80 million people in Asia, including many ethnic communities, are directly or indirectly forest dependent. Forest coverage in South East Asia is decreasing three times faster than elsewhere in the world. Non-timber forest products are often the most significant source of household income in remote areas, and women are more involved than men in NTFP harvesting. For timber, the economic potential is high but the market is dominated by a few, and is conflictive, making access for small timber producers difficult.

SNV has significant experience in the sector in the region, including in innovative financing areas such as CDM. Strong partnerships have been developed and prospects for resource mobilisation are good. Supporting sustainable and market oriented production methods for timber and NTFPs by small forest producers will be achieved through a stronger marketing focus, and the value chain development approach will also develop more income and employment at local level.

The creation of a supportive enabling environment, including secured access and user rights will result from a continued use of a multistakeholder sector development approach.