Project description

Northern natural sustainable resources, treasures from the nature, include a wide range of goods of biological origin. Non-timber Forest Products (NTFP) include f.ex. edible berries and nuts, mushrooms, fruits, herbs, spices and condiments, aromatic plants, game, fibers (used in construction, furniture, clothing or utensils) , resins, gums, and plant and animal products used for medical, cosmetic or cultural purposes. These products have always been important for the people living in Barents region. Thanks to the wide free access to forests there is practically unlimited possibility to pick berries, mushrooms and herbs for everyone. Availability of reindeer and game meat has always been an important contribution to food security in the region.

Public interest towards healthy natural food has been increasing during recent decades and it has many advantages both in local and international markets. Even though NTFP -related business have long tradition in Barents region, most of the natural goods are used locally or they have been exported as raw-material outside the region. The development of the local nature-based industry needs constant cooperation between the SMEs, educational institutes, research institutes and consulting organizations. The main objective of Treasures from the Northern Nature (TreNat) project is to improve this cooperation, aiming to increase general awareness of interests, activities and targets of NTFP stakeholders and business, cultural and health aspects of NTFPs. This will further improve networking of NTFP stakeholders and create new and better partnerships and networks for preparations for the next Research and Innovation framework, Cross-Border Co-operation programs and Regional Development Programs.