The bioeconomy and non-timber forest products

This book provides an in-depth investigation of non-timber forest products and their role in local, national, and global bioeconomies, highlighting their importance in creating a greener and more sustainable future. It will be of great interest to students and scholars of forest and natural resource management, bioeconomics, circular economy, and ecological economics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book provides the first in-depth investigation of how non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are an integral part of local, national, and global bioeconomies. It reveals how essential these products are to creating a greener and more sustainable future, making it a must-read for students and scholars of forest and natural resource management, bioeconomics, circular economy, and ecological economics more widely.

NTFPs are a diverse range of natural resources that are derived from trees, shrubs, herbs, and other plant materials found in forests. They include a wide variety of products such as fruits, nuts, seeds, oils, resins, gums, and fibers. These products have been used for centuries by local communities for food, medicine, shelter, and other purposes, and they continue to play a crucial role in the economies of many countries around the world.

One of the key findings of the book is that NTFPs are not just a source of income for local communities, but they also play a critical role in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. NTFPs provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, and they help to maintain the ecological balance of forests. In addition, NTFPs can be used as a sustainable alternative to traditional timber products, which are often unsustainable and contribute to deforestation and climate change.

The book also explores the economic and social benefits of NTFPs for local communities. NTFPs can provide a source of income for marginalized groups, such as women and indigenous peoples, who often have limited access to other economic opportunities. NTFPs can also contribute to the development of local economies by creating jobs and promoting tourism.

However, the production and trade of NTFPs are often complex and challenging. NTFPs are often harvested from remote and inaccessible areas, and they are subject to a variety of environmental and social challenges. For example, the collection of wild fruits and nuts can lead to the destruction of habitats and the displacement of local communities. In addition, the trade of NTFPs can be subject to illegal harvesting and trade, which can have negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

To address these challenges, the book provides a range of recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. These recommendations include the development of sustainable harvesting practices, the promotion of fair trade practices, and the integration of NTFPs into sustainable land management practices. The book also highlights the importance of community-based management of NTFPs, which can ensure that the benefits of NTFPs are shared equitably and that the environmental and social impacts of NTFP production are minimized.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the role of non-timber forest products in local, national, and global bioeconomies. It reveals how essential these products are to creating a greener and more sustainable future, and it provides a range of recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to promote the sustainable production and trade of NTFPs. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of forest and natural resource management, bioeconomics, circular economy, and ecological economics more widely.

Weight: 710g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032156262