October 12, 2020
Standardization is a necessary step in the ASEAN Economic Community’s (AEC) plans towards global competitiveness. Though ASEAN has embarked on standardization on many commodities, standards on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are still in its early stages for many countries. In order to ensure that quality standards are met, protocols for sustainable harvest and management are crucial.
The ASEAN Senior Officials in Forestry (ASOF) has tasked Non-Timber Forest Products – Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP) to assist ASEAN in the development of such protocols.
There is growing market demand for proof of sustainability and conservation of natural resources. For community forestry producers to capture that market, they need to be able to meet such sustainability standards. These guidelines will serve as the first reference for NTFP management protocols in the region to further guarantee sustainable management of NTFP resources for markets and relevant stakeholders.
For a start, five important NTFPs in the region are being piloted, namely rattan, bamboo, resin, honey, and fruits.
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