This book addresses the negative impacts of conservation policies on the Pygmy people of the central African rainforests with respect to their lifestyle and culture. Based on half a century of field research, this book presents a clear picture of the relationship between indigenous peoples and forests, and explores the use of non-timber forest resources – "using forests without cutting them down" – as an integrated solution to the two major issues surrounding forests today: forest conservation and improving indigenous peoples' well-being through the use of forest resources.