Wild Product Governance: Finding Policies That Work For Non-timber Forest Products

Wild Product Governance: Finding Policies That Work For Non-timber Forest Products
Tags: Sarah A. Laird

Products from the wild, also known as non-timber forest products (NTFPs), are used as medicines, cosmetics, drinks, foods, decorations and for a multitude of other purposes. They contribute substantially to rural livelihoods, generate revenue for companies and governments, and have a range of impacts on biodiversity conservation yet there is little information available those seeking to develop effective policy frameworks and regulation.This guide addresses that shortage with technical information on the drafting, content and implementation of NTFP policies, and the broader issues of governance associated with these products. It also develops an analytical framework for understanding the diverse issues and elements that combine to create laws and policies that promote sustainable and equitable management, trade and use of species. Drawing on a wealth of unique case studies that represent many regions of the world, this volume examines experiences with NTFP regulation, including its sometimes unintended consequences. It looks at economic factors, the interface between traditional and scientific knowledge, and relationships between NTFP regulation, land tenure and resource rights, as well as power and equity imbalances. An overview chapter synthesizes these and other experiences, providing a framework for the development of NTFP policy, and the final section makes recommendations for various stakeholders. The volume also includes a review of available literature and resources, plus an annotated bibliography, including key articles, laws and other resources, linked to the People and Plants International website.Published with People and Plants International