Current policy issues in NTFP development in Nepal

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are being increasingly recognized for their role in rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation and export values. The market of NTFPs is expanding, and this is an opportunity as well as a challenge for a more sustainable, efficient and equitable management of NTFP resources. But unsustainable harvesting, inequitable benefits distribution and overall economic inefficiencies characterize the current NTFP practices. This paper seeks to review the current policy issues and their implications in sustainable management, utilization and trade of the NTFP..