Non-timber forest products and their potential for preserving tropical humid forests -- examples from Cameroon and Ecuador

摘要

It is generelly assumed that non-timber forest products can contribute to the conservation of tropical ecosystems. Many products play an important role in the livelihood of forest dwellers; some products are well-established world market products. The article elucidates examples of non-timber forest products from Cameroon and Ecuador. In Cameroon the bark of Prunus africana is harvested for the production of pharmaceutical drugs. The unsustainable method of exploitation may cause the extinction of this tree species which was frequent in Cameroon's natural forests until some years ago. It is proposed to integrate P. africana in communal agroforestry systems. The introduction of a so far underestimated non-timber forest product into international markets is presented with the example from Ecuador. The Inchi-tree (Caryodendron orinocense) produces a tasty nut and good quality oil. Neither product has been considered valuable by the local population. With support of a technical cooperation project it was succeeded in organizing harvests, processing and export of the nut. Farmers meanwhile recognize the tree as a source of income. An alternative to deforestation is herewith offered.