[MPWG] NTFP trade in Scotland

[Marla Emery]

Hello Patricia and all, 

Thanks for sharing the article on NTFP trade in Scotland.  I must say, 
having done research on NTFPs in Scotland, I'm going to have to check the 
sources and reliability of the information reported in the article. 

Re. NTFP values in the United States, so often nonmarket activities, which 
constitute the majority of gatherers -- if not of biomass -- are ignored. 
These include creating and reinforcing direct, intimate connections 
between nature and humans (there's nothing more intimate than putting 
something into your mouth and literally having it become a part of your 
body).  Because foraging requires careful attention to ecological 
characteristics such as weather, habitat, and phenology, especially when 
engaged in over time, it leads to a kind of awareness that can be a strong 
basis for ecologically motivated behavior and attachment to place. 
Foraging can also promote human health by promoting exercise and access to 
fresh food, often with high nutritional value.  Interestingly, the latter 
point was brought home to me most strongly by my research in Scotland. 

All of this is not to say that there are not significant social and 
ecological issues raised by large-scale commercialization of NTFPs, such 
as the terms of compensation for landowners.  But I do think it is 
important for those of us who work in this field to remember that the vast 
majority of people who go out to gather nontimber forest products do so 
for use by themselves and their immediate social networks. That activity 
contributes to development of the kinds of knowledge and attitudes that 
are recognized as foundational to support for conservation -- provided we 
do not alienate people by demonizing their activities. 

Cheers, 
Marla 

Marla R. Emery, Ph.D.
Research Geographer
US Forest Service
Northern Research Station
705 Spear Street
Burlington, VT  05403-6102
(802)951-6771 ext. 1060
http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/people/memery
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