. Commercialization of non-timber forest products. Factors influencing success. Lessons learned from Mexico and Bolivia and policy implications for decision- makers. UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series Commercialization of non-timber forest products PRODUCT AND MARKET DESCRIPTION The palm leaves are used fresh in fLonstry and have been exported from the humid tropical regions of Mexico and Central America since the 19'iOs. Mexico is the leading world exporter of the leaves and seeds of different species of camedora palm, predominantly to the United States. It IS estimated that the global produc
. Commercialization of non-timber forest products. Factors influencing success. Lessons learned from Mexico and Bolivia and policy implications for decision- makers. UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series Commercialization of non-timber forest products PRODUCT AND MARKET DESCRIPTION The palm leaves are used fresh in fLonstry and have been exported from the humid tropical regions of Mexico and Central America since the 19'iOs. Mexico is the leading world exporter of the leaves and seeds of different species of camedora palm, predominantly to the United States. It IS estimated that the global production of this foliage cur- rently meets only one-third of the International demand. In Mexico, the leaves are used In floristry, wreaths and bouquets; as traditional adornments for Easter and Palm Sunday; as a fresh base for exhibiting produce in supermarkets; and as garden plants. The leaves are highly sought after because once cut, they remain green for up to three weeks. Market access for communities depends largely on production capacity: commercial intermediaries are attracted to areas where there is sufficient volume to make trade worthwhile. Many families have to overcome several obstacles to access regional trade centres. Including low- quality roads and lack of access to vehicles. Monte Tinta overcame this barrier by designating one community member to pool together the leaves and transport them, by donkey, to the road on the trader's route. In return the trader pays on time and compensates for the costs of accidents during collection. Due to the market demand for palm leaves, retailers need to work with a large number of community suppliers. The viability of this commercial activity and the ability to obtain significant profits is a result of traders sourcing from numerous producer communities. In Chinantla. as in other regions of Mexico, six different actors are involved in the commercialization of palm leaves (Figure Men collect the foliage and women grade It,
Size: 2232px × 1120px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bhlconsortium, bookcollectionbiodiversity, bookcontributorunepwc
