainable harvesting and the Buy BCwild Initiative.  Read the full article.

David Suzuki, with Faisal Moola, discusses the importance of wild berries and compatible management.  Read the full article.

Second Issue of the National NTFP Network of Canada newsletter.

A recent 'Letter to the Editor' from Dr. Brian Belcher, Director for the Centre for Non-Timber Resources, was published in the July 21st edition of the Times Colonist.  Read the full letter. 

For more information, read the article 'Mushroom in Uplands can kill humans, pets'.

Dr. Brian Belcher, Director of the Centre for Non-Timber Resources, discusses opportunities  NTFPs may create for rural livelihoods.  Read the full article.