What is an iNet

Interregional Innovation Networks (iNets) are the core tool of the INCREDIBLE project to promote knowledge on Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) across the Mediterranean basin. iNets for NWFPs bring together a whole series of relevant actors with complementary knowledge, expertise and experiences in five different networks (cork, resins, mushrooms & truffles, nuts & berries, medicinal plants). Shared information and exchange will identify the most relevant needs in each NWFP in order to improve profitability, sustainability and their impact on the creation of green jobs and rural development.

These networks will allow to seed, collect, generate and disseminate relevant technological, economic, innovative and research knowledge linked to the main NWFP value chains. Specifically, these five networks has been developed

• Cork. Coordinated by: UNAC

• Resins. Coordinated by: Cesefor

• Aromatic & Medicinal Plants. Coordinated by: INRGREF

• Wild Mushrooms & Truffles. Coordinated by: CTFC

• Wild Nuts & Berries. Coordinated by: INIA

Download here the iNet Manual.

Knowledge gaps/challenges identified

Resins

• resource modelling in a context of climate change
• progress in the compatibility of resin harvesting with other forest uses
• improvement in working conditions of the resin tappers
• development of new natural resin derivative products

Aromatic & Medicinal Plants

• supporting production and marketing capacities
• natural Resource Management and biodiversity conservation
• legal framework adjustment
• certification and traceability

Cork

• climate change adaptation and cork oak decline
• evaluation of Ecosystem services (life cycle approach)
• profitability
• policies targeted on multifunctionality
• communication (to consumer, to research, etc.)
• some crucial policy innovation ideas (stronger regulations to minimise the grey economy; establishment of PES models; maintenance/ development of regulations to assure the sustainability of the cork oak ecosystem; multifunctional ecosystem policies)

Wild Mushrooms & Truffles

• marketing
• management of truffle plantations and development of mycosilviculture
• regulation and taxation systems and training

Wild Nuts & Berries

- Chestnut value chain
• Increase processing quality
• Standardisation of supply
• Develop new products (chestnut beer or chestnut flour)

- Mediterranean pine nuts
• immaturity of the sector: lack of management and good practices guidelines.
• organic food labels: better marketing and communication of certification brands and labels

- Knowledge gaps in common (WN&B)
• pests and diseases: how to solve severe yield losses especially due to new exotic pests.
• Arbutus unedo and berries are not promoted adequately