By Michelle Lapiz

Kuching, Sarawak – 09 October 2024 – Forests are more than just trees; they are a source of sustenance, culture, and survival for millions. Today, the Non-Timber Forest Products – Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP) proudly celebrates the very first International Day for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), shining a spotlight on the critical role that wild forest foods play in food security and cultural preservation. This celebration comes ahead of World Food Day on October 16, amplifying the message that nature’s bounty—beyond cultivated crops—sustains communities worldwide. 

For Indigenous Peoples and local communities around the world, forests are more than just a part of the landscape—they are a lifeline. From edible plants and mushrooms to undomesticated animals, these natural ecosystems provide essential nourishment and support livelihoods in times of crisis. When global food supply chains faltered, the value of these wild foods became even more apparent. They not only helped sustain communities but also highlighted the importance of local, sustainable food sources for resilience. They are not only a means of survival in times of food insecurity but also a foundation of biodiversity, linking peoples and forests. 

Bamboo in Bung Jagoi, Sarawak, Malaysia. These versatile plants not only shape the landscape but also provide a vital food source for many Indigenous communities, who harvest bamboo shoots as a traditional staple. Photo by Michelle Lapiz

As we celebrate World Food Day 2024 every 16th of October, NTFP Day is an opportunity to deepen our understanding and appreciation of these resources and the communities that protect and rely on them. This day also calls attention to the urgent need for preserving forest biodiversity amidst the escalating triple threat of climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. 

WHAT ARE WILDFOODS? Learn more here 

An appeal for action in sustaining the role of forest-dependent communities in safeguarding the world’s forests is crucial. Their traditional ecological knowledge plays a key role in ensuring the sustainable harvest and management of NTFPs. Yet, as forests face growing pressures from human-induced environmental degradation and climate change, the very ecosystems that provide these valuable resources are under alarming threat. 

This momentous event, initiated by NTFP-EP, will feature a range of activities, from expert talks and exhibitions to celebration of the diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples and local communities. It will bring together experts, academe, and advocates to explore the ecological, economic, and cultural significance of NTFPs. The NTFP Day will also mark the launch of key initiatives like the Forest Harvest Collective Mark (FHCM), which highlights the forest-based and sustainable origins of products sourced from its community partners, encompassing all non-timber forest products harvested from both wild and cultivated sources. 

This is a landmark opportunity to promote forest resources’ vital contributions to human life and the environment. By fostering greater appreciation and understanding of the role of forests and NTFPs, this celebration envisions a future where the balance between human needs and environmental stewardship is restored. 

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