This study focuses on understanding the socio-economic relevance of plant resources collected
from the wild and its relation to current patterns of trade and sustainability. Grischa Brokamp
reviews and analyzes the current extent of palm trade in northwestern South America its impact
limitations and future perspective. Indeed there are conflicts between the commercialization of
wild plant resources and the conservation of exploited species which is illustrated by
examples from the plant families Arecaceae and Krameriaceae.
