There are more than 600 species of rattans, of which only about 10 percent are traded internationally. A wide variety of terms and terminologies were used in the rattan sector worldwide, often with different meanings, or which were not well understood by many rattan users. An expert consultation on rattan, organized in December 2000 in Rome by FAO and the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) proposed a number of immediate steps to promote the sustainable use of rattan. One of the conclusions of the meeting was the need to compile and clarify terms and definitions used in the management, utilization, processing and trade of rattans and their products among the many stakeholders in the various countries. Aim of the publication was to disseminate a rattan glossary in support of the development of the rattan sector worldwide. This glossary is structured according to the following major sections: rattan resources (biology, management, plantations, harvesting); rattan as a raw material (transport, storage, grading and post-harvest handling, rattan trade); rattan processing (for local artisanal uses; for industrial level furniture manufacturing); and rattan trade in raw, furniture and other products. In order to give special emphasis to the emerging rattan sector in Africa, a separate compilation of terms specifically focusing on those used in that country, was then added.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
FAO

Region
Africa

Biome
All

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All