Beyond timber: certification and management of non-timber forest products

Abstract

Beyond Timber: Certification and Management of Non-Timber Forest Products is a valuable contribution and a practical guide for communities, researchers, policy makers, and donors interested in assessing the value of investing time and effort in the still elaborate and costly process of gaining independent international recognition of sound management practices directed to harvest of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Beyond Timber does not attempt to mask the difficulties of obtaining NTFP certification. The numerous case studies and examples cited by the book (drawing from 11 countries), make it clear that certification is still a major undertaking and challenge, especially for isolated forest communities. This book is especially helpful because it effectively identifies gaps in knowledge, community organizational capacity and legislation that still stand in the way of sound forest management. It also points out the false dilemma of having to choose between timber and non-timber forest management.