Forest covers 30% of the world's land area. Fifty-six percent of the world's forest is classified as tropical and subtropical and 44% is considered temperate and boreal. Forests are most often valued for their timber resources, however timber is not the only product available from the forest. Forests are also host to an array of non-timber forest products (NTFPs).

NTFPs include berries and fruits, wild mushrooms, honey, gums, spices, nuts, ornamental foliage, mosses and lichens, and botanicals used for medicinal, cosmetic, and handicraft purposes. Although there is debate on the matter, some definitions of NTFPs also include fish, wild game, insects, and firewood. NTFPs can also be referred to as; special forest products, non-wood forest products, minor forest products, alternative forest products and secondary forest products. Many NTFPs come from mature, intact forests, illustrating the need to conserve the forests for the vast renewable resources they...