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  • From: Lawrence London <lfljvenaura@gmail.com>
  • To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [permaculture] BBC News: The UN has co-produced a study that lists scientific details of Amazon plant species that can be harvested for economic or medicinal purposes.
  • Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:13:35 -0500

20 December 2011Guide reveals Amazon's biological bountyBy Mark Kinver
Environment reporter, BBC
Newshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16248485

The authors hope the book will show that many species' harvest are
worth more than the timber
The UN has co-produced a study that lists scientific details of Amazon
plant species that can be harvested for economic or medicinal
purposes.

It is estimated that 80% of people in developing nations depend on
non-wood forest products, such as fruit, for nutrition and medicine.

The publication aims to help bridge the gap in knowledge between
scientists and local people, the authors have said.

The publication coincides with the end of the International Year of Forests.

The 353-page book, Fruit Trees and Useful Plants in Amazonian Life -
co-produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Center
for International Forestry Research (Cifor) and People and Plants
International (PPI) - profiles a range of species that offer
communities a range of uses.

Fruits of the forest

"Some 80% of people living in the developing world rely on non-wood
forest products," explained Eduardo Rojas-Briales, FAO's assistant
director-general for forestry.

"The new book provides comprehensive information on fruits and plants,
and is a perfect example of how to make our knowledge accessible for
poor people to help them maximise the benefits from forest products
and services, and improve their livelihoods," he added.

It is estimated that about a quarter of people in developing nations
are "functionally illiterate".

In order to overcome this, the book's authors have attempted to
communicate as much information as possible in pictures, drawings and
numbers.

"Making this book required the collaboration of 90 Brazilian and
international researchers willing to present their research to rural
villagers in alternative formats, including jokes, recipes and
pictures," said Tina Etherington, an FAO publications manager.

"In addition, a number of farmers, midwives, hunters and musicians
contributed their valuable insights and experience."

More on This Story
Related Stories

Real life in the Amazon rainforest 10 DECEMBER 2009, AMERICAS
Trees are 'crucial famine food' 04 AUGUST 2009, SCI/TECH
Trees: More than just carbon sinks 19 MARCH 2009, SCI/TECH
Diary: The Amazon rainforest 19 JULY 2006, SCI/TECH
Amazonian forest 'more resilient' 24 SEPTEMBER 2007, SCI/TECH
Related Internet links

FAO
Cifor
PPI

Related Stories

Real life in the Amazon rainforest
Trees are 'crucial famine food'
Trees: More than just carbon sinks



  • [permaculture] BBC News: The UN has co-produced a study that lists scientific details of Amazon plant species that can be harvested for economic or medicinal purposes., Lawrence London, 12/20/2011

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