PRINCIPLE # 5: BENEFITS FROM THE FOREST
Forest management operations shall encourage the efficient use of the forest’s multiple products and services to ensure economic viability and a wide range of environmental and social benefits.
NTFPs can provide a range of social and economic benefits at the local, regional and international levels and have the potential to diversify income sources for forest operations.The intent of NTFP certification is to optimize the socio-economic potential of certain marketable species, in order to provide a larger economic return
from a given forest area for local communities and forest managers, without negatively impacting local use of these or other NTFP species.Some NTFPs may favorably compete with timber revenues on an acre per acre basis.Many other NTFPs do not compete well with timber revenues, but serve important local needs.Other NTFPs go through economic boom and bust cycles.Like timber extraction, NTFP commercialization should follow rational marketing plans and have sound financial investments to ensure long-term viability, forest conservation and stability of local communities.
5.1 Forest management should strive toward economic viability, while taking into account the full environmental, social, and operational costs of production, and ensuring the investments necessary to maintain the ecological productivity of the forest.
Where NTFPs are being commercially harvested by third parties, compensation made to the FMO (cash, services or products) is at or above the norm, and is perceived by the FMO as an incentive to encourage long-term forest management.
Efficient harvesting and processing equipment and methods should be used in order to minimize ecological impacts and maximize the economic viability of the NTFP harvest operation. FMOs balance the introduction of new technologies and practices with respect for traditional cultural practices.
In the case of externally supported NTFP harvest operations, a plan exists to reduce the level of dependency on external support and to maximize levels of self-sufficiency and control.
5.2 Forest management and marketing operations should encourage the optimal use and local processing of the forest’s diversity of products.
Utilization of lesser-known species does not compromise local NTFP needs (e.g. for fruits, medicines, game-attracting species, etc.) and does not negatively impact forest diversity.
When feasible and applicable, the FMO applies multiple certification systems (e.g. FSC, organic, fair trade) to NTFP resources.
5.3 Forest management should minimise waste associated with harvesting and on-site processing operations and avoid damage to other forest resources.
The FMO or NTFP harvester(s) explores options to utilize or commercialize NTFP processing waste, when feasible and appropriate.
5.4 Forest management should strive to strengthen and diversify the local economy, avoiding dependence on a single forest product.
5.5 Forest management operations shall recognise, maintain, and, where appropriate, enhance the value of forest services and resources such as watersheds and fisheries.
5.6 The rate of harvest of forest products shall not exceed levels which can be permanently sustained.
The intensity, frequency and seasonality of NTFP harvest, by area and volume, is based on a combination of scientific study and/or long-term local experience and knowledge and does not exceed sustainable levels.
NTFP harvest rates, cultural techniques and harvest methods are appropriate for the particular plant part used (exudate, reproductive propagule, vegetative structure) and management activities maintain viable populations of target NTFPs.1
Appropriate NTFP harvest prescriptions are being implemented in the field.
See Criterion 8.2 for monitoring.