The current state of accessory forest utilization (wild fruits and berries): problems and prospects

Abstract

Despite the increased man impact on the understori es and adverse global climate changes in recent decades, the bioresource pote ntial of accessory forest utilization in Belarus continues to be very significant. Analysis of the current cond itions of accessory forest utilizati on reveals that economic entities of various ownership forms should be active participants of this activity. It is the Ministry of Forestry that should be coordinating body empowered with inspecting functions as it is the main forest asset holder in the country. The proportion of business enterprises in the volume of wild fruits and berries harvest-ing is the most substantial followed by organizations of Belkoopsouz system and sole proprietorships. Institutions of the Ministry of Forestry harvest less than 1% of fruit and berry production. The development of accessory forest utilization on the principles of sustainable use and expanded reproduction of non-timber resources and responsibility of all business entities for the condition of resources makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of forestry based on complexity and multifunctionality and improve the number of valuable natural food products and drug and preventive products per population.