Non-wood products and ecotourism. Data from the "State of World's Forests"Prodotti non legnosi ed ecoturismo: alcuni dati dallo Stato delle Foreste del Mondo

"State of World's Forests" 2005 edition dealt with economic benefits from forests, focusing on non-traditional and traditional forest products. Definition of non-wood forest products by FAO is provided, and their importance for obtaining additional income through international trade in raw materials, and semi-processed and processed products is discussed. Data are tabulated on the value of non-wood forest products derived from international trade in 1992 and 2002. An increase in international trade in non-wood forest products manufactured in intensive production systems is outlined. It is suggested that investigations should be initiated to study possibilities of using non-wood forest products for improving the economic situation of local population worldwide, combating poverty and achieving sustainable management of forests. It is stated that tourism is the greatest provider of employment worldwide. Definition of ecotourism is suggested, and the importance of forests as preferable destination of ecotourism is considered. The ever-increasing volume of ecotourism, and its effect on forest management and use worldwide is outlined. The importance is considered of the Kenyan Wildlife Service, United States National Park Service, seeing gorillas' in mountains of Rwanda, Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal and visiting the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. Economic advantages of ecotourism for local areas, and its importance as an incentive for environmental conservation and development of local economies are discussed.