Exploring the Role of Forest Products in Sustainable Development: A Comprehensive Review
Sandeep Chetan
Department of Forest Products and Utilization, Mahatma Gandhi University of Horticulture and Forestry, Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Rajesh Kumar *
Department of Forest Products and Utilization, Mahatma Gandhi University of Horticulture and Forestry, Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Bhavana Dixit
Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidhyalaya, Bilaspiur, Chhattisgarh, India.
K. K. Chandra
Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidhyalaya, Bilaspiur, Chhattisgarh, India.
Shilipi Pandey
Department of Environmental Studies, Deen Dayal Upadhyay College, Delhi University, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Forests are vital ecosystems providing a myriad of ecosystem services, including timber, non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and crucial roles in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and watershed protection. This paper explores the multifaceted role of forest products in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, it examines the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of forest product utilization, highlighting its potential to contribute to poverty reduction, food security, livelihood diversification, and sustainable resource management. The paper also addresses the challenges associated with unsustainable forest harvesting practices, illegal logging, and the need for policy interventions to promote responsible forest management and equitable benefit sharing. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a holistic understanding of how forest products can be leveraged to foster sustainable development while ensuring the long-term health and integrity of forest ecosystems.
Keywords: Forest products, sustainable development, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), timber, forest management, ecosystem services