Non-timber forest products – such as berries, mushrooms, and herbal medicines – are among the most important forest resources for local communities around the world, even though the actual ‘products’ may vary from place to place.
Interest in these products has grown enormously in recent years, and NTFPs are increasingly viewed as a key part of local sustainable livelihood strategies. However, better information on marketing opportunities, equipment and technologies and sustainable harvesting practices is needed to ensure the sector’s sustainability. IUCN has been working with local communities in Far-Eastern Russia on developing sustainable NTFP-related businesses since 1998, and the NTPF fair is expected to boost similar initiatives across the country and beyond.