The analog forestry approach
• Restoration method that aims to recreate native forest structure and function
• Emphasis on use of economically productive species
• Goals include increased food security, environmental protection, and quality of life
Analog forestry method
• Design based on native forest structure, as described by a physical analysis
• Species are chosen to fill structural niches and economic needs, while bringing economic and other benefits
Analog Forestry: Finca Fila Marucha• Former pastureland
reforested with a variety of native and non-native species
• High biodiversity as the basis of an essential oils business
Analog Forestry: Pedro Ferreira• Community leader in
the Dominican Republic
• Switched over to fruit and timber production
• Farm now serves as regional demonstration site
Rich Forests
• Coalition led by Dutch NGOs and business groups
• Aims to encourage investment in community production of NTFPs
Rich Forests
• Around 1 billion people rely on forest for their livelihoods worldwide
• Investing in local production and harvesting can help stem the tide of land grabs and plantation agriculture in many parts of the world
Trade in Forest Products
• NTFPs are some of the most widely traded commodities in the world
• Especially in the tropics, NTFPs such as rubber, tea, cacao and coffee are important income sources
Forest Garden Product Certification• Certification geared
toward production from forested areas with high biodiversity
• Based on Organic and Fair Trade certifications
Sateré Mawé, Brazil
• Indigenous farmer group
• Produce wild-harvested guaraná for the European market
• FGP certification allows their product to fetch a premium price
Forest Garden Tea
• Tea gardens in Sri Lanka that blend tea production with traditional forest garden practices
• Production for both local and international markets
Role of Ethnobotany
• IAFN’s knowledge management is based on exchanging information related to landscape restoration
• This exchange of information helps people design analog forestry systems
Role of Ethnobotany
• Documenting and applying local knowledge can have many benefits
• Biodiversity restoration and agroforestry require an ethnobotanical “toolkit”
“Exotic” plants?
• Many restoration projects have benefited from introducing non-native plants
• These species may have economic or restoration benefits
• Their introduction must be managed with care
IAFN Plant Database
• Initiative to come online in 2014, database of plant species from IAFN partners worldwide
• Aim is to provide resource for restoration in different bio-regions
Learn more!
• IAFN and our partners are always looking for students wanting to apply their knowledge of ethnobotany, restoration ecology, community development or related fields
• We are looking at ways to support independent research projects through logistical support and scholarships
• For more information, contact Adam Kabir Dickinson, [email protected]
• See also: www.analogforestry.org and www.richforests.org
• Check out our forum and newsletter!