Berrocal, A.  1998. “ Estudio etnobotánico y de mercado de productos no maderables de Bosques Secundarios en la Región Chorotega, Costa Rica”. Informe de Práctica de especialidad.  Escuela de Ingeniería Forestal, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica.

Summary

This study attempts to describe several species of the seondary forests of Guanacaste that can be exploited as non-timber forest products (NTFP).  In addition, it explores the potential market for these species in order to assess the possibility of converting this activity into an alternative income source for landowners.

The present study is based on inventories conducted in the secondary forests of Horizontes Experimental Forestry Station, of the Área de Conservación Guanacaste.  We collected ethnobotanical and market information, from seven townships in Guanacaste province through interviews, bibliographic reviews and observations.  We grouped forest products into various categories, of which foods, medicines, craft supplies, agroforestry (living fences) and seed source , all had some potential market.

Based on this information, as well as phenological observations and forestry classifications it was possible to estimate production volumes. With this we arrived at a preliminary valuation (using very conservative values) for the market potential of products of the secondary forests of the region. The per hactare values varied between ¢66,843.03 (US $257.10) and ¢154,610.92 (US $594.66) depending of forest type.

The posibility of valuing the indirect forest services provided by these forests was also considered, specifically with the value of the forest protection certificate (CPB) which totals  ¢12,000.00 (US $46.15) per hectar per year, and the international price forCO₂ fixing which is valued at US $10 per fixed ton.  Based on this information and our review of the literature, the value of secodary forest was quantified.