Both Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) refers to what is earlier known as Minor Forest Products (MFPs). The use of "MFPs" terminology has been discontinued as it seems to greatly mis-guide the produce. For instance collection and trade of Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) by high alpine dwellers and even Chirata (Swertia chirata) in the east (Shigkhar Lauri) contributes more than 50% of their annual earnings, which of-course is clear that these forest products doesnot justify to be called as minor.
NWFPs and NTFPs are two very similar yet different terminologies adopted to address these produce of forest other than timber. In short it includes everything besides timber.
In Bhutan we use NWFP and it is defined in the National Forest Policy of Bhutan, 2011as, "NWFP means resin, varnish, katha, kutch, plants, flowers, seeds, bamboo, bulbs, roots, leaves, grasses, creepers, reeds, orchids, cane, fungi, moss, medicinal plants, herbs, leaf or mould, or other vegetative growth, whether alive or dead; wild animals (including fish) and the parts or products of wild animals, including the skin, hide, feather, fur, horn, antler, tusk, bone, bile, musk, honey, wax, and lac; and boulders, stone, sand, gravels, rocks, minerals, peat and soil". Now, if we understand definition, no where in definition incense stick, dapa, fuelwood is mentioned. Does it mean that fuelwood and even incense sticks are classified as timber? If these aren't classified under NWFPs, are we saying that fuelwood is not a "wood" or fuelwood is timber. Are we also stating that raw materials used to manufacture incense stick and dapa are not "wood"? Common!!!!!.
In short I am leaning towards NTFPs as it could even include fuelwood, dapa etc to NWFPs.
NWFPs and NTFPs are two very similar yet different terminologies adopted to address these produce of forest other than timber. In short it includes everything besides timber.
Rattan Shoot |
In short I am leaning towards NTFPs as it could even include fuelwood, dapa etc to NWFPs.
Comments
Thanks.
My question would be, If we use NWFP does fuelwood fall in the category or does it qualify as timber or is fuelwood classified in another group?
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