There is a rapidly growing interest in, and demand for, non-timber forest products (NTFPs). They provide critical resources across the globe fulfilling nutritional, medicinal, financial and cultural needs. However, they have been largely overlooked in mainstream conservation and forestry politics. This volume explains the use and importance of certification and eco-labelling for guaranteeing best management practices of non-timber forest products in the field. Using extensive case studies and global profiles of non-timber forest products, this work not only seeks to further our comprehension of certification processes but also broaden understanding of non-timber forest product management, harvesting and marketing. It should be useful to forest managers, policy-makers and conservation organizations as well as for academics in these areas.

Originally published in 1999 The Commercial Use of Biodiversity examines how biodiversity and the genetic material it contains are now as valuable resources. Access to genetic resources and their commercial development involve a wide range of parties such as conservation and research institutes, local communities, government agencies and companies. Equitable partnerships are not only crucial to conservation and economic development but are also in the interests of business and often required by law. In this authoritative and comprehensive volume, the authors explain the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity on access and benefit-sharing, the effect of national laws to implement these, and aspects of typical contracts for the transfer of materials. They provide a unique sector-by-sector analysis of how genetic resources are used, the scientific, technological and regulatory trends and the different markets in Pharmaceuticals, Botanical Medicines, Crop Development, Horticulture, Crop Protection, Biotechnology (in fields other than healthcare and agriculture) and Personal Care and Cosmetics Products. This will be an essential sourcebook for all those in the commercial chain, from raw material collection to product discovery, development and marketing, for governments and policy-makers drafting laws on access and for all the institutions, communities and individuals involved in the conservation, use, study and commercialisation of genetic resources.

Originally published in 1999 The Commercial Use of Biodiversity examines how biodiversity and the genetic material it contains are now as valuable resources. Access to genetic resources and their commercial development involve a wide range of parties such as conservation and research institutes, local communities, government agencies and companies. Equitable partnerships are not only crucial to conservation and economic development but are also in the interests of business and often required by law. In this authoritative and comprehensive volume, the authors explain the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity on access and benefit-sharing, the effect of national laws to implement these, and aspects of typical contracts for the transfer of materials. They provide a unique sector-by-sector analysis of how genetic resources are used, the scientific, technological and regulatory trends and the different markets in Pharmaceuticals, Botanical Medicines, Crop Development, Horticulture, Crop Protection, Biotechnology (in fields other than healthcare and agriculture) and Personal Care and Cosmetics Products. This will be an essential sourcebook for all those in the commercial chain, from raw material collection to product discovery, development and marketing, for governments and policy-makers drafting laws on access and for all the institutions, communities and individuals involved in the conservation, use, study and commercialisation of genetic resources.

Products from the wild, also known as non-timber forest products (NTFPs), are used as medicines, foods, spices, and 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. However, there is little information available for those seeking to develop effective policy frameworks and regulation. This book addresses that shortage with information and recommendations on the drafting, content and implementation of NTFP policies, and the broader issues of governance associated with these products. It reviews the diverse 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 from around the world, this volume examines experiences with NTFP regulation, including its sometimes unintended consequences. It looks at economic factors, the interface between traditional and western knowledge and legal systems, and relationships between NTFP regulation, land tenure and resource rights, as well as power and equity imbalances. The volume includes a review of available literature and resources, plus an annotated bibliography linked to the People and Plants International website (www.peopleandplants.org). Published with People and Plants International

Products from the wild are used as medicines, cosmetics, drinks, foods, decorations, and for a multitude of other purposes. These products are used for subsistence, are traded locally and regionally, and comprise an important and growing commercial sector world-wide. Known as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) they contribute substantially to rural livelihoods, generate revenue for companies and governments, and have a range of impacts on biodiversity conservation. Although there are many commonalities in experience with NTFP regulation around the world, there is little information available to harvesters, companies, policy makers, NGOs, and others seeking to develop effective policy frameworks, and the lessons learned in this field are often not easily accessed.This guide and manual addresses the shortage of technical information available 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. The book presents 13 country or regionally-specific case studies that examine experiences with NTFP regulation, including its sometimes unintended consequences, the effect of different policy approaches, the influence of globalization and macro-economic factors, the interface of traditional and scientific knowledge, and the relationships between NTFP regulation, land tenure and resource rights, and power and equity imbalances. Geographic coverage includes Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, China, East and CentralEurope, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Southern Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. Each chapter draws out lessons and recommendations that can be more broadly applied and an overview chapter synthesizes these and other experiences and provides a framework for the development of NTFP policy. A final section makes recommendations for various stakeholders. The volume also includes a review of available literature and resources and an annotated bibliography, including key articles, laws and other resources, linked to the People and Plants International website.Published with People and Plants International

This practical manual demonstrates how to arrive at equitable and successful arrangements over access to, and the commercial development of, genetic resources. Despite much discussion at the international policy level relating to the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, to date there has been no such guide on integrating concepts into practice. Many parties have stakes in the commercial use of biodiversity, from local communities and indigenous peoples to resource managers, NGOs, research institutes and universities, industry and national governments. This guide draws on experience from a range of countries around the world to show how the benefits from the commercial use of biodiversity can be maximized and shared equitably while also achieving local conservation and development objectives. It explains how groups can better design and control the terms of research and business partnerships, and also how to participate in drafting national laws and contributing to international policy debate. No single model fits all circumstances, and the manual is structured to enable readers to select and apply approaches most relevant to them. It includes extensive information on the codes, contracts, policies and other documents required, as well as extensive contact details. It will be an invaluable tool for all the stakeholders involved in benefit-sharing research and commercial partnerships. Published in association with WWF International and UNESCO