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Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Forestry together with the industry based on wood and non-wood forest products (NWFPs) represents an important activity and branch of the national economy. In accordance with that, the work is divided into two chapters, one of which analyzes wood, and the other of NWFPs. Therefore, the aim of the research is to examine the market trends and potential of forestry in the part of central Serbia (Central forest area). The purpose of the research is to identify trends in the categories of felling, production and sale of wood assortments of beech, oak and poplar and to analyses the commercial aspect and the way of organizing the marketing mix in companies that deal with the purchase, processing and placement of NWFPs. The Mann-Kendall test was used for the analysis of trends in wood products, while a survey was created for the analysis of companies in the field of NWFPs, which included 29 open and closed questions, with conceptual units related to the marketing mix. For the purposes of the research, primary and secondary data were used and the time period 2008-2017 was covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the role of distribution, as an instrument of the marketing mix, in companies dealing with the purchase, processing, and marketing of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) in the territory of Serbia. Considering the specificity of NWFPs, choosing appropriate sales channels for delivery to customers is of great importance. Primarily for perishable and unprocessed products, such as forest fruits (wild raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc.), but also different types of mushrooms (boletus, chanterelles), fast and effi­cient distribution channels are imperative in the context of product quality preservation. In this sense, the research included 49 companies from the territory of Serbia, which operate in the field of NWFPs. For the research, a questionnaire was created with 29 questions related to the marketing mix, and the organization of distribution flows in the analyzed companies. The period considered includes the period 2008-2017. The goal of the research was focused on the role of distribution in the analyzed companies, as well as the identification of factors that contribute to decisions regarding its forms and way of organization.

Copyright of Bulletin of the Faculty of Forestry / Glasnik Šumarskog Fakulteta is the property of University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Forestry together with the industry based on wood and non-wood forest products (NWFPs) represents an important activity and branch of the national economy. In accordance with that, the work is divided into two chapters, one of which analyzes wood, and the other of NWFPs. Therefore, the aim of the research is to examine the market trends and potential of forestry in the part of central Serbia (Central forest area). The purpose of the research is to identify trends in the categories of felling, production and sale of wood assortments of beech, oak and poplar and to analyses the commercial aspect and the way of organizing the marketing mix in companies that deal with the purchase, processing and placement of NWFPs. The Mann-Kendall test was used for the analysis of trends in wood products, while a survey was created for the analysis of companies in the field of NWFPs, which included 29 open and closed questions, with conceptual units related to the marketing mix. For the purposes of the research, primary and secondary data were used and the time period 2008-2017 was covered.

Abstract In recent years, there has been growing interest in public valuation for forest ecosystem services in policymaking. This paper investigates the public’s perception of the Czech forest ecosystem services, i.e., provisioning, regulating and cultural services, with associated factors (changes in forest cover, production, and respondents’ characteristics). The performance perception of forest ecosystem services was gathered from a nationwide survey in 2020. The Coordination of Information on the Environment Land Cover information in 2000 and 2018 was used for observation of forest cover changes. Coniferous and non-coniferous (broadleaved) roundwood, mushroom, and bilberry production data from the observed years were acquired from the Czech Statistical Office and the Ministry of Agriculture’s annual nationwide surveys. The Bohemia vs. Moravia study areas were also statistically compared. Predictor analysis of the high score of performance perception from individual and cluster forest ecosystems was also performed to answer the research objectives. The group of forest provisioning services received high scores in public evaluation (from 3.9 to 4.2), followed by regulating services (mean range: 3.7–4.1). The highest score was found in forest as a natural habitat for wild animals and plants (mean: 4.6). However, the lowest value was the esthetic value (mean: 2.3). Both are categorized as forest cultural services. The broadleaved and mixed forest areas in 2018 were significantly higher than in 2000, especially in Bohemia. Meanwhile, the total coniferous forested region in 2018 declined substantially compared to 2000 (p = 0.030), especially in Moravian areas. A significantly higher total production of the coniferous and broadleaved roundwood removals in 2018 than in 2000 was reported, in contrast to a marked decrease in collected mushrooms and bilberries. The high score of performance perception of forests as the wood provisioning service was positively and significantly associated with the changes in broadleaved roundwood removals. Older-age and female respondents were the primary predictors of the studied cluster and individual forest ecosystem services. The findings indicate that the social value of the individual forest provisioning services supports the implementation of multi-species and multi-purpose forests; hence, it encourages the implementation of the current Czech forest policy.

Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.), one of the important medicinal and aromatic plants of our country, is a non-wood forest product with high economic value at local and national level. The fact that laurel is the subject to export has resulted in becoming a tool for reducing rural poverty and increasing economic development. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the profile of laurel producer and contribution of the laurel to the rural economy, to determine the problems in the laurel production process and to reveal the expectations of the forest villagers in Bursa, where laurel is produced. Correlation analysis was conducted in order to determine the variables that affect the incomes of the households from laurel. In order to estimate the income of the households from the laurel through the factors affecting these incomes, the stepwise regression analysis was used. A one-way anova was applied to investigate whether the income from laurel was significantly differed by the sales method and the laurel production stage in which the villager took part and to test whether the prices differed according to the intermediaries. In 2021, laurel contributed an average of 10680 Turkish Lira (TL) (1205 US$) per year to the households dealing with laurels in Bursa and made a total economic contribution of 6,1 million TL (688488 US$) to the forest villagers.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in public valuation for forest ecosystem services in policymaking. This paper investigates the public's perception of the Czech forest ecosystem services, i.e., provisioning, regulating and cultural services, with associated factors (changes in forest cover, production, and respondents' characteristics). The performance perception of forest ecosystem services was gathered from a nationwide survey in 2020. The Coordination of Information on the Environment Land Cover information in 2000 and 2018 was used for observation of forest cover changes. Coniferous and non-coniferous (broadleaved) roundwood, mushroom, and bilberry production data from the observed years were acquired from the Czech Statistical Office and the Ministry of Agriculture's annual nationwide surveys. The Bohemia vs. Moravia study areas were also statistically compared. Predictor analysis of the high score of performance perception from individual and cluster forest ecosystems was also performed to answer the research objectives. The group of forest provisioning services received high scores in public evaluation (from 3.9 to 4.2), followed by regulating services (mean range: 3.7–4.1). The highest score was found in forest as a natural habitat for wild animals and plants (mean: 4.6). However, the lowest value was the esthetic value (mean: 2.3). Both are categorized as forest cultural services. The broadleaved and mixed forest areas in 2018 were significantly higher than in 2000, especially in Bohemia. Meanwhile, the total coniferous forested region in 2018 declined substantially compared to 2000 (p = 0.030), especially in Moravian areas. A significantly higher total production of the coniferous and broadleaved roundwood removals in 2018 than in 2000 was reported, in contrast to a marked decrease in collected mushrooms and bilberries. The high score of performance perception of forests as the wood provisioning service was positively and significantly associated with the changes in broadleaved roundwood removals. Older-age and female respondents were the primary predictors of the studied cluster and individual forest ecosystem services. The findings indicate that the social value of the individual forest provisioning services supports the implementation of multi-species and multi-purpose forests; hence, it encourages the implementation of the current Czech forest policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of non-wood forest products is especially important in the context of rural sustainable development. Nevertheless, their perceived economic and environmental value remains low. The lack of an explicit and effective marketing strategy for NWFPs tailored to local mountain communities' needs may lead to their restricted access to the market and underestimation of their value. The aim of this paper is to gain knowledge regarding the components of a marketing mix that could support the local markets of NWFPs, in Greek mountainous areas. The paper presents an analysis of the marketing mix for NWFPs, following for the first time the S.A.V.E. approach. The research contributes to the existing literature as we seek to "meet" groups of NWFPs' consumers, in order to develop a customer-centric value proposition in Greek local mountain communities. The findings indicate that the marketing and promotion of NWFPs requires not only knowledge of the relative products and the market, it requires analysis and knowledge of the specific needs of local mountain communities and the ways that needs are met by the attributes and characteristics of the NWFPs as part of the solution that they can offer. Local mountain communities in Greece, through the exploitation of NWFPs, are trying to face challenges regarding the improvement of their income and their general wellbeing level. Also, we propose as a part of the marketing mix for NWFPs, their promotion as products with a distinct spatial, local identity, by associating them with local "culture economies". Finally, we argue that a customer-centric marketing mix of NWFPs, which focuses on customers' needs, desires, and resources as the starting point of the planning process, involves a higher level of mixing and synergies creation along the whole value chain, than simple personalization, with customers to interact with suppliers using ICT and by personal time disposition connected to nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Forests provide an immense range of benefits to people, many of which are not prioritized by forest policy because they are difficult to quantify. Wild foods from forests enhance the quality of diets for those who consume them and provide income for those who sell or trade them. The quantity of wild food collected is challenging to measure because of non‐standard units, seasonal differences in collection patterns and large numbers of species. To provide initial estimates of collection volume in Zambia and pilot new methods, we surveyed 209 households across 14 villages randomly selected within 5 study areas covering all four agro‐ecological areas between 6 August and 27 October, 2019. For each study area, we conducted a focus group to identify the most commonly collected species within each of nine food product types (mushrooms, insects, green leafy vegetables, tubers, fruits, nuts, wild meat, wild fish, and aquatic plants). All but one surveyed household collected some wild foods; on average, each household collected five types of food product, most commonly mushrooms, fruits and green leafy vegetables. Volume collected varied markedly by household, product type and study area. Rural households in Zambia are estimated to collect over 380 million litres, 380,000 m3, of wild foods annually. We estimate that 88% of these wild foods are collected directly from forests. Accounting for uncertainties, we estimate the volume of wild foods collected from forests to be at least 238,000 m3 per year, 125% of the volume of sawnwood produced, or about 12 million large (20 L) collecting buckets. Volume collected was not strongly correlated with metrics of wealth, indicating ubiquitous consumption of wild foods; however, the most food insecure collected particularly high volumes of wild food. Pilot market surveys found local value chains for wild foods, indicating a potential for economic contribution. Our results underscore the value of data that can be disaggregated locally and indicate that national estimates of quantities of wild food collected from forests would be highly useful for designing forest policy and management strategies. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The entire operation of an enterprise is carried out through business processes. They represent a set of business activities, which transform available resources into results (outputs), such as a product or service. When it comes to non-wood forest products (NWFP), the business of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is based on procurement (col­lection and buying), processing and/or selling of these products. A very important aspect of SME business is cooperation with other enterprises. Cooperation can be achieved in procure­ment, production, placement, research, training, etc. This research aims to study business processes and activities, with a focus on the cooperation of NWFPs-based in the Topličko and Moravsko forest regions. The methods of analysis and synthesis and the statistical method were used. Data collection was conducted using face to face survey with representatives of 28 NWFPs-based enterprises in March 2022. Research results indicate that the majority of SMEs perform business processes related to the procurement, processing and selling of NWFPs. The most common form of purchase is at own purchase stations (96.4%) and with collectors coming to companies (92.9%). Most enterprises do not perform secondary processing of products, but neither do they export. The most common form of placement is to “other processors”. All analysed SMEs cooperate with other companies, but their representatives are also interested in improving that cooperation. There is a need for the improvement of business processes and the development of cooperation between NWFPs-based SMEs in selected forest regions, to increase their competitiveness.

Aim of study: The local ecological knowledge shared in rural communities shapes their norms for using their nearby open-access natural resources. We suggest a method to analyse this form of cognitive social capital with an application to a mushroom picking permit. Area of study: Poblet forest in Catalonia (NE Spain). Material and methods: We applied semi-structured questionnaires to pickers in four municipalities and to the governing body of the protected area. Our methodology assesses cognitive social capital combining three instruments: (i) inter-quartile ratio indexes for community cohesion, (ii) pair-wise comparisons across social groups: pickers and decision-makers (DM), and (iii) correlations for mental models linking perceived ecological, social and economic challenges with foreseen solutions. Main results: Analogous perceptions between DM and local pickers were found in most mushroom-related problems, which align with most picking permit design features. The perceived dissimilar behaviour between local and foreign pickers, the need for forest tending –addressing the wildfire risk–, and trash left in the forest are shared among pickers and DM. Moreover, some mental models of the DM showed statistically consistence. At the individual picker level, mushroom eco-literacy relates to family learning and proximity to DM, while links between pickers and DM correlate with increased forest profitability expectations. Research highlights: Strong convergence in cognitive indicators aggregated at the town level indicate a single hermeneutic community among local pickers, which seems to underlie the large permit acceptance but did not explain the differential permit uptake –thus, structural social capital emerges as complementary predictor.

Forests provide an immense range of benefits to people, many of which are not prioritized by forest policy because they are difficult to quantify. Wild foods from forests enhance the quality of diets for those who consume them and provide income for those who sell or trade them. The quantity of wild food collected is challenging to measure because of non‐standard units, seasonal differences in collection patterns and large numbers of species.To provide initial estimates of collection volume in Zambia and pilot new methods, we surveyed 209 households across 14 villages randomly selected within 5 study areas covering all four agro‐ecological areas between 6 August and 27 October, 2019. For each study area, we conducted a focus group to identify the most commonly collected species within each of nine food product types (mushrooms, insects, green leafy vegetables, tubers, fruits, nuts, wild meat, wild fish, and aquatic plants).All but one surveyed household collected some wild foods; on average, each household collected five types of food product, most commonly mushrooms, fruits and green leafy vegetables. Volume collected varied markedly by household, product type and study area. Rural households in Zambia are estimated to collect over 380 million litres, 380,000 m3, of wild foods annually. We estimate that 88% of these wild foods are collected directly from forests. Accounting for uncertainties, we estimate the volume of wild foods collected from forests to be at least 238,000 m3 per year, 125% of the volume of sawnwood produced, or about 12 million large (20 L) collecting buckets.Volume collected was not strongly correlated with metrics of wealth, indicating ubiquitous consumption of wild foods; however, the most food insecure collected particularly high volumes of wild food. Pilot market surveys found local value chains for wild foods, indicating a potential for economic contribution. Our results underscore the value of data that can be disaggregated locally and indicate that national estimates of quantities of wild food collected from forests would be highly useful for designing forest policy and management strategies. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural pine resin, produced from coniferous species with different techniques is a very valuable and ancient biochemical product. It has wide uses in the chemical industry, paper, road paint, plastic, medicine and cosmetic industries. In recent years, legal restrictions all over the world on consumption of synthetic resin lead the industry to biodegradable products. Although there are suitable forests for natural resin production in Turkey, commercial manufacturing and scientific studies on this subject are not at the desired level today. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of different solvent types on the yield and chemical properties of crude wood resin. As a result of the analysis, extraction yields were found between 16% and 22%, and the highest yield was obtained in the ethanol-benzene solvent system. Collaterally to the yield, the highest acid and saponification numbers were found in alcohol-benzene extracts as 174,87 and 180,33 mg KOH /g, respectively. In order to evaluate our national resources and our current potential in crude wood rosin production, more detailed and effective studies should be carried out on the physical and chemical factors that affect the yield and quality of crude wood rosin .

Wild fungi are one of the most characteristic and diverse non-wood forest products from native and planted forest environments and grasslands in the Patagonian Andes. Through the technological and scientific platform “Patagonia Fungi, trails and tastes®”, we work to promote mycotourism and mycogastronomy as sustainable identity and inclusive economic and educational activities that promote local development, taking advantage of the outstanding regional tourist profile. We also work on the development of functional foods and promote the cultivation of edible and medicinal fungi. The main objectives of this research were to define novel edible species and evaluate them for sustainable uses, including: environmental characterizations of their fruiting niches and ‘mycosilvicultural’ managements to increase their productivity; documentation and analysis of the ancestral uses and their processes of change; determination of the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles; studies of molecular genetic diversity of various genera; protocols for the domestication of wild species; evaluation and selection of lignocellulosic substrates for cultivation from available residues in Patagonian Andes; economic aspects related to the marketing and use in local gastronomy; evaluation of postharvest preservation techniques. Most relevant actions include the design and implementation of mycotourism trails, the promotion of an identity mycogastronomy; the inter-institutional management of protocols for sustainable harvesting and food safety practices; the incorporation of 21 new species in the Argentinean Food Code. We also work for food sovereignty through a spawn production laboratory fostering edible and medicinal fungi cultivation through courses and assistance to producers from family to productive scales.

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ciência Florestal (01039954) is the property of Ciencia Florestal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim of study: Wild mushrooms are among the most widespread non-wood forest products in the Mediterranean region contributing to the rural economies. However, the wild mushroom sector still faces problems along its supply chain that can compromise its future in a scenario of increasing demand. The aim of this study was to analyse the current epigeous wild mushroom sector. Area of study: Representative countries of the Mediterranean region: Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece. Materials and methods: The analysis was carried out through a structured Delphi survey conducted in two rounds, with a questionnaire divided into four groups: 1) supply chain description, 2) sectorial SWOT analysis, 3) future challenges and 4) sectorial resilience increase. The Delphi survey started with the selection of an expert panel that included 14 representatives of the wild mushroom supply chain such as forest owners, mushroom pickers, processing industry and consumers. Main results: The results obtained from the expert panel confirmed the complexity of the wild mushroom supply chain with the following sectorial challenges: i) Traceability and sustainability is fundamental for the final consumer, ii) Sectorial administration should be more coordinated, iii) Mushroom picking should be regulated, as the grey market will decrease. Research highlights: The study identified the most important actions that will strengthen the links among sectorial actors and interconnect gastronomy with mushrooms sector. The creation of a common EU list of commercial mushroom species and the development of a taxation system together with the product traceability were also addressed.

In Mediterranean forests, many species of fungi produce fruiting bodies every autumn, some of which are of great social and economic interest as NTFPs. In addition, these fungi are an essential part of the biodiversity network that ensures the proper functioning of natural ecosystems and that is currently in check due to global change. Therefore, understanding the biogeographic patterns of species-specific fungal productivity is fundamental to anticipate possible changes in the socioeconomic value of our forests and to understand the role they play in the functioning of ecosystems in terms of mitigation and adaptation to climate change. In this study we estimate the future impact of climate change (in Catalonia region, between 2023 and 2100) on five fungal species with high socioeconomic interest in a broad bioclimatic gradient representative of the Mediterranean basin using high resolution at the landscape scale. To achieve this, we use predictive models based on machine learning algorithms and a fungal database resulting from the sampling of more than 100 permanent sampling plots over 20 years. We estimate that current and future productivity patterns differ among species, under different climate change scenarios and bioclimatic regions. Our results suggest that optimal productivity areas may be shifted to higher elevations, making those species with higher productivity at higher elevations the most affected by climate change. This would mean that some species with high socioeconomic value, such as Lactarius deliciosus and Boletus edulis , could be negatively affected in their total productivity in the study area. This study highlights the need to anticipate the potential effects of climate change on fungal productivity and in particular on high socioeconomic value species and to develop management policies oriented to maintain the important role of fungi in natural ecosystems. • We used random forest to assess biogeographical patterns in edible fungal species productivity. • Climate change will reduce annual productivity of high-elevation mushroom species. • Lower and mid-range elevation species may shift fruiting optima to higher elevations. • Climate change may reduce Lactarius deliciosus and Boletus edulis production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing evidence for the significant value and potential of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) worldwide. Among other non-wood forest products, MAPs are considered a key element of sustainable forest management and economic development. As part of Mediterranean cultural heritage, these plants are a major driver of rural tourism, in many areas representing an important raw material for various bio-based industrial sectors. Besides their economic value, MAPs enhance social integration and maintain gender balance as harvesting and processing MAPs is clearly a female dominated task. Despite the prominent contribution of MAPs to local development, conservation of biodiversity and the development of the traditional Mediterranean food system, many challenges and knowledge gaps could potentially place the sector's development at risk. The aim of this work is to examine the present situation of the MAPs sector in the most productive countries around the Mediterranean and to identify future challenges and priority actions to develop the MAPs sector in the region. To do so, a supply chain analysis was performed to identify the main stakeholders involved. Various experts from Croatia, France, Greece, Spain, and Tunisia participated in the SWOT analysis and the Delphi approach employed in this study. The results highlight the main challenges facing the sector in Mediterranean countries. Five groups of challenges are identified, related mainly to certification and labelling, life quality and wellbeing, market development, research development, and transforming and processing. To overcome these challenges, a set of actions is validated by the interviewed experts with the aim of improving marketing strategies and including various innovations related to political, legal, organisational, and institutional frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The most important honeydew-producing insect in Greece is Marchalina hellenica (Coccoidea: Marchalinidae), which is a parasite on pine trees. The current work is part of an ongoing research project aiming to provide knowledge on honeydew-producing insects and the impact of critical factors (climate, beekeeping manipulations, honeydew-producing insect phenology) on honeydew honey production. Empirical evidence indicates that among the weather factors, the most important one, at least for spring honeydew secretions, appears to be temperature and, more specifically, the existence of cold winter days. Presently, we investigate the effect of cold periods in February on the life cycle of Marchalina hellenica. Our primary goal is to help beekeepers plan the timely exploitation of honeydew secretions of pine trees. Such a potential will be beneficial for beekeepers, the rural economy, and forest protection. It should be noted that current results highlight the impact of climate change in the field of entomology, and they indicate that the life cycle of Marchalina hellenica is expected to be drastically shorter. Climate change is considered a major factor affecting honeybees' behavior and productivity with major consequences in both honey and agricultural production. Many research studies have expressed serious concerns about the mass losses of bee colonies and the role of bees as pollinators, while others have underlined important issues for the impact of the increase in temperature on honeybee abundance and honey yields. In the present work, we draw our attention to Marchalina hellenica, which is the most important honeydew-producing insect in Greece. A statistically significant forecasting model for the effect of cold periods in February on the life cycle of the insect is constructed, with the aid of the Cumulative Logit Model and the theory of runs. The forecasting model may help beekeepers plan the timely exploitation of honeydew secretions of pine trees, which will be beneficial for beekeepers, the rural economy, and forest protection. The new suggested model also indicates that, in view of the climate change scenarios seen in the literature, the life cycle of M. hellenica is expected to be drastically shorter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The use of plants in rituals is a little explored corner of biocultural diversity which has developed through time within a complex socio-ecological system. Indeed, rituals are complex interactions between humans and biodiversity shaped by history, culture, and ethnic belonging. Yet, in Western Ukraine, such rituals were forbidden for over 50 years (1939–1991). The current revival of rituals by rural inhabitants is an untapped reservoir of local ecological knowledge. The aim of the present study was to identify the ritual use of wild and cultivated plants in two regions of Western Ukraine, Bukovina and Roztochya, and to compare the findings with historical data. Moreover, we analyzed attitudes toward the ritual use of plants and interactions with the local environment. Methods We conducted 31 in-depth semi-structured interviews among Orthodox Hutsuls of Bukovina and 16 interviews among Greek Catholic rural inhabitants of Roztochya during summer 2018 focusing on the ritual uses of plants. Results We documented 28 plant taxa among Bukovinian Hutsuls and 58 plant taxa among inhabitants in Roztochya that were used in 7 religious festivals (of which two were celebrated differently in the two communities). Plants were mainly used in bouquets, but also for decorating churches and houses or in fruit baskets. In both communities, almost 25% of the interviewees could not name the plants they collected for bouquets, but rather referred to “just beautiful green herbs” one can get in meadows, forests, and gardens. Comparison with historical data shows a smaller number of taxa currently used (wild taxa have been lost), yet the persistence of 18 taxa used both now and a century ago. Conclusions Contemporary practices concerning the use of plants in Christian rituals in Bukovina and Roztochya can be contextualized in the broader phenomenon of the revitalization of traditional environmental knowledge and practices that have characterized Europe over the past 30 years and in particular Eastern Europe after socialism. The current religious use of plants is to a certain extent the revitalization of historical rituals supported by various internal (knowledge from older generations) and external (church authorities and fashion in the region) drivers. Further research should address changes in regions with longer and more severe prohibition of religious practices and their revival.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the demand for medicinal plants from the perspective of herbalists who trade these plants in Istanbul and to reveal the relations among the variables affecting the demand. For this aim, the results of the face-to-face survey with 200 herbalists in 20 randomly selected districts of Istanbul were analyzed. In this scope, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and Chi-Square independence test were used. The analyses were carried out with SPSS 22.0 statistical package program. According to the results of the study, the top three medicinal plants which are most in demand are linden, ginger and sage, respectively. The most plant sales occur in winter and the most important criterion for consumers when purchasing plants is price. It was found that herbalists mostly sell the medicinal and aromatic plants which are good for respiratory diseases.

Forest ecosystems provide numerous services that contribute to the wellbeing of societies. However, the lack of knowledge about the benefits of non-wood forest ecosystem services, such as non-wood forest products (NWFPs), hinders efficient forest policy decision-making processes. This study proposes a new extension of the Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs) to capture both the private and the social component of NWFPs. By means of a literature review, we show how extended SAMs can be a suitable approach to explain the causal relationship between the supply of forest ecosystem services, forest-based value chains, and the European bioeconomy. The literature analysis shows that the number of research studies calibrating or using SAMs has been increasing over the last decades. Recent extensions of the SAMs made it possible to evaluate the relationship between human wellbeing and the environment. Moreover, we found applications to the forest sector (limited to timber) and to the supply of some non-wood ecosystem services. We believe the extended SAMs will support decision-makers to design forest strategies that properly account for the benefits NWFPs provide to both the economy and the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Global trends towards the bio-economy and a rapid change in value production caused by an awareness of climate change and the importance of forests and the environment overall, as well as of the demographical change in modern societies suggests a potential for increasing the role of non-wood forest products (NWFP) in future forest-based natural resources systems. The change of production-based societies to service-based societies has opened opportunities for the growing heterogenic group of forest owners as well. As new value production models have been identified, many forestry sector managers and owners are still in their infancy in seizing opportunities related to the service-based forest value production as well as in the need of conceptual clarity and understanding of the phenomena. This paper aims to study those factors influencing forest owners in diversifying value production into non-wood based products. The focus is on identifying those factors that attribute to the non-industrial private forest owner's decision to engage in NWFP production alongside traditional forestry. The results provide an overall picture of drivers and barriers which forest owners encounter while engaging and operating in the natural products sector. This study was based on in-depth interviews collected from twenty forest owners in Finland. The results revealed that drivers for engaging in NWFPs production are principally internal whereas barriers are mainly external. According to results increased knowledge, more effective communication, cooperation and networking between forest owners, forest professionals and NWFP suppliers are needed to support the supply chain, and consequently to develop the NWFPs production.

Background: Uses and traditional knowledge (TK) are essential for the protection and management of natural resources. There are extensive records of traditional uses involving mainly vascular plants, while for mosses are scarce. This study documents the TK and uses of Dendropogonella rufescens in San Juan Luvina, Oaxaca, Mexico. Questions: For what purpose and how D. rufescens is used in San Juan Luvina? Can TK provide ecological information for this species? How is TK maintained among the members of the community? Studied species: Dendropogonella rufescens (Schimp.) Britt. (Bryophyta). Study site and dates: San Juan Luvina, Oaxaca, Mexico. March 2020. Methods: We conducted interviews with inhabitants from three age categories (15-41, 42-68, and 69-95 years). Interviews included questions about the length of time the community has used the plant, harvesting practices, traditional use per se, and plant recycling after traditional use. Results: Results include historical information about the use of the plant and TK grouped in seven categories (ceremonial, construction, craft, environmental, fuel, medicinal, and ornamental). These results include new reports of TK of bryophytes in Mexico. Conclusions: For the uses and TK reported, D. rufescens is essential for the cultural identity of the community of San Juan Luvina. D. rufescens TK could use to develop conservation strategies for bryophytes. As our findings suggest, TK and uses of bryophytes should be recorded because they are likely to disappear.

Abstract Background Predictive models shed light on aboveground fungal yield dynamics and can assist decision-making in forestry by integrating this valuable non-wood forest product into forest management planning. However, the currently existing models are based on rather local data and, thus, there is a lack of predictive tools to monitor mushroom yields on larger scales. Results This work presents the first empirical models for predicting the annual yields of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms and related ecosystem services in Pinus sylvestris and Pinus pinaster stands in northern Spain, using a long-term dataset suitable to account for the combined effect of meteorological conditions and stand structure. Models were fitted for the following groups of fungi separately: all ectomycorrhizal mushrooms, edible mushrooms and marketed mushrooms. Our results show the influence of the weather variables (mainly precipitation) on mushroom yields as well as the relevance of the basal area of the forest stand that follows a right-skewed unimodal curve with maximum predicted yields at stand basal areas of 30–40 m2∙ha− 1. Conclusion These models are the first empirical models for predicting the annual yields of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms in Pinus sylvestris and Pinus pinaster stands in northern Spain, being of the highest resolution developed to date and enable predictions of mushrooms productivity by taking into account weather conditions and forests’ location, composition and structure.

In this study, the foreign trade of some plant based non-wood forest products are investigated. Firstly, the changes in the export and import values of chestnut, thyme, bay leaf and pine nuts, which are non-wood forest products, have been examined in the last ten years (1998-2017) using "external trade statistics published by the Turkey Statistical Institute. Afterwards, the amount and revenue projections of thyme and bay leaves were made by using export amounts and export revenues between 1990 and 2017. Estimated values were obtained for projections based on moving averages, exponential smoothing, linear and exponential trend. According to the results of the study, it is estimated that the export quantities and revenues of thyme and bay leaf will increase in 2019-2023.

The aim of this article is to determine the factors affecting the purchasing preferences of consumers for non-wood forest products. The study was conducted in Burdur province. The data were obtained by survey method. Percentage and frequencies were used for data analysis and chi-square test was used to determine differences according to socio-demographic characteristics. Purchasing preferences were determined by fuzzy paired comparison method. According to the results of the study; (a) Products are mainly supplied from seller of medicinal herbs, (b) The most important factors in consumers' purchasing preferences are natural and reliable products, health and nutritional values, (c) Among consumers, the rate of obtaining non-wood forest products by collecting from nature is very high. The most important reason for choosing this supply is the desire to consume the natural ones.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is one of the species which is grown naturally in Anatolia, has been put into of rehabilitation activities in order to ensure sustainability for this species, as a result of unplanned and excessive exploitation. In this study the rehabilitation practices on the cranberry in the areas of Dursunbey Forest Management Directorate were examined and determination of the idea that, how the forest villagers were affected from the practices and their aspects, was made. For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied with face to face interviews with 173 people in the study area and the data were analyzed by using SPSS 20 statistical package program. According to the results of the study, socio-economic problems such as low income and migration affected the villagers negatively, the rehabilitation practices contributed significantly to the yield of cornelian cherry trees and it was stated that the rehabilitation activities were welcomed by the local people. However, the continuation of the maintenance activities after rehabilitation is important for the success of the studies. Another important point is the use of cornelian cherries should be done in a planned way.

Climate change is considered a major factor affecting honeybees’ behavior and productivity with major consequences in both honey and agricultural production. Many research studies have expressed serious concerns about the mass losses of bee colonies and the role of bees as pollinators, while others have underlined important issues for the impact of the increase in temperature on honeybee abundance and honey yields. In the present work, we draw our attention to Marchalina hellenica, which is the most important honeydew-producing insect in Greece. A statistically significant forecasting model for the effect of cold periods in February on the life cycle of the insect is constructed, with the aid of the Cumulative Logit Model and the theory of runs. The forecasting model may help beekeepers plan the timely exploitation of honeydew secretions of pine trees, which will be beneficial for beekeepers, the rural economy, and forest protection. The new suggested model also indicates that, in view of the climate change scenarios seen in the literature, the life cycle of M. hellenica is expected to be drastically shorter.

Background: The use of plants in rituals is a little explored corner of biocultural diversity which has developed through time within a complex socio-ecological system. Indeed, rituals are complex interactions between humans and biodiversity shaped by history, culture, and ethnic belonging. Yet, in Western Ukraine, such rituals were forbidden for over 50 years (1939–1991). The current revival of rituals by rural inhabitants is an untapped reservoir of local ecological knowledge. The aim of the present study was to identify the ritual use of wild and cultivated plants in two regions of Western Ukraine, Bukovina and Roztochya, and to compare the findings with historical data. Moreover, we analyzed attitudes toward the ritual use of plants and interactions with the local environment. Methods: We conducted 31 in-depth semi-structured interviews among Orthodox Hutsuls of Bukovina and 16 interviews among Greek Catholic rural inhabitants of Roztochya during summer 2018 focusing on the ritual uses of plants. Results: We documented 28 plant taxa among Bukovinian Hutsuls and 58 plant taxa among inhabitants in Roztochya that were used in 7 religious festivals (of which two were celebrated differently in the two communities). Plants were mainly used in bouquets, but also for decorating churches and houses or in fruit baskets. In both communities, almost 25% of the interviewees could not name the plants they collected for bouquets, but rather referred to "just beautiful green herbs" one can get in meadows, forests, and gardens. Comparison with historical data shows a smaller number of taxa currently used (wild taxa have been lost), yet the persistence of 18 taxa used both now and a century ago. Conclusions: Contemporary practices concerning the use of plants in Christian rituals in Bukovina and Roztochya can be contextualized in the broader phenomenon of the revitalization of traditional environmental knowledge and practices that have characterized Europe over the past 30 years and in particular Eastern Europe after socialism. The current religious use of plants is to a certain extent the revitalization of historical rituals supported by various internal (knowledge from older generations) and external (church authorities and fashion in the region) drivers. Further research should address changes in regions with longer and more severe prohibition of religious practices and their revival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses a current and important topic whose study is absolutely necessary for society and non-wood forest products sector (NWFP). The high scientific and practical importance of the issue, especially in rural areas, was the main motivation of the study. Choosing this topic was also justified by the interest for NWFP at national and international level. The keystone hypothesis of the research it is whether non-timber forest products are a food source that ensures health, a family income and what the depends efficiency of harvesters. The goal of the study was to assess the performance of collecting NWFP by the non-parametric method of data envelopment analysis (DEA). The primary data needed for the application of the non-parametric methodology were collected from 510 persons located in 164 localities pending to 16 districts of the Republic of Moldova. The survey included 172 variables that described the basic activities in the NWFP collection process. The statistical processing of the primary database was made using the application SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), by the principal component analysis, based on some nominal and numerical variables. The results show the most efficient NWFP collectors work on degraded lands, managed by the municipalities, for sale, harvesting them by shaking or cutting, processing them into dry form, where there is a collection point where there is a collection point. The standard profile of efficient collectors also assumes that they go picking with acquaintances, travels by car up to 10 km and consider that this activity contributes a lot to the family's income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable forest management (SFM) is crucial for forest ecosystem productivity and conservation, especially in systems such as cork oak (Quercus suber L.) threatened by human activities and biotic and abiotic factors. In this study SFM indicators with particular reference to cork oak forests in the region of Sardinia (Italy) are proposed and tested. Sustainable and responsible management options specifically aimed at cork oak forest management and chain of custody certification are also provided. A set of ten indicators was proposed and assessed by an expert panel in cork oak management. Five indicators were also tested against data on structure, origin, health condition and management in 285 forest compartments managed by FoReSTAS (Regional Forest Agency for Land and Environment of Sardinia, Italy), including 361 sampling plots and 5345 trees. In order to investigate the priorities and perceptions of SFM experts and stakeholders, a survey was also carried out by completion of a questionnaire on the technical issues of cork oak woodland management. The survey results highlighted a need to improve environmental and economic performance by means of SFM and certification. The indicators tested in Sardinian cork oak woodlands showed that about 80% of the stands fulfilled management sustainability requirements. The suggested SFM indicators can effectively support proactive management and conservation measures, representing a valuable tool in the current context of growing environmental and socioeconomic awareness.

After the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Moldova, the national forestry fund is constantly growing. At the same time, the harvesting and collection of non-timber forest products (PFNL) was intensified by the forest enterprises under the Moldsilva Agency. Non-timber forest products collected are of plant (fruit, berries, herbs, decorative plants) and animal (fish, snails, honey, wild boar) origin. Over time, forestry sector was in a permanent institutional reforming. At present, Moldsilva agency is the administrative authority of the public administration, empowered to ensure the implementation of state policy and sustainable development in the fields of forestry and hunting. After 1990, the commercial potential of forest fruits and berries decreases, as many fruit plantations have degraded or have been transferred to other land use categories. Because of low wages and difficult manual labor, the number of employees in the forestry sector is steadily decreasing. The largest forested area is concentrated in the center of the country. In the period 2001-2009 the forested area significantly increased, especially in the south of the republic due to the implementation of some European projects. The most non-timber forest products collected are those of medicinal utilisation. Due to the dispersion of the forest fund in small forest tracts, the hunting potential is small. The number and species of animals hunted each year in the forest fund are established by Government Decision, these being the boar (Sus scrofa L.) and the pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.). The purpose of this research is to present the evolution and the development potential of the non-timber forestry sector in the Republic of Moldova in relation to the institutional changes in the central forest authority. The study has the following objectives: describing the institutional evolution of the central forest authority; analyzing the evolution of the number of employees in the forest branch; distribution and evolution of the national forests as the ground of non wood timber products harvesting; assessing the biological and commercial potential of the sector; analyzing the dynamics of PFNL collection by forest enterprises.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom community in artificial Pinus nigra forest in Amiata mount (Tuscany, Italy) was described. 3220 fruit bodies belonging to 106 different species were found during five surveys from autumn 2014 to spring 2015. The biodiversity indices and the dominance–diversity curves indicate a discrete fungal diversity with the dominance of few species. Edible mushrooms such as Hydnum repandum, Lactarius deliciosus, L. sanguifluus, Suillus granulatus S. luteus and truffles (Tuber aestivum, T. borchii and T. macrosporum) were found in the study area. These fungi are traditionally harvested and are an important complementary economical source for local population. Considering the economic importance of these non-wood forest products, forest management should play major attention to their safeguard.

In accordance with the principle of sustainable development human population is increasingly returning to nature and its original values. Biodegradable products, products of organic origin are also known as healthy food, medicinal and aromatic plants. Wood and nonwood forest products (NWFPs) are forestry products that satisfy criteria of ecological production and as such appear on the market within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) targeted use of these products, which opens the possibility of developing small and medium entrepreneurship. The aim of this research is the knowledge acquired in a survey of documents relevant for the business of selected enterprises in the Republic of Srpska, from the establishment of enterprises by the Agency for Intermediary, IT and Financial Services to documents applied in purchase, processing and sales of wood and NWFPs. The subject of this study are documents relevant for use in the purchase, processing and placement of wood and NWFPs. The purpose of this paper is to show the business method of analyzed enterprises and present the model of the institutions, procedures and documents referring to wood and NWFPs purchase, processing and placement in the Republic of Srpska.

Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague (Meliaceae), a competitive tree species in Central Africa. A review. Introduction. Nowadays, the management of forest resources is no longer focused on the exclusive extraction of timber; it must also consider the use and management of non-timber forest products. Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague, whose trade name is "sapelli/sapele", and which belongs to the Meliaceae family, perfectly illustrates this issue. This article proposes an overview of the existing literature regarding E. cylindricum and presents some information on its host caterpillar. Literature. Sapele is among the most exploited tree species in Central Africa, due to its valuable timber. This tree is common in the semi-deciduous rainforest of the Guinean–Congolese domain. It is a non-pioneer, light-demanding species, its dispersal mode is anemochorous and the phenology is regular. Logging coupled with thinning boosts the diametric growth of individuals by up to 0.82 cm·year-1. Sapele is also the host of an edible caterpillar species that is rich in protein, Imbrasia oyemensis Rougeot. Highly appreciated by the local populations, this caterpillar is sought out for regional and international trade purposes. In addition, the bark of the sapele is renowned for its ethnobotanical properties, especially in traditional medicine. Conclusions. The information reviewed from the literature helped to highlight some gaps in the knowledge regarding the reproductive ecology of this species, despite its importance for the timber trade. In addition, the current lack of information regarding the productivity and the seasonality of caterpillars of I. oyemensis inhabiting this tree requires the development of complementary research to ensure the sustainability of timber and non-timber uses for sapele. In addition, it is important that such improved silvicultural techniques involve concerted management interventions between logging companies and the local populations.

Background: Predictive models shed light on aboveground fungal yield dynamics and can assist decision-making in forestry by integrating this valuable non-wood forest product into forest management planning. However, the currently existing models are based on rather local data and, thus, there is a lack of predictive tools to monitor mushroom yields on larger scales. Results: This work presents the first empirical models for predicting the annual yields of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms and related ecosystem services in Pinus sylvestris and Pinus pinaster stands in northern Spain, using a long-term dataset suitable to account for the combined effect of meteorological conditions and stand structure. Models were fitted for the following groups of fungi separately: all ectomycorrhizal mushrooms, edible mushrooms and marketed mushrooms. Our results show the influence of the weather variables (mainly precipitation) on mushroom yields as well as the relevance of the basal area of the forest stand that follows a right-skewed unimodal curve with maximum predicted yields at stand basal areas of 30–40 m2∙ha− 1. Conclusion: These models are the first empirical models for predicting the annual yields of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms in Pinus sylvestris and Pinus pinaster stands in northern Spain, being of the highest resolution developed to date and enable predictions of mushrooms productivity by taking into account weather conditions and forests' location, composition and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tradition of using medicinal and aromatic plants in Romania dates back to the year 1862. The purpose of the present paper is to identify the main medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as estimating the quantities that can be harvested from Dobrogea in 2018 from the forest fund managed by RNP - Romsilva, the National Forest Management Institute. As such, 21 medicinal plants were identified in the two forest districts (DS) from Constanța and Tulcea Counties. A quantity of 22 t of medicinal plants from 10 species was estimated for harvesting in DS Constanța, while in DS Tulcea the number reached 588 tones from 21 species. The largest quantities that can be harvested in DS Constanța are represented by locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) - 5 tones and elderberry (Sambucus nigra) - 5 tones, while for DS Tulcea they are represented by silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) - 180 tones, elderberry (Sambucus nigra) - 60t and nettle (Urtica dioica) - 50 tones. All the other species can be gathered in quantities ranging from 1 ton to 40 tones. Taking into account the natural conditions, Dobrogea region is characterised by a high potential of medicinal plants. The possibility that these natural resources are maintained and even developing future abundant populations is conditioned by the appliance of appropriate management measures that abide to the present laws, the species sustainability principle as well as the protection of endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Local cuisine is an important reservoir of local ecological knowledge shaped by a variety of socio-cultural, economic, and ecological factors. The aim was to document and compare the current use of wild and semi-cultivated plant food taxa by Romanians living in Romania and Ukraine. These two groups share similar ecological conditions and historically belonged to the same province, but were divided in the 1940s by the creation of a state border. We conducted 60 semi-structured interviews with rural residents. The contemporary use of 46 taxa (plus 5 cultivated taxa with uncommon uses), belonging to 20 families, for food consumption were recorded. Romanians in Romanian Bukovina used 27 taxa belonging to 15 families, while in Ukraine they used 40 taxa belonging to 18 families. Jams, sarmale, homemade beer, and the homemade alcoholic drink “socată” are used more by Romanians in Southern Bukovina, while tea, soups, and birch sap are used more in Northern Bukovina. We discuss the strong influence of socio-political scenarios on the use of wild food plants. Cross-ethnic marriages, as well as markets and women’s networks, i.e., “neighbors do so”, may have had a great impact on changes in wild food use. In addition, rapid changes in lifestyle (open work market and social migration) are other explanations for the abandonment of wild edible plants.

Description of the subject. This study is the first to compile the diversity of wild edible mushrooms gathered in the different ecosystems (savanna, woodland, montane forest, and exotic tree plantations) of Burundi and Rwanda and to consider this resource in a developmental framework for the region. Objectives. The aim of this study is to update the inventory of wild edible mushrooms in Burundi and Rwanda focusing on their sustainable exploitation and their potential for cultivation. Method. The inventory is based on a literature survey completed with referenced specimens gathered during field trips between 2010 and 2015 that are deposited at the Botanic Garden Meise (BR). Results. Seventy-seven species of edible mushrooms have been listed together with their habitat and ecology. This includes 39 new records of species eaten in the region, 8 of which were not previously known to be edible. An attempt to combine the protection of natural ecosystems with the development of local populations is presented in relation to the availability of these mushrooms, their ecology and cultivation potential. Conclusions. Wild edible mushrooms constitute an interesting and under-exploited resource in Burundi and Rwanda. Sustainable gathering of ectomycorrhizal species in miombo woodlands and cultivation of saprotrophic species from montane forests suggest important food issues and interesting business perspectives.

Background and Purpose: The South-east Europe (SEE) region is facing a new market economy era where establishing new businesses is more than needed in all sectors. The forest sector, faced with new market emerging opportunities, is affected by the constant increase of a number of forest related enterprises. This paper describes the challenges and opportunities related to the use of marketing tools for improving business of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) dealing with non-wood forest products (NWFPs) in SEE region. The research on this subject in the SEE region is scarce despite the rich biodiversity as a solid base for establishing eco-businesses. Materials and Methods: The method used in this paper is quantitative, based on survey data collected from enterprises in the NWFPs sector followed by statistical data analyses using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The survey was conducted during 2011 and 2012 in four SEE countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Macedonia. Results: The results showed that developed channels of distribution, branding and advertising of NWFPs are recognized in all countries as important and very important, but these marketing tools are used only few times per year. The majority of respondents pointed out advertising as the most frequently used and as the most successful tool. Interviewees’ future investments are to be focused on improving equipment for drying, packing, refrigerating and transport. Several entrepreneurs from Macedonia pointed out that they would invest in increasing the number of buying points and herb plantations while almost all Croatian entrepreneurs will invest in advertising, branding and promotion. Majority of respondents from Serbia are also of the opinion that financial resources should be invested in new equipment. The reasons for these investments can be summarized in reducing costs and increasing profit or in faster turnover. Conclusions: The use of marketing tools is important because they have positive influence on sale, improve communication and cooperation between enterprises and with consumers, build reliable buyers and increase the number of consumers, which leads to higher profit and creates new opportunities for NWFPs based enterprises. Intensive use of promotion tools should be seen as an opportunity for these enterprises in the SEE region to overcome current challenges and improve their business. The main reason for this situation, as it was stated in the interviews, is the fact that most of the enterprises do not have a final product. Another reason is lack of funds, because of which the question: “If you have financial sources where you should invest?” was answered with promotion, branding and other marketing tools.