Nontimber

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are goods obtained from forests that are not classified as timber or wood products. They cover a wide range of plant and animal materials gathered from natural or managed forests, including edible fruits and nuts, mushrooms, medicinal herbs, resins and gums, cork, fibers, essential oils, dyes, and beekeeping products such as honey and wax.

NTFPs are produced and traded for subsistence use and for income in many regions, supporting rural livelihoods and Indigenous economies. They may be harvested from wild populations or from cultivated or managed forest plots, often on seasonal cycles. In addition to direct consumption, NTFPs contribute to local markets and can stimulate small-scale processing, storage, and marketing activities that add value for communities.

The economic and social importance of NTFPs varies by region, ecosystem, and governance. They can diversify household income, reduce vulnerability to shocks in timber markets, and support gender-balanced participation in forest-based enterprises. Because many NTFPs rely on biodiversity and ecosystem health, sustainable management is essential to maintain production while conserving forest resources.

Sustainability and governance are central challenges for NTFPs. Harvesting practices must balance use with regeneration, and rights to access and benefit-sharing should be clear to communities and stakeholders. Successful management often involves community-based or participatory approaches, monitoring of harvest levels, and, where appropriate, certification or market standards that encourage sustainable collection.

Overall, nontimber forest products represent a broad category of forest outputs with potential for livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and resilient livelihoods when managed responsibly.