EFI and FAO publish a white paper to promote Non-Wood Forest Products
The European Forest Institute (EFI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have collaborated on this paper as part of the INCREDIBLE project, which aims to connect scientific research and practice in order to promote Mediterranean Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP) as a valuable natural resource for sustainable forest management and rural development.
NWFPs haven’t been classified as an agricultural product yet. They also are the focus of many issues related to climate change, illegal trafficking, and other concerns showing a lack of understanding and legislation.
This white paper is a call to action at all levels to support the recognition of NWFPs as an important part of cultural heritage and a natural resource that requires active management and attention, as well as the development of an appropriate legislative framework to regulate NWFP collection and cultivation activities and ensure adequate protection.
Martínez de Arano, I., Maltoni, S., Picardo, A., Mutke, S. et al. (2021). Non-wood forest products for people, nature and the green economy. Recommendations for policy priorities in Europe. A white paper based on lessons learned from around the Mediterranean. EFI and FAO, Barcelona. https://doi.org/10.36333/k2a05