Year of publication 2003

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Author Forest Products Division

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Category Technical study

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Edition 1

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Synopsis (short abstract) MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES are emerging throughout the world as trends towards economic liberalization and governmental decentralization open new markets and give local communities more say in the management of their forest resources. LOCAL COMMUNITIES therefore have more opportunities to benefit from forest resources, while also having greater incentive to better manage and protect those resources. BUT, INCREASING DEMAND for forest products, which increases their commercial val ue, can result in over-exploitation of the resource base and economic exploitation of the people who harvest the products. The result is degradation of the resources and continued poverty and indebtedness of the harvester. Therefore, it is now recognized that forest products need to be not only financially viable, but also environmentally and socially sustainable. THE MARKET ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT (MA&D) approach has been designed and developed specifically to assist people in achieving a sustainable livelihood system in which their household and community economic assets are increased and local forest management is improved. MA&D enables local people to identify potential products and develop markets that will provide income and benefits without degrading their resource base.

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Language English

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Also available in:

• French
• Spanish

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