Centre for Non-Timber Resources to Host International Events

In August 2005, the Centre for Non-Timber Resources at Royal Roads University is hosting an international series of events focusing on non-timber forest products (NTFPs), in Victoria. Following is a brief description of the three initiatives. For more information and to register, go to the NTFP Events Web Pages.

A Future Beneath the Trees Symposium — an international symposium on non-timber forest products, community economic development and forest conservation, August 25-27, 2005. Attracting 150 researchers from across BC and around the world, this symposium at Royal Roads University will address the opportunities and challenges of commercial development of non-timber forest products and the impacts of commercialization on rural communities and forest ecosystems. This event will create an invaluable legacy of expertise and shared experience that will benefit researchers, decision makers, communities and entrepreneurs throughout BC and around the world.

Buy BC Wild Conference — An industry conference for businesses in the NTFP sector, August 27-29, 2005. Taking place at Royal Roads University this event will support the expansion of markets for BC non-timber forest products and help businesses acquire and develop techniques to grow sustainably and contribute to rural economic development in their communities. The conference will involve 150 BC businesses and business experts in two days of workshops and meetings that will enhance business skills, knowledge and competitiveness of participants. An important objective of the conference is to encourage the growth a recognized, respected NTFP sector and the creation of an industry voice.

Shop the Wild 2005 Tradeshow and Festival — This event will profile many products and business opportunities the NTFP sector has to offer and will launch the sector into the public spotlight. The event is expected to attract up to 5,000 visitors and will feature an open air market, entertainment, lectures, demonstrations, a “Wild Chef” cook-off, garden and forest tours, and much more.

First Nations businesses and communities will play an instrumental role in both conference and the trade show.

The purpose of the Centre for Non-Timber Resources (CNTR) is to support and encourage sustainable utilization of non-timber forest resources in BC and in the temperate and boreal regions of the world. The principal focus of the centre is the wise use of non-timber forest resources to diversify and sustain rural and resource-dependent economies. Activities of the CNTR include research, education and capacity-building, policy development and industry-building. The NTFP sector continues to show strong growth potential. The last formal estimate of contribution to the provincial economy was over $600 million in 1999.

To support and acknowledge this sector, the CNTR has recently published the first directory of non-timber forest product businesses. Buy BC Wild (2005), the BC Directory of Buyers and Sellers of Non-Timber Forest Products, is a free advertising opportunity for B.C. businesses that offer products or services, excluding timber, that are derived from the forest. 20,000 free copies of Buy BC Wild are being distributed throughout the province and available on the web at no charge. The directory will be distributed through tourist info centers, B&Bs, aligned retailers and direct to other businesses. The vision is to create a resource that connects consumers and other businesses to the vast array of products the province has to offer.

For more information on the NTFP sector or the conference, or to obtain
a free copy of the Buy BC Wild directory, contact the CNTR at:

Centre for Non-Timber Resources, Royal Roads University
2005 Sooke Road, Victoria, B.C. V9B 5Y2
E-mail: ntfp@royalroads.ca
Phone: (250) 391-2600 ext. 4328
Fax: (250) 391-2563

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 11:30 AM on July 28, 2005