In the dense forests of southern India, a delicate dance between human livelihoods and ecological conservation is playing out, and new research is shedding light on the intricate patterns of non-timber forest product (NTFP) extraction that underpin this balance. A study published in the journal *Global Ecology and Conservation* (which translates to *Global Ecology and Conservation* in English) has uncovered the key drivers behind the spatial and temporal patterns of NTFP extraction, offering valuable insights for policymakers and conservationists alike.
Led by Sikha Hariharan of the Centre for Wildlife Studies and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, the research team conducted semi-structured interviews with 641 households across eight forested landscapes in southwestern India. They categorized households based on their level of engagement in NTFP extraction, ranging from those not involved at all to those extracting products for commercial purposes.
The findings reveal that tribal households, those relying on daily wages and agriculture, and those residing in the same location for over 50 years have a higher propensity to extract NTFPs. “We found that household characteristics play a significant role in determining the level of NTFP extraction,” Hariharan explained. “However, there are also geographical and state-level differences that are not fully explained by these household-level drivers.”
The study highlights the importance of distinguishing between domestic and commercial NTFP extraction in conservation planning. A majority of respondents reported a reduction in extraction over the last decade, attributing this to restricted access to forests, lower resource yield, and alternative livelihood opportunities.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. NTFPs such as fuelwood are a critical source of energy for many rural communities. Understanding the patterns of extraction can help in formulating policies that ensure sustainable use of these resources while supporting rural livelihoods.
“The findings of this study can guide the development of context-specific policies that recognize the role of forest products in rural livelihoods,” Hariharan said. “By integrating sustainability assessments, we can achieve a balance between conservation goals and the needs of forest-dependent communities.”
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, this research offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between human livelihoods and ecological conservation. It underscores the need for inclusive and sustainable approaches to natural resource management, ensuring that the benefits of conservation are shared equitably among all stakeholders.
In the words of Hariharan, “Our study highlights the importance of including, but distinguishing, domestic NTFP extraction from commercial practices in conservation planning. This approach can help in achieving sustainable NTFP extraction, supporting forest-dependent livelihoods while achieving conservation goals.”