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protection, material industry, health sector, labour, and trade sectors. This, according to the same author, opens chances for joint value chain development and alliances. Sectors such as biochemistry or bioengineering can help in unlocking the NWFPs potential in bioeconomy, by creating bio-based solutions that can tackle global challenges (as climate change adaptation) [26]. In contrast to for example Finland and Sweden, where the timber industry plays a central role, in Mediterranean countries, there are strong agroforestry sectors, NWFPs, as well as other ecosystem services associated with different land use systems [61,63]. In Southeastern and Eastern European countries use of NWPSs is as well common (and historic) activity in rural areas, however not always formally recognized [45]. NWFPs are used for self-consumption (keeping and changing of habits) but also as a business opportunity. These aspects provide chances for a better recognition of NWFPs, especially when developing comprehensive forest bioeconomy strategies [64]. When relating the analysed cases to the main objectives of the EU Bioeconomy Strat- egy [1], we see that these innovations in NWFPs can support bioeconomy pathways in multiple ways. These innovations are not only an opportunity to support job creation and competitiveness of rural areas as usually addressed in literature. In the Table 5, we assess the potential contributions of NWFP to the four objectives, based on the analysed cases, other literature, and further considerations.
Table5. NWFPs potential contribution to EU Bioeconomy Strategy main objectives.
Contribution Detected in Case Studies (Amount and Type of Business)
EU Bioeconomy Strategy Main Objectives [1]
How NWFPs Can Contribute to These Objectives
Food and nutrition produced within small business, such as mushrooms (ESGOUR , ESHOT) , berries (country wines , UKWINE) , chestnuts (ITMAR) , game (ATGAME) , birchsap (FIBIR) , Stone Pine (ATLEAD), hand-plucked wild teas (UKFINE), foraging (UKPICK), wild food from forests (ATNPS). Management of forests in diversified business portfolios: Christmas tree plantations (ATXMAS) ; Direct game marketing (DEGAME) , Agroforestry use (e.g., for truffle production) Natural pine resin products in cosmetics (ESRES) , Stone Pine for e.g., essential oils (ATLEAD) Sustainable regional development of cultural landscapes with high natural value (ATNPS) Natural larch turpentine and resin, among others, used for natural paints (ITTURP) NWFPs can potentially be used as renewable resource (branches, pine cones etc.)—NWFP can possibly be used in co-production with energy (Charcoal production [65]) NWFPs offer various job opportunities in rural areas, and in this way, they keep outmigration and ensure sustainability of rural areas: Mushroom restaurant and gourmet products by local women (ESGOUR) Finnish start-up company sells luxury gift packages from forest products (FIGIFT) A start-up for climbing wall holds (SLOCLI) The rural start-up for herbal tea with innovative packaging (SRBTEA) Experiential services: Cut your own Christmas tree (ATXMAS)
Ensuring food and nutrition security
10
Managing natural resources sustainably
6
Reducing dependence on non-renewable resources for energy
Strengthening European competitiveness and creating new jobs
9
Mushroom hotel, rural tourism enterprise (ESHOT) Coppice wood management training (UKCOPP) Teaching woodland management (UKSKIL) Willow weaving courses (UKWILL)
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