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We deliver actionable evidence and solutions to transform how land is used and how food is produced: conserving and restoring ecosystems, responding to the global climate, malnutrition, biodiversity and desertification crises. In short, improving people’s lives.

The sustainable harvest of non-timber forest products in China: strategies to balance economic benefits and biodiversity conservation

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The overall goal of the envisioned research cooperation between Chinese and German research institutions is to improve the knowledge base on the sustainable harvest and utilization of NTFPs for the benefit of the rural poor. We argue that the potential of the NTFP resources for this purpose is not yet fully realized and the respective strategies and policies not yet effectively implemented, or, that appropriate policies are lacking. Truly trans- and interdisciplinary research is required. The large variety of NTFPs and their different characteristics and uses opens up a wide field of research covering various disciplines from natural to social sciences. Figure 1 illustrates the process’ of policy formulation, starting with the assessment of existing data and the formulation of information needs; the provision of information and knowledge is an important research issue. The figure also shows the various disciplines involved.

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