In the heart of Iran’s Central Zagros region, a quiet revolution is taking place, one that could reshape the way we think about sustainable livelihoods and forest management. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), often overlooked in favor of timber, are proving to be a vital economic lifeline for rural communities. A recent study published in the Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences, translated as the Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences, sheds light on this phenomenon, offering insights that could have significant implications for the energy sector and beyond.
The Zemkan basin in Kermanshah Province is a case in point. Here, households are finding that NTFPs contribute a substantial portion to their annual income, with some products fetching high prices due to their unique properties. “The most important non-timber products in these forests include livestock grazing, wild pistachio resin (Saqez), wild pistachio seed, oak seed, and oak syrup (Shokeh Manna),” explains Sohrab Moradi, lead author of the study and a researcher at the Department of Agricultural & Natural Resources Development, Faculty of Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. “Livestock grazing in the forest accounted for the highest frequency among NTFPs with 60.58%; However, the exploitation of Saqez, due to high price, by allocating 38.6% of the total net income, allocated the highest amount of income among types of NTFPs.”
The study, which surveyed households in forest and forest outskirt dwelling villages, found that about 61.4% of the households derive a part of their annual income from NTFPs. On average, these products account for 14.4% of the households’ net annual income. This might seem like a modest figure, but it represents a significant economic boost for communities that often struggle with poverty and limited economic opportunities.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, NTFPs could provide a sustainable and renewable source of raw materials. For instance, oak syrup (Shokeh Manna) and wild pistachio resin (Saqez) could be explored for their potential in bioenergy production. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of implementing multipurpose and cooperative programs for the sustainable use of NTFPs. This could lead to increased income for local communities and, crucially, forest protection.
Moradi emphasizes the need for such programs, stating, “The results confirm the impact of NTFPs on the economic income and livelihood of the households in the study area and show the necessity of implementing multipurpose and cooperative programs for the sustainable use of NTFPs, increasing the income of local communities and forest protection.”
As we look to the future, it’s clear that NTFPs could play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable livelihoods and forest management. The Zemkan basin study serves as a compelling example of how this can be achieved. By learning from these communities and supporting similar initiatives, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future. The research published in the Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences offers a roadmap for this journey, one that promises to be as rewarding as it is challenging.