Ecological Factors

The ecological science to support NTFPs management is not well enough developed to ensure that harvest levels and practices are sustainable. The current state of the scientific knowledge cannot adequately determine if harvest rates exceed regeneration rates or vice versa. Research is needed to determine the effects of harvesting on local plant populations, as well as the impacts on associated forest ecosystems. Developing sustainable forest management strategies requires basic knowledge of population dynamics, as well as inventory and monitoring protocols. Management decisions will continue to be based on incomplete, and perhaps inaccurate information until the science has been done to answer the most fundamental ecological questions. Sustainable forest management will remain elusive until the science of NTFP is developed.

The ecological issues, if not addressed, could result in long-term, and perhaps permanent decline in NTFP plant populations. Research is needed to monitor population dynamics and ensure that harvesting activities are not negatively impacting NTFP populations.