NTFP Exchange Programme

NTFP EXCHANGE PROGRAMME:

The NTFP Exchange Programme is a collaborative network of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations in South and Southeast Asia.

The Exchange Programme (EP) works with forest-based communities to strengthen their capacity in sustainable management of natural resources. For centuries, forest-based communities in the region have harvested a wide range of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) both for subsistence use and as a source of income. Working with communities towards an optimal use and management of NTFP resources, not only supports basic livelihoods, but also can provide a strong incentive for involvement in forest conservation.

Recognizing the potential benefits of sharing experiences and pooling expertise, an informal group of practitioners working in local initiatives in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Vietnam and the Philippines was formed in 1998. As our partnerships strengthened and initiatives intensified, the group decided to register as a non-profit organisation in September 2003.

The shared goal of the Exchange Programme is to empower forest-based communities to make use of and manage forest resources in a sustainable manner. To this end, the NTFP-EP catalyses and supports activities that build up and strengthen the capacity of our partner organisations in their work with forest-dependent communities, particularly indigenous peoples. Our partner organizations, while respecting the integrity of cultural traditions, work together with communities in developing and implementing initiatives that meet local needs. The NTFP-EP strives to ensure that the benefits of these initiatives are equally enjoyed by young and old and by both men and women.

For more information login to : http://www.ntfp.org/