B. M. Belcher

In this paper the author analyses different elements of he term 'Non-Timber Forest Product'. The analysis begins with a brief history of the term and the evolution of the definition. It is readily apparent that the definition used depends on the interests and the objectives of the user. There is a highly eclectic group of stakeholders interested in Non-Timber Forest Products as subjects of research, as tools for conservation and for development, and as commercial products. Each brings different assumptions and interests, both implicit and explicit. The author analyses the elements of the definition of the term against these different ideas and concludes that there is no perfect term to encapsulate all of these ideas.

Non-Timber Forest Products, NTFPs, Non-Wood Forest Products, NWFP, terminology, definition, assumptions, research, conservation, development

International Forestry Review 5(2), 2003

2003

English