Community Manuals

People and Plants International (PPI) is deeply committed to facilitating the communication and exchange of socially useful knowledge to and among local users. Manuals have a critical role to play in this regard, enabling the dissemination of traditional knowledge within and among local peoples and the democratization of otherwise not readily accessible technical information.

The knowledge exchange manuals below have been created by PPI to assist local groups make informed choices and encourage sustainable and equitable practices. Please contact PPI to obtain a copy or for more information about them.

Uso y Manejo de los Copales Aromáticos: Resinas y Aceites

S. Purata Velarde, 2008

This manual is written for people from rural communities to collect or extract copal resins and aromatic oils from different species of Bursera in a sustainable manner. The manual has general information on the production of resins and aromatic oils, historic uses of these materials, as well as explanations of the technical-scientific concepts necessary to understand the principles of sustainable management of non-timber forest products. Download the guide PDF Español

Guía Práctica Forestal de Silvicultura Comunitaria
P. Gerez Fernández and S. Purata Velarde, 2008

This practical forest management guide is directed towards community forests managers who desire to use their natural resources in a sustainable manner. The guide includes topics such as the history of community forestry in Mexico, understanding the ecosystem, conducting forest inventories, sustainable harvesting and other benefits or uses of forests such as carbon sequestration and ecotourism. Download the guide PDF Español.

Riquezas del Bosque: Frutas, Remedios y Artesanías en América Latina

C. Lopez, P. Shanley, M. C. Cronkleton (ed.), 2006

Riches of the forest: Fruits, Remedies and Handicrafts in Latin America compiles the knowledge of several researchers and local people from different Latin American countries. The aim of this book is to share information about selected non-timber forest species. It contains carefully selected information on marketing, harvesting, preparation and commercialization of key NTPFs. It is written and presented in a style that is both attractive and easily accessible to a broad popular audience.

Frutíferas e Plantas Úteis na Vida Amazônica
P. Shanley and G. Medina (ed.), 2005

This 300-page book integrates relevant scientific findings from a ethnoecological research program in Brazilian Amazonia with traditional knowledge. Ninety Brazilian scientists and scores of rural farmers contributed, most having never shared their know-how with a broad audience before. This book intends to get information into the hands of people who need it the most. It is created on a framework that questions "who is science for" by promoting more innovative products of research which are directed at broad audiences including rural communities and civil society, whose sustenance depends upon natural resources.

La Riqueza de los Bosques Mexicanos: Mas Alla de La Madera. Experiencias de Communidades Rurales
C. Lopez, S. Chanfon, G. Segura, 2004

This book profiles 19 NTFP cases from different natural regions (desert to humid tropics) in Mexico. Each case describes the natural, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of non-timber forest products and their potentials and constraints. In brief and accessible language combined with descriptive illustrations, each chapter describes the current production conditions of the 19 NTFPs including chicle, spring water, charcoal, fibers, palms, and spices.

Ejabawejakiji Ebiohoneki Shemeno Ese Ejaha Sowiho: Para Conocer Los Remedios del Monte
M. N. Alexiades, G. Huajo-Huajo, et al., 2004

Researched, written, illustrated with and by six Ese Eja from four different communities, this health manual aims to strengthen the internal capacity of the Ese Eja in Peru and Bolivia to deal with their health issues, as well as other problems linked to rapid social and ecological change. Providing information on the use of medicinal plants to treat common illness symptoms, this bi-lingual health manual helps secure and re-energize traditional health-care delivery means and resources, and has enabled cross-exchange of knowledge between different Ese Eja communities in Peru and Bolivia.