Non-wood Forest Products Research Articles

Using a combination of Q-methodology and survey-based approach for assessing forest ecosystem services of Five Finger Mountains in Northern Cyprus

This paper attempts to identify and assess the distinct stakeholders’ perspectives regarding Five Finger Mountain Forest Ecosystem Services (MFESs) at the landscape scale in Kyrenia Region of the Northern Cyprus. The objectives of the study were (1) to identify and assess the stakeholders’ perspectives of MFESs and (2) to record the non-wood forest products harvested and associated traditional ecological knowledge. The Q-methodology and focus group discussions were used to collect the qualitative and quantitative data on the objectives of the research. Before the Q-method, 13 focus groups were implemented to record the quantitative data on the ecological knowledge. Afterwards, the Q-method was conducted to identify the perspectives. The quantitative data collected were analysed by performing the Q-factor analysis. 96 Q-participants sorted 48 Q-statements with 11 categories (from + 5 to − 5). The results revealed that the stakeholders hold four distinct perspectives on the MFESs (recreation, heritage, conservation, and symbolic), which reflect the landscape social values. The results of the focus groups showed that the stakeholders collect 30 wild plant and 5 mushroom species from the forests and still hold the relevant traditional knowledge, which represents the natural resource social values. The landscape and natural resource social values are linked through the value dimension of scale; therefore, both values should be recognized as cultural heritage values and integrated into the forest conservation strategy. The values can also help policy-makers to take better decisions for the conservation and sustainable management of the mountain ecosystems and their services.

Employing an Analytic Hierarchy Process to Prioritize the Most Important Non-wood Forest Products from Sălaj County

The main purpose of the present paper is to highlight the most important non-wood forest products (NWFPs) from Sălaj County. For this purpose, a set of 19 criteria was taken into consideration and the analytic hierarchy process was applied to establish criteria weights. Subsequently, the method was tested by using Expert Choice software. The selected NWFPs were: honey fungus [Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P.Kumm.], parasol mushroom [Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer], acorns, Tilia flowers, wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.), St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) and European pine marten (Martes martes L.). The two NWFPs with the highest potential were European roe deer and honey fungus, while the less important ones were Tilia flowers and St John’s wort. Sălaj County has great potential, diversity and distribution of the NWFPs, but this sector is underdeveloped and disorganized. This approach provides forest managers with information to develop further NWFP management strategies.

Fruit and seed diversity of Smilax excelsa in the Black Sea Region, Turkey

Smilax excelsa L., a member of the Smilacaceae family, can be used as a non-wood forest product because it is a medicinal and aromatic plant. In this study, fruits obtained from six different regions (Araklı-Arsin-Sarıca populations in Trabzon province, Yakakent population in Samsun province, Erfelek population in Sinop province, Amasra population in Bartın province) were used. After measuring the fruit length and width values on the collected fruits, the fruit fleshes were removed. Then, on the obtained seeds, the seed length, seed width, and 1000 seed weight values were determined. As a result of the study, Trabzon-Sarıca population had the highest value (117.55 g) in terms of 1000 seed weight, while the Samsun-Yakakent population had the highest values in terms of all measurements made on fruits and seeds (fruit length and width, seed length and width). In addition, statistical differences were determined depending on all characteristics measured and it was found that three different groups of populations were formed as a result of hierarchical cluster analysis. These differences show that there are morphogenetic variations within the natural distribution areas of the species. Detailed consideration of the chemical contents of Samsun-Yakakent and Trabzon-Sarıca populations can be suggested because of the high values in terms of fruit and seed dimensions for the use of these species as non-wood forest products.

The influence of forest surroundings on the soil fungal community of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) plantations

Black truffles are a highly valued non-wood forest product. The success of truffle plantations is raising the interest to establish orchards within forest settings. One main concern is that the forest may act as a source of ectomycorrhizal fungi that could displace Tuber melanosporum in plantations and impair truffle production. We studied the effects of host tree distance to the surrounding forest on T. melanosporum development and on the root-associated fungal community. Our research was carried out in a 5-year old holm oak (Quercus ilex) plantation established in an abandoned pasture surrounded by a Q. ilex forest in the Pyrenees. The spatial distribution of different fungal guilds as well as of T. melanosporum mycelium quantity and mating types frequency was correlated with the distance to the forest and the diameter of the trees. We found a higher relative abundance of non-T. melanosporum EcM fungi associated with the trees closer to the forest. Larger root collar diameter trees had greater biomass of T. melanosporum mycelium and whose fungal community was less affected by the distance to the forest. No association between the biomass of T. melanosporum mycelium in the soil and the distance to the forest or the abundance of non-T. melanosporum EcM fungi were observed. Our results indicate that T. melanosporum inoculated oaks planted in areas surrounded by forests may be colonised by other ectomycorrhizal species, and develop a distinct microbial community from those usually established in agricultural lands. Further investigations should be carried out to determine whether a different fungal community may affect truffle production in the future, but to date, truffle mycelium does not seem to be impaired.

The influence of forest surroundings on the soil fungal community of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) plantations

Black truffles are a highly valued non-wood forest product. The success of truffle plantations is arousing the interest to establish orchards within forest settings. One main concern is that the forest may act as a source of ectomycorrhizal fungi that could displace Tuber melanosporum in plantations and impair truffle production. We studied the effects of host tree distance to the surrounding forest on T. melanosporum development and on the root-associated fungal community. Our research was carried out in a 5-year old holm oak (Quercus ilex) plantation established in an abandoned pasture surrounded by a Q. ilex forest in the Pyrenees. The spatial distribution of different fungal guilds as well as of T. melanosporum mycelium quantity and mating types frequency was correlated with the distance to the forest and the diameter of the trees. We found a higher relative abundance of non-T. melanosporum EcM fungi associated with the trees closer to the forest. Larger root collar diameter trees had greater biomass of T. melanosporum mycelium and displayed fungal community compositions less affected by the distance to the forest. No associations between the biomass of T. melanosporum mycelium in the soil and the distance to the forest or the abundance of non-T. melanosporum EcM fungi were observed. Our results indicate that T. melanosporum inoculated oaks planted in areas surrounded by forests may be colonised by other ectomycorrhizal species, and develop a distinct microbial community from those usually established in agricultural lands. Further investigations should be carried out to determine whether a different fungal community may affect truffle production in the future, but to date, truffle mycelium does not seem to be impaired.

The Usage of Non-Wood Forest Products - Culinary and Artisanal Traditions in Romania

Non-wood forest products are essential for numerous industrial branches, as well as for the creation of culinary and artisanal products. From this point of view, Romania has numerous such products. The present article succinctly describes ten products resulted from the local usage of some non-wood forest products: porcini soup in Bucovina (Porcinis mushrooms -Boletus edulis-); hârzobi in Neamt (trout fish- Salmo trutta fario); common beech trout in Covasna (Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms); truffles-Tuber sp.- zacusca (stew) in Bucharest; holopchi with porridge and porcini or honey mushrooms in Moisei; fir bellows cheese in Bran Moeciu; brandy from bird cherry fruits (Prunus avium) in Brad; tinder mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) in Harghita; fir’s needles for dead wreaths in Sibiu; rattle, rich snowdrop flowers, dried crocus flowers, roots and bark (privet bark, black alder bark, buckthorn bark) in Botiza. Knowing and promoting (creating local brands) these products is extremely important.

Properties of a New Adhesive Composed of Gambir-Sucrose

Gambir is a non-wood forest product with a potential of being used as wood adhesive, due to about 33% catechin in it. Meanwhile, catechins and sucrose have not been studied as adhesives. Therefore, basic characteristics of gambir-sucrose adhesives were investigated. In this research, adhesives were prepared by dissolving gambir and sucrose in distilled water, at different blending ratios of the gambir/sucrose such as 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 wt%. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to determine the gambir chemical compositions, and Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was carried out to identify chemical bonds. Particleboards with a target density of 0.8 g/㎤ were then manufactured by hot-pressing for 10 min at 200℃. The internal bond (IB) strength of particleboard was subsequently measured. Based on the GC-MS analysis, 31.11% of catechin was identified. In addition, the viscosity, density, solid content, and gelation time of the adhesives, and insoluble matter content (IMC) in boiling water were 7.30~33.24 mPa.s, 1.2~1.3 g/㎤, 25.56~28.44%, 73~420 min, and 29.75~62.10%, respectively. Adding sucrose to the adhesive was observed to raise the IMC from 49.05 to 62.10%, at 180℃ and 200℃. FT-IR analysis showed that the gambir absorption peaks occurred at approximately 1620 cm^-1, assigned to the C=O stretching of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, which tended to increase with the addition of sucrose. The reaction between gambir and sucrose was observed in the form of the dimethylene ether bridge. The 25/75 wt% gambir-sucrose adhesives and 200℃ hot-pressed temperature resulted in the highest IB strength (0.89 MPa), and met the requirement of JIS A5908-2003 type 18. Consequently, the gambir-sucrose adhesive could be used as a particleboard adhesive.

Non-wood forest products in Europe – A quantitative overview

Mushrooms, berries and other Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) are an important part of forest recreation, rural income and of cultural heritage. Due to poor data on their collection and use, they are often ignored in forest policy and management decisions, which could impair those livelihoods that depend on NWFPs as an income source. We conducted a survey involving 17,346 respondents from 28 European countries to estimate which and how much of these products are collected. Our results show that 26% of European households collect NWFPs and that collection rates and quantities increase from Western to Eastern Europe. Previous studies focused mainly on marketed NWFPs, but our findings suggest that marketed NWFPs represent only a small share and that 86% of the collected weight is self-consumed. The total value of NWFPs collected each year amounts to 71% of the value of annual roundwood production, much more than previously estimated. Our results point to the need to consider co-production of wood and NWFPs, especially in Central Europe where their value per hectare is the highest.

Economic Potentials Of Bee Bread As A Non-Wood Forest Products In Some Selected Local Government Areas Of Ogun State

Economic Potentials Of Bee Bread As A Non-Wood Forest Products In Some Selected Local Government Areas Of Ogun State

Geographical distribution of Aralia elata characteristics correlated with topography and forest structure in Heilongjiang and Jilin Provinces, Northeast China

The Araliaceae family consists of numerous species of medical plants of significant value as non-wood forest products. To conserve and culture these plants in natural forest stands is an important undertaking which should be implemented according to the relationship between forest structure and understory population. In this study, thirty-five plots were established in natural Aralia elata stands. Taller individual and denser populations were found in the northern and in the eastern regions, respectively. Both population densities and individual leaf weight increased along longitude. In contrast, their relationship with elevation and DBH were negative. Along with the altitude gradient, both height and root-collar diameter increased but population density declined. Root-collar diameter and population density decreased with latitude and DBH, respectively. Overall, dominant trees unlikely enforced strong disturbance to the development of understory A. elata populations unless concerning some specific topographic factors.

Kinetic studies of turpentine isomerization using hydrochloric acid and acetic acid as catalysts

Turpentine is a non-wood forest product derived from pine trees. Turpentine oil can be produced from the distillation of pine tree sap (family Pinaceae). The main component of turpentine is α-pinene, and turpentine isomerization may produce various derivative products. The objective of the present study was to investigate the isomerization products of turpentine oil with two acid catalysts: hydrochloric and acetic acid. Here, the influence of acid concentration was investigated by using various concentrations of hydrochloric and acetic acid concentrations between 0.4 to 1 M. Further, the combination of acetic acid and hydrochloric acid as catalyst was also investigated by varying the molar ratio of HCl:Acetic Acid=1 : 0.5 and 1:1. The experiments were carried out in a batch reactor equipped with heater, condenser, and stirrer. The reaction temperatures were maintained at 150°C and reaction time of 6 h. The resulting products from turpentine isomerization were analyzed using GC-MS. The results showed that the largest isomerization product obtained with HCl and combination of HCl:H.Acetic was trans sabinene hydrate. Additional products that could be detected varied among α-terpinolene, α-terpineol, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and δ-carene. The experimental data showed that α-pinene conversion as high as 62, 63 and 57% were obtained by using HCl concentrations of 0.4, 0.7 and 1 M, respectively. In addition, the use of HCl:H.Acetic=1 :0.5 and 1:1 gave final conversion of 63 and 61%. The modeling results showed the kinetic model for pinene conversion for both catalysts was

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of fruit essential oils of Myrica gale, a neglected non-wood forest product

The study aimed to establish the chemical composition of fruit essential oils of M. gale and test their activities against the selected pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii), yeasts (Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis), fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus) and dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes). Fruit samples from natural (Western Lithuania) and anthropogenic (Eastern Lithuania) M. gale populations were studied separately. Essential oils were isolated from dried fruits by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC/FID and GC/MS methods; enantiomeric composition of α-pinene was established by chiral-phase capillary GC. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) of essential oils were determined using the broth microdilution method. Plants from the natural population with a humid marine climate accumulated significantly higher amounts of fruit essential oils (3.34±0.05%) than those from the anthropogenic population with a more continental climate (2.71±0.22%). In total, 39 volatiles including α-pinene (23.52–27.17%), 1,8-cineole (17.19–18.84%) and α-phellandrene (9.47–10.03%) as main compounds were identified. Chiral analysis demonstrated that (1S)-(–)-α-pinene prevailed over (1R)-(+)-α-pinene and amounted to 94.09–95.28% of all fraction of this monoterpene. The antimicrobial study in vitro indicated that C. parapsilosis, dermatophytes and Aspergillus fungi were more susceptible to fruit essential oils of M. gale, whereas E. coli and C. albicans were weakly inhibited even at the highest essential oil concentration. The strongest growth-inhibitory and bactericidal effect of sweet gale essential oil was established on S. aureus. This could be attributed to the major essential oil compounds with known antimicrobial activity, such as α-pinene, 1,8-cineole and a-phellandrene.
 Keywords: Myrica gale; essential oil; chemical compounds; terpenes; enantiomers; antimicrobial.

Potential of Birch (Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrh.) for Forestry and Forest-Based Industry Sector within the Changing Climatic and Socio-Economic Context of Western Europe

Five commercial tree species comprise nearly 80% of the forest standing stock volume in Western Europe. Nowadays, there is a strong need to consider a wider diversity of tree species, as evidenced by the impact of climate change and the forest health crises over the past decades. In this context, this study focuses on the potential of birch (Betula pendula Roth and Betula pubescens Ehrh.), a neglected indigenous species, for forestry and the forest-based industry sector. We have therefore compiled, analyzed, and discussed literature regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the species and the opportunities and threats of its use for this purpose. Among the strengths, birch tolerates various climates and sites, and high genetic variability promotes its adaptability. Birch improves forest resilience by colonizing forest gaps and quickly increasing soil functioning and biodiversity. Birch is also remarkably resistant to game overpopulation-associated damage. Large-sized logs are produced within relatively short periods with proper silvicultural treatment, and the wood characteristics allow versatile and valuable uses, as shown in Northern Europe. However, its weaknesses include high sensitivity to crown competition and to wood rot as challenges for silviculture. Among the opportunities, birch is well-suited to the global changes with its adaptability to climate change and its possible integration in diverse productive mixed tree stands. In the context of societal evolutions and customer perceptions, birch wood could play an increasing role in the building and furniture sectors, and among non-wood forest products. In Western Europe, the main obstacle to birch development is the lack of information on the wood uses and, consequently, the lack of interest among forest managers and wood processing professionals, which have led to a poor quality of the resource and to insufficient demand for its wood. Moreover, its fast height growth can affect the vitality of other species in mixed stands. Our analysis highlighted the potential of birch in the Western European forestry considering societal, ecological, and economic purposes in a changing climatic and socio-economic context and the need to (i) develop opportunities for industrial uses of birch wood, (ii) inform forest owners, managers, and industrial professionals about the potential value of birch, and (iii) define silvicultural guidelines.

Into the wild: disentangling non-wood terms and definitions for improved forest statistics

As scientists strive to make nature's value visible, a large portion of forests and wild biodiversity known as non-wood forest products (NWFPs) continues to remain largely invisible and unaccounted for. At the core of the problem is wide disaccord over what is a NWFP (and correlate terms), a debate which has been running in circles for nearly three decades. This paper reviews existing terms and definitions, with the aim of improving forest statistics and the visibility of NWFPs. The paper starts by (1) clarifying boundaries between agricultural and forest products, so forest products currently under agriculture can be "reclaimed"; (2) drawing on lessons from fisheries to distinguish between wild and farmed products, and associated activities; (3) moving beyond product towards activity classifications to capture gathering that may not be accounted for under crops or forest products because it takes place across landscapes and outside of these sectoral boundaries.

English

Exploitation of Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP) is after agriculture and breeding the third source of income in Burkina Faso. Soumbala, made from alkaline fermentation of Parkia biglobosa seeds, is one of the most popular indigenous foods condiments very prized by the Burkinabes. This study aimed to assess the process practices and safety measures to ensures good quality along the production chain of soumbala. A literature survey followed by investigations was performed. Sphinx Millennium V4.5 software was used for data processing and analysis. The results showed that soumbala production is essentially a women activity with Mossi and Lobi the most active ethnic groups in soumbala manufacture. The organoleptic and nutritional qualities as well as safety and stability of soumbala depend on the production conditions. The production and sale conditions, the ignorance of rules of hygiene, the lack of training in quality management system or concept of good manufacturing practice (GMP) and the non-compliance practices of processors induced sanitary risks for consumers. Results of this study confirmed the needs to set up training program for GMP, environmental sanitation and personal hygiene both for processor-sellers to improve the safety of soumbala.    Key words: Technology of production, food safety, food quality, Soumbala, good manufacturing practice (GMP).

Diversity in the usages of edible wild plants by the Baka and Bakwélé in the periphery of the Tala Tala Forest Management Unit, North Congo

Background: In practice, timber companies use production forests or forest management units (FMU) for timber/wood purposes. Little attention is paid for Non-wood forest products (NWFP), which is not good. This study analyses the diversity in the usage of edible wild plants among the people based in the periphery of the Tala Tala FMU in the North Congo. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from 8 to 23 May 2012 on edible NWFP used by Baka and Bakwele populations living in the periphery of the Tala Tala FMU. The method used is the one called «Method for the popular usage», which consists of gathering data on the popular use of forest products in a given area. By comparing the Tala Tala whole population to a forest zone, it is possible to make reconciliations between the systematic botany and the ethnobotany. This reconciliation distinguishes five levels of data collection in the ethnobotany of the Tala Tala including the whole population, the ethnic group, the informant (household), the plant species, and the quotation. We assessed the relative importance, diversity, and similarities in the usages of edible NWFP. Results : A total of 52 households provided information on the popular use of wild edible plants. A total of 57 plant species and 69 recipes were collected for which a total of 594 quotations (citations) were made. These plant species are distributed in 46 genus and 33 families. The Baka and Bakwele communities use the same plant species and recipes in the same way and with the same importance. The overall usage diversity is higher for both plants and recipes (H>4, E>0.8) among Baka pygmies than Bakwele people. Conclusions : Some plants used in the Tala Tala FMU are well known in other Congo basin countries for similar usages. Other were identified as ‘’priority’’ or ‘’key’’ edible NWFP. The glaring development challenge of what precedes is the urgent need to assess the abundance (availability) and conduct a structural analysis of the plant species used with the view to propose fair management schemes. Keywords: Forest Management Unit, Non-Wood Forest Products, edible plants, recipes, ethnobotany, diversity indexes.

Experiencing forest products – An innovation trend by rural entrepreneurs

There is increasing emphasis on innovation as a driver of continued prosperity in the rural economy. Globalisation poses challenges to rural areas given technological advances and intensified competition in agricultural markets, ageing rural populations and expansion of urban areas. However, in recent years, the conception of rural areas has shifted from places of production to places of consumption. In line with an increasing urban demand for consumption of products and services close to nature within the rural landscape, we observe the emergence of experiential offers based around non-wood forest products (NWFP) where the consumer is closely connected to the harvesting and use of the products. In this paper, we examine how such intersecting demands have created new forms of market for NWFP, by analysing in-depth four innovative examples in Austria and the United Kingdom. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the managers of these businesses, and cases were analysed through application of both the experience economy and the innovation systems approach. We found that all four businesses were on the one hand derived from traditional, regional cultural skills and values and, on the other hand, directly connected to new consumers’ demands. The apparent success of these emerging business models lies in the accretion of new social values onto traditional products. Thus creative approaches blending offers designed to enhance cosumers’ experiences into traditional sectors, such as forestry, would have potential in the future. However, our results indicate that there is a lack of institutional support for the development of such businesses in both countries. Better suited innovation policies and support structures would be important for mainstreaming or encouraging the development of similar businesses, innovations and knowledge.

Contributions of non-wood forest products to household livelihood and poverty reduction among farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

The study analysed the contributions of species of NWFPs to farm household’s livelihood and poverty reduction. One hundred and twenty respondents were selected through multistage sampling procedure. Frequency, mean and likert scale and probit model were used for the analysis. The results indicated that the majority were male (63.33 %) and had mean age of 56 years. The most commonly collected plant species of NWFPs were bitter kola (Garcina kola), breadfruit (Treculia africana), bush mango (I.gabonenesis and wombulu), kola nut (Cola nitida), cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale), Icheku (Dalium guinese), African star apple (Chrysophylum albidium), Avocado pear (Persea americana), African bush mango (Dacryodes edulis) and Oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) while the most commonly collected animal species of NWFPs were bee products (Apis mellifera linneaeus 1758), flying termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) and fish (Ictalurus punctatus). Wealth category and occupation positively and significantly increased the contributions of NWFPs to household food security. Educational level had negative and significant effect on the contributions of NWFPs to household food security. Household size and occupation positively and significantly increased the contributions of NWFPs to household income. Household size and occupation positively and significantly increased the contributions of NWFPs to household income. The result of the proportion of household income from NWFPs shows that 54.43% indicated that species of NWFPs constituted over 50% of their household income.Keywords: Non wood forest products, household income

New Values of Non-Wood Forest Products

The role of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) in industrialised country economies has declined in the past, but they are generating renewed interest as business opportunities. In a forest-based bio-economy frame, NWFPs can contribute to human nutrition, renewable materials, and cultural and experiential services, as well as create job and income opportunities in rural areas. Applying a service-dominant logic (SDL) approach to analysis of NWFPs, this article aimed to understand how new goods and services are co-created through networks of public and private actors in specific institutional, social, and cultural contexts. This focus sheds light on the experiences associated with NWFP harvest and use, revealing a fulsome suite of values and economic opportunities that include but are greater than the physical goods themselves. Turning the SDL lens on in-depth case studies from Europe and North America, we show dimensions of forest products that go beyond commercial values but are, at the same time, constituent of commercial activities. SDL provides a new view on customer relations, service provision to businesses, and policy measures for innovation support for non-wood forest products.

How Are Wood and Non-Wood Forest Products Utilized in the Czech Republic? A Preliminary Assessment of a Nationwide Survey on the Bioeconomy

The Czech forests occupy 33.7% of the total country area; thus, wood and non-wood forest products (NWFPs) are important resources for the country. To date, the country has not adopted a forest bioeconomy strategy. A forest bioeconomy is defined as all activities that relate to the forest ecosystem services (FES). This study aimed to provide an initial evaluation regarding the use of forest products and related factors, and to make recommendations on developing wood consumption and promoting other FES for the adoption of a forest bioeconomy strategy in the country. The research study was part of a nationwide survey in June 2019. An online panel of 1050 respondents aged 18–65 years old was recruited based on a quota sampling procedure. Wood products were the most preferred material for furniture (96.3%) and building materials (46.3%). In total, 38.6% of Czech residents used wood as a source of energy, mostly in the form of firewood. It is challenging to switch the practice from using fossil-based heating to wood boiler energy source. The further development of wood into products with a high added value is recommended. Picking mushrooms and berries were among the popular activities in relation to NWFPs. The promotion of wood and NWFPs is encouraged, starting with increasing awareness and knowledge of the strength of the forest-based sector as a renewable energy resource and the importance of FES, using different channels as sources of information.