During 15-17 April 2019, CNVP Macedonia organized a study visit to Bulgaria to share knowledge and experience on the identification and piloting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Participants included representatives from the UN Environment Skopje Project Office, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MEPP), the Public Enterprise National Forests and the Faculty of Forestry, as well as project partners from Bulgaria.

The objective of the study visit was to (a) demonstrate positive examples for sustainable use of NTFPs, and (b) increase the knowledge of Macedonian stakeholders about NTFPs, including their legal basis, management and control. Meetings were organized with Bulgarian policymakers and local office managers who are implementing laws and regulations in the Central Balkan National Park, as well as NTFP producers and representatives of the business sector.

NTFPs consist of all biological materials (other than timber) which are extracted from forests for human use. Most NTFPs collected in North Macedonia are honey, fungi, lichens, berries, medicinal and aromatic plants. Because of their important role in the livelihoods of the rural poor, as a source of food, medicine and income, NTFPs are called “Healing Gold”.

The activity was undertaken as part of Component 3 (Land Use Planning and Biodiversity Mainstreaming) within a larger GEF funded project that is being implemented by UN Environment and MEPP - Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through Creation and Effective Management of Protected Areas and Mainstreaming Biodiversity into Land Use Planning. Project activities are a pioneer step for North Macedonia towards the sustainable use of NTFP resources.

The CNVP Macedonia Project Coordinator noted that 80% of the population of the developing world use NTFPs for health and nutritional needs, and the sustainable use of NTFPs can contribute significantly to the livelihoods of the local communities which depend on forests.