Fulfilling the promise of Non- Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) : a case for bridging the science gap in NTFP policies

Professorial Chair Lecture

UPLB Science and Technology Professorial Chair Lecture

Place

SEARCA, College, Laguna

Date

11-25-2008

Abstract

Recent surge in interest in non-timber forest products (NTFPs) highlighted the gaping holes and flaws in policies that constrain stakeholders from fully realizing the benefits from this group of forest resources. For a long time, the Philippines had considered NTFPs as minor in importance relative to timber, and hence, had been largely glossed over in government policies. Certain segments of the population dealing with NTFPs such as ancestral land claimants, field foresters, farmers and upland settlers get little guidance in terms of the production, development, harvesting, and utilization of these products. I discussed how mainstreaming of NTFPs could be achieved by filling the gaps in science for more appropriate and sound policy formulation and decision-making relative to these resources. I have challenged NTFP scientists to exert their best efforts to create a policy-research loop that would enable them to intervene in the policy formulation process, contribute to NTFP policy content, and help evaluate the implementation of NTFP policies. NTFP scientists should assert the uniqueness of rattan, bamboo, leaf and fiber, vines, resins and other forest-based chemical products, relative to timber. The conditions for, and consequences of timber extraction for example, are different from NTFPs such that imposing inventory requirements prior to the grant of cutting permits, establishing allowable cuts, the collection of forest charges, and harvesting and trade bans would not necessarily produce the same results as timber. I had attempted to provide a venue for integrating the findings of the different research activities by anchoring the discussion on how to use the outputs of such studies to initiate the incorporation of scientific information in the formulation/revision of NTFP policies. It is important that policies that pertain to NTFPs should contribute towards enhancing their regeneration and conservation and maximize the efficiency of extraction, utilization, and marketing and trade practices. I hope to have helped set the direction for a more systematic approach to the possible revision/overhaul of NTFP policies so as to realize their full potential in promoting human welfare.

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

College

College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR)

Language

English

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