CS-FOR: Dialogue on the Efficient Use of Natural Resources in the Non-Timber Forest Products Sector
On June 26, 2025, a roundtable was held in Jalal-Abad city on the “The Potential of Non-Timber Forest Products as a Driver of Regional Economic Development.” The event was organized within the framework of the CS-FOR project (“Carbon Sequestration through Climate Investments in Forests and Rangelands in the Kyrgyz Republic”), implemented by ARIS with the support of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and FAO.
The main objective of the roundtable was to discuss challenges, opportunities, and pathways for sustainable development in the non-timber forest products (NTFP) sector. Practical recommendations were also developed to support processors and harvesters, facilitate market access, and create sustainable business models.
The event brought together representatives from government agencies, international organizations, the private sector, educational and scientific institutions, civil society activists, and local producers.
Key topics discussed included:
- Development of the Kyrgyz NTFP market for international trade;
- Certification, logistics, packaging, and volume-related barriers;
- Opportunities for processing and exporting local products;
- The role of forestry and cooperatives;
- Involvement of women and youth in the sustainable use of resources.
Participants analyzed the challenges and developed practical recommendations during panel and group discussions. The open discussion of the real situation in the NTFP sector and the exchange of hands-on experience were highly appreciated by attendees.
Participants emphasized the importance of such platforms and the need to continue holding meetings in this format to jointly address challenges in the NTFP sector and strengthen cooperation.
This roundtable marked an important step toward uniting government, international, and civil society sectors to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and regional economic development.
