Contributions of non-timber forest products to people in mountain ecosystems and impacts of recent climate change

Abstract

ABSTRACT Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are some of nature’s most important contributions to people in mountain regions and their provision is increasingly affected by climate change. Here, we identify the types of NTFPs and their contributions to people in the mountain communities of the Upper Madi Watershed of Nepal and describe how these are being impacted by climate change. We used a field-based household survey supplemented with key informant interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data on their use of NTFPs and perceptions of recent climate change impacts. Our results show that mountain communities accrue multiple benefits from NTFPs including provisioning services (fuelwood, food, fodder, bamboo products, fiber, agricultural tools, and medicines) and cultural services (ornaments, and ritual products). Most NTFPs are used for subsistence but some also have market value. Locals perceived climate change to be impacting NTFPs and their benefits to people, in particular via increases in extreme events such as hailstorms and pest plant invasion. Understanding the contributions of NTFPs to people and the impacts of climate change is crucial for supporting policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners in designing and implementing adaptation strategies for the continued supply, protection, and management of NTFPs in mountain communities.