| European
Tropical Forest Research Network |
It is clear that the workshop had been asked to undertake an extremely complex task, that is to consider complex statistical issues across a broad range of information needs. It has not been possible to complete this task but the workshop has moved the process forward and has generated a great deal of consensus on the key issues that need to be addressed.
Conclusions
There is a need to increase the awareness of the desirability of sound assessment of NTFP populations and dynamics when considering utilisation of these resources.
There is a need to increase awareness of the importance of including biometric analysis in the planning phase of any data collection exercise.
Prior to identifying gaps in methods it is important to identify needs at different levels. Discussion and agreement on needs at different levels is needed to ensure that research priorities identified in this workshop are correct.
There is a clear expressed need from field workers for NTFP inventory methods that are simple and easy to use but at the same time are adequate for the determination of harvest levels.
Further work by inventory specialists on the development of inventory methods and protocols for NTFPs is required, drawing on methods that currently exist in a variety of disciplines.
There is an urgent need to provide advice on existing NTFP inventory and analysis methods to field workers.
Issues raised
There was a strong call for the identification of information needs at different levels before prioritising research areas.
A strong demand was expressed from field workers for advice on sampling designs suitable for specific products and for use by communities. At present past mistakes are being repeated.
It was acknowledged that there is a need for inventory specialists to develop methods for NTFP assessment. What is most urgently required is to develop methods for measuring distribution and quantity of NTFP resources.
There was consensus that further cross-disciplinary work is required to identify protocols that could be adapted for use with NTFPs.
It was acknowledged that when undertaking an inventory the issue of whom one is empowering with the resultant information must be considered.
There was no clear conclusion drawn on whether it is better to take a product approach to NTFP inventory methods development or to use the more generic approach suggested in the review. Both have positive and negative aspects.
It was agreed that biometric rigour is not necessary in all cases and methods that are more ‘rough and ready’ should also be developed.
It was agreed that the utilisation of indigenous as well as scientific knowledge is important. The linkages between these are not straightforward and require further examination.
It was acknowledged that although full participation of local communities in inventory may not always be attained this is important because of the potential benefits that can be gained. Further work needs to be undertaken on development of methods that can be used by communities.
It was acknowledged that in certain cases it is difficult to prioritise NTFPs for inclusion in inventories and that there are no generic methods for doing this.