Sustainable wild harvest:
issues of definition

Merchants in Pakistan
©Alan Hamilton

Sustainable use in relation to a wild plant resource is typically defined in terms of the balance between off-take and supply in a particular production area, for example ‘the use of plant resources at levels of harvesting and in such ways that the plants are able to continue to supply the products required indefinitely’ (Wong et al., 2001).

A more holistic definition is also possible, referring more to the overall biological and resource values of an area, than in relation to any particular species that is currently harvested: ‘The use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations’ (CBD, 1992).

Although ignoring many potential complexities, the first of these definitions has the merit of simplicity (off-take equal to or lower than the replenishment rate of the resource) and of relating directly to a defined geographical area and hence to the key question of resource ownership. It also has the social advantage of being a good match with the long-term needs of many harvesters of wild medicinal plants, who tend to be poor and likely to be glad if they can continue to rely on the continuing year-on-year availability of the resources for an income.

The second definition can be seen as more realistic of ecological and socio-economic realities. Populations of wild plants fluctuate in their numbers anyway, even if they are not subject to harvesting, while historically there are numerous cases when particular natural resources have been temporarily depleted at certain places, but without any apparent long-term detrimental consequences.

However, taking such a broad approach to judging sustainability could lead to weak management of natural resources, potentially disastrous given present pressures on the planet, and potentially be liable to abuse.

References

- CBD (1992) Convention on Biological Diversity.

- Wong, J.L.G., Thornber, K., & Baker, N. (2001) Resource assessment of non-wood forest products FAO, Rome, Italy.

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