Last Friday, FAO published Wildcheck: Assessing the Risks and Opportunities of Trade in Wild Plant Ingredients, which provides detailed information on a selection of ingredients derived from “flagship” wild plants.
Of the 21% of the medicinal and aromatic plant species evaluated in the report, 9% are considered endangered. The livelihoods of an estimated 1 billion people depend on them.
With responsible sourcing, these increasingly in-demand products can contribute to greater wildlife conservation and improve the livelihoods of small-scale producers. Among the varieties tested are shea, frankincense, juniper and argan.
“It is time for wild plants to be taken seriously in our efforts to protect and restore habitats, promote sustainable agri-food systems and build inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies”, said Mr. Sven Walter, who leads FAO’s Forest Products and Statistics Team.