Harvesting liquid gold: Innovative techniques in pine resin tapping

Abstract

Resin tapping in pine trees, a practice with deep historical roots, has significant ecological, economic, and social impacts. This review explores various resin tapping techniques, from traditional methods to modern innovations, and their effects on trees and forest ecosystems. It highlights resin's role as a vital raw material for numerous industries, underscoring its economic importance. Additionally, the article examines the societal benefits of resin tapping, such as job creation, community development, and cultural preservation. It further illustrates diverse resin-tapping methods and emphasizes the necessity of sustainable forest management. These examples show how resin extraction can be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, balancing resource use with ecosystem health. By analyzing both the benefits and challenges of resin tapping, the review provides a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted impacts, offering insights into best practices that support both economic growth and ecological sustainability.

Full text

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ISSN Print: 2617-4693
ISSN Online: 2617-4707
IJABR 2024; 8(6): 366-372
www.biochemjournal.com
Received: 02-04-2024
Accepted: 10-05-2024
K Ophelia Dkhar
Department of Horticulture,
School of Agriculture, Lovely
Professional University,
Phagwara, Punjab, India
Vishal Johar
Department of Horticulture,
School of Agriculture, Lovely
Professional University,
Phagwara, Punjab, India
Corresponding Author:
Vishal Johar
Department of Horticulture,
School of Agriculture, Lovely
Professional University,
Phagwara, Punjab, India
Harvesting liquid gold: Innovative techniques in pine
resin tapping
K Ophelia Dkhar and Vishal Johar
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i6e.1338
Abstract
Resin tapping in pine trees, a practice with deep historical roots, has significant ecological, economic,
and social impacts. This review explores various resin tapping techniques, from traditional methods to
modern innovations, and their effects on trees and forest ecosystems. It highlights resin's role as a vital
raw material for numerous industries, underscoring its economic importance. Additionally, the article
examines the societal benefits of resin tapping, such as job creation, community development, and
cultural preservation. It further illustrates diverse resin-tapping methods and emphasizes the necessity
of sustainable forest management. These examples show how resin extraction can be conducted in an
environmentally responsible manner, balancing resource use with ecosystem health. By analyzing both
the benefits and challenges of resin tapping, the review provides a comprehensive understanding of its
multifaceted impacts, offering insights into best practices that support both economic growth and
ecological sustainability.
Keywords: Resin tapping, pine trees, sustainable forestry, ecological impact, economic importance
Introduction
To protect themselves from harmful creatures, plants secrete a broad array of defensive
chemicals that hinder, repel, or otherwise hinder the advancement of intruders (López-
Álvarez et al., 2023) [10, 11]. The invaders' natural predators may be enticed by these
compounds as well. Resin is a great example of one of these protective substances. It is a
thick liquid that many plant species secrete and which contains both volatile and non-volatile
secondary metabolites, with the exact ratios varying from species to species (Doughari,
2012) [27]. The main components are mono- and sesquiterpenes as well as resin acids. In most
cases, specialized cells that can build various structures to hold resin under pressure are
responsible for both the production and storage of resin. In response to injury to plant tissues,
resin either ejects or entraps the intruder. Furthermore, the volatile compounds in the resin
evaporate when exudation starts and the material comes into contact with air. This leaves
behind a semi-crystalline mass that acts as a protective barrier, sealing the wound and
ensuring that no further insects or pathogens can access the internal tissues (Trapp &
Croteau, 2001) [28].
A wide variety of plant taxa use resin production as a defense mechanism; this includes
species from orders as diverse as Asparagales, Malvales, Apiales, and Coniferales, among
many others (Zas et al., 2020) [24, 25]. However, gymnosperms-specifically, members of the
Pinaceae family, which has as many as 10 genera and 230 species found all over the globe-
are the primary resin producers in temperate zones. The Pinus genus receives the most
funding for resin production among the Pinaceae family members. Resin is abundant in pine
trees, present in all parts of the plant (stems, roots, limbs, needles, and even cones), and
accounting for 10–20% of the tree's dry mass. A network of resin ducts interconnected in
three dimensions forms the storage structure for pine resin. Damage to resin canals causes
the resin that has built up in this web of tube-like structures to leak out in quantities that can
be quite substantial, depending on the species.
Many cultures have relied on pine tree resin for thousands of years due to its many practical
applications. Resin tapping refers to the process of extracting resin from trees by creating
holes in live tree stems and then collecting the resin that runs out of those holes (Sharma et
al., 2018) [18].
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According to previous studies (Palma et al., 2016) [14], the
traditional methods of inflicting wounds destroyed thin
strips of wood in addition to bark and cambium, leading to
significant lesions and affecting tree growth and timber
quality. According to recent research (Van der Maaten et al.,
2017) [21], modern wounds do not enter the wood, which
lessens their effects on tree growth and allows the collection
of resin to flow from the exposed resin channels in the
xylem and phloem. While resin had a variety of early-stage
applications, including mummification in Egypt and
traditional medicine, the 15th century saw a dramatic
increase in the demand for pine resin as a waterproofing
agent in Europe's booming shipbuilding industry.
Resin has retained a significant industrial niche since the
19th century, when the chemical industry emerged. Liang et
al. (2023) [21], listed several pharmaceutical, cosmetic,
emulsifier, adhesive, chewing gum, and paint products that
included oleoresin or one of its derivatives. As the industry
became more professional, researchers made great strides in
improving tapping techniques and exploitation efficiency.
This led to a steady accumulation of knowledge in the
various fields involved in resin production, including the
development of new extraction methods and the use of
chemical stimulants to boost production. The production of
resin in countries that had traditionally produced it, such as
Spain, France, the USA, and Portugal, rose steadily until the
1980s, when new producers in subtropical regions entered
the market and effectively monopolized it, causing
traditional areas to produce almost no resin at all (Williams
et al., 2017) [22]. Synthetic resins reduced resin tapping
exploitations. In the 2000s, the resin tapping sector saw a
revival in southwest Europe due to the industry's focus on
renewable bioproducts as an alternative for petroleum
derivatives and the need to revitalize pine forests
economically and environmentally (Touza et al., 2021) [20].
The usage of fossil fuels, which are not replenishable, in
many industrial operations has raised environmental
concerns. Numerous products can be made more sustainable
and eco-friendlier by substituting pine resin for petroleum
derivatives, according to studies. Hydrogenated turpentine is
utilized in modern printer inks and jet fuels (Lema et al.,
2024) [4]. Researchers have been studying pine resin's
production, chemical qualities, and extraction processes
more than ever before as the sector sees a renaissance, all to
boost profits.
Resin biosynthesis
Several genetic and external factors affect how complex
resin pine trees make. Tree bark, cambium, and wood all
have resin ducts or tunnels that help make resin and store it.
Here, encased parenchyma cells send out sticky substances
through these pathways. Isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and
dimethylallyl diphosphate are the building blocks for the
biosynthesis of resin acids, phenolic compounds, mono- and
sesquiterpenes, and other complex resin parts (Heinze et al.,
2021) [5]. The pine tree genome contains instructions for
making terpene synthases and cytochrome P450
monooxygenases, which speed up the process of making
these chemicals (Lah et al., 2013) [29]. It's possible for
temperature, humidity, the brightness of the light, and biotic
stresses like bug populations and pathogen infections to
cause the resin to form. Injuries caused by machines may
play a role. These stresses turn on genes that make resin and
secretions, which build up resin at the site of the damage or
infection. Resin that helps wounds heal keeps the body safe
from bugs and infections.
Resin Production Factors
The age, health, and surroundings of pine trees all affect
how much resin they make and how good it is. Younger
trees make less resin. The resin tubes in older trees get
bigger, which means they make more resin. Still, older trees
may not have as much oil available because their bodies are
dying and their metabolisms are slowing down. A tree's
health affects how much resin it makes. When trees are sick
or worried, they may make less resin because they have less
energy. Oliveira et al. (2019) [1] say that trees that are
healthy and can properly take in water and nutrients produce
more bark. Resin output is affected by elevation, soil type,
temperature, and amount of rain or snow. Resin-making
plant cells do best in warm, wet places, away from dry and
cold places. Trees that grow in grounds and climates that are
high in nutrients make better resin. To sum up, the
production of pine tree resin is affected by many external,
physiological, and genetic factors. To get the most resin out
of their trees and the best resin extraction, commercial
forestry companies need to fully understand these systems
and the rules that govern them.
Traditional Uses of Pine Resin
Indigenous peoples have used pine resin for centuries in
their daily lives and ceremonies. Its adaptability makes it
essential to many daily and cultural practices. Pine resin has
traditionally been used medicinally by Indigenous societies.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics make it
ideal for treating skin infections, wounds and burns
topically. Pine resin has several historical and current uses,
including bandage adhesive and respiratory therapy. Many
indigenous groups employ pine resin in ceremonies and
offerings due to its spiritual value. It can create a sacred
mood and purify the air during ceremonies like incense.
Aromatic pine resin smoke is believed to send prayers and
well wishes to the afterlife and help people connect with
nature (García-Méijome et al., 2023) [4].
Indigenous communities have traditionally employed pine
resin, a natural glue, for craft and art. It binds materials in
traditional dwellings, weapons, and equipment. Pine resin
adhesives make artistic goods more durable and long-
lasting. Indigenous tribes have long used pine resin for
waterproofing and preservation. A thin covering protects
wooden tools, containers, and receptacles from insects,
dampness, and rotting. Pine resin coating made these things
sturdier and more long-lasting. Indigenous tribes have
traditionally sealed and preserved with pine resin. It seals
gourd and clay pot seams, preventing air and bacteria from
damaging food. Pine resin gives foods and drinks in its
containers a slight taste. Indigenous peoples have used pine
resin as a dye and pigment to produce a spectrum of hues in
fabrics, pottery, and body art. It can make many colours
using minerals, plant extracts, and animal ingredients. Pine
resin pigments and dyes are popular for their durability and
fade resistance.
Environmental Stewardship: Indigenous peoples process
pine resin and other natural resources sustainably because
they value nature. Maintaining pine trees and their
ecosystems through traditional harvesting will preserve
biodiversity and ecological balance. Indigenous pine resin
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management and preservation (Meena & Akash, 2023) [13].
Indigenous peoples' longtime use of pine resin shows their
dedication to preserving their unique cultural history. These
customs have lasted because they help us maintain our
heritage and beliefs while adapting to new situations.
Indigenous people regard pine resin as a symbol of their past
and identity.
Indigenous societies have relied on pine resin for eons for its
spiritual, cultural, and utilitarian uses. The significance of
traditional knowledge and practices in creating harmony and
resilience in human-environment interactions is highlighted
by its varied features and sustainable harvesting practices,
which emphasize the fundamental relationship between
Indigenous peoples and the natural world.
Methods of Resin Tapping
Methods for tapping In the Landes de Gascogne region of
France, around 1850, Pierre Hugues created the first pine
resin tapping method, which is being used today, for
instance, in Indonesia. Steele outlines the principles of the
fishbone tapping method in a US patent that he received in
1869. In the future, the approach would undergo some
changes in the 1950s carried out by Mazek Fialla in Europe,
eventually becoming what is known today as the Rill
method, which is used in India (Cunningham, 2012) [30] (Fig.
1).
Methods for tapping pine resin utilized globally
▪ Chinese method: The secondary xylem is reached by
daily cutting a V-shaped groove that points downwards.
About 1.2 meters above ground level is where the first
groove is cut, and further grooves are created below it.
The groove extends over the tree's circumference,
reaching approximately halfway. An artificial chemical
is not employed. China is the primary user of this
approach.
▪ American method: A 15-to-18-day interval is used to
cut a horizontal groove. The first of the grooves is cut
twenty centimeters above ground level. The only parts
taken out are the phloem and bark. The grooves range
in height from 2 to 3 cm and measure around one-third
of the tree's girth in length (Zaluma et al., 2022) [23]. A
paste containing 18–24% sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is
used as a stimulant. Examples of stimulants used as
chemical adjuvants in paste formulation include
salicylic acid and 2-chloroethyl-phosphonic acid, both
of which are ethylene precursors. Countries including
Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, and Spain adopt this
technique.
▪ Hugues or French method: The secondary xylem is
reached by cutting 8 to 10 cm wide slices into the trunk
every 10 to 15 days. After two years of extraction, the
cut surface may reach a height of 1.8 m from the
ground. This technique, which originated in France in
the middle of the nineteenth century, is primarily
employed in Indonesia today.
▪ Mazek or Rill method: With each passing 3–7 days,
V-shaped grooves 2–3 mm wide are sliced. We carved
the grooves upwards. A spray containing a stimulant
consisting of half hydrochloric acid (HCl) and half
sodium bicarbonate (H2SO4) is sprayed on. At the
moment, this technique is in use in India and Indonesia.
Although other extraction methods have been
investigated, they have not yet seen substantial
commercial application. For example, the borehole
approach and the Eurogem closed-blaze method (Zas et
al., 2020) [24, 25] involve collecting the oleoresin in a
sealed receiver.
Fig 1: Different tapping techniques
Chemical stimulation
In the early 1920s, American researcher Eloise Gerry set out
to discover how pine resin was made. Her work laid the
groundwork for what is now known as the "American
method," the sole modern tapping technique that has been
officially recognized. Russia also came up with the idea of
chemical stimulation around the same period. Chemical
stimulation refers to the process of increasing pine resin
production by the use of chemical products that are applied
to pine trees. Several items have been tested since Hessel
was given the first US patent in 1936 (Jakubowski et al.,
2023) [6]. R.W. Clements [9] was granted a US patent in 1967
for describing the first paste-form chemical stimulant.
Before this, the pine resin was sprayed onto the opening
incision to facilitate its flow. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was the
active ingredient in this stimulating paste. In a subsequent
US patent, Wolter detailed the preparation of a stimulant
paste that included CEPA (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) in
addition to sulphuric acid. Following its application to the
wound, CEPA travels up the pine stem, where it
decomposes under the right chemical circumstances to
produce ethylene. When pine trees detect ethylene, they
begin to produce resin (Lempang et al., 2017) [8]. Not long
ago, salicylic acid was shown to be an effective component
of stimulant paste for pine tapping, and it is already being
sold commercially in certain regions of Brazil.
Micro-tapping
The last bouts of traditional tapping occurred in September
of both years and at the same time, parallel studies were
performed utilizing micro-tapping techniques to examine the
effects of the stimulant pastes. These tests were carried out
on separate trees that were located near the ones that were
subjected to the traditional tapping. Following the previous
description, 48 trees were chosen and measured at each site
(four in 2020 and six in 2021). Four trees were randomly
assigned per treatment and block to one of the four stimulant
treatments - CTR, CUN, SAL, and ZET-within three
ecologically homogenous blocks of sixteen trees each.
Following Zas et al. (2020) [24, 25], micro-tapping was carried
out. In short, the bark was marked in a 10-by-10-centimeter
window at 50 cm above ground level. Then, using an arch
punch and a hammer, a disc of 1.5 cm in diameter was
removed from the remaining bark, phloem, and cambium,
being careful not to damage the xylem. Next, a small
amount of the stimulant paste (about 0.5 g) was dabbed onto
the inside of the incision. Affixing pre-weighted 50 ml

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Falcon® plastic vials was the next step, after which the
holes were sealed with specially-made plastic devices
(Zevgolis et al., 2022) [26]. Periodically, vials were replaced
to investigate the kinetics of resin flow following injury.
The amount of resin that flowed out of the wounds was
measured gravimetrically (with a precision of 0.01 g) on
certain days following the wounding in the 2020 campaign
and on certain days following the wounding in the 2021
campaign. After that, for each period, we calculated the
resin flow rate (in grams per day) and utilized it as the
dependent variable in our temporal dynamic analysis. On
the last day of each campaign's evaluation, the accumulated
resin flow was also calculated.
Modern Techniques and Innovations in Resin Tapping
Modern techniques and innovations in resin tapping have
significantly advanced the efficiency and sustainability of
the practice. Automated tapping tools are a big step forward.
Precision cuts in the bark are made by automated, battery-
powered tools in these systems. This made extracting the
resin more efficient while also lowering the amount of work
that needed to be done. Better bags and tubs for collecting
resin help keep it clean and increase its output (Maaten et
al., 2017) [21]. Acids like sulfuric acid, ethephon, and 2-
chloroethylphosphonic acid are now commonly used to
speed up the flow of glue. More advanced types of these
stimulants have made the process work better and are better
for the world.
Another big new idea is controlled wounding ways that use
micro-tapping, which means making smaller, more precise
cuts to get the resin out. This method keeps the tree healthy
so that it doesn't get hurt as easily. This makes fruits last
longer. Techniques for making very small cuts make the
flow of oil even better and help the trees live a long time. In
biotechnology, trees that naturally make more resin and are
less likely to get diseases are chosen genetically and bred to
make more resin (Puente-Villegas et al., 2020) [15]. The
biochemical regulation study aims to make the ways that
trees make resin better.
The ways that modern resin tapping is done are also better
for the earth. To keep pine forests safe for the long term,
rules have been put in place for sustainable harvesting.
Integrated pest management methods are also used to keep
trees that have been cut down safe from diseases and pests
without harming the environment. All of these new ideas are
meant to make resin tapping more effective and last longer,
while also being good for the environment and the economy.
Comparison of Methods in Terms of Efficiency and
Sustainability
Comparing traditional resin tapping methods to current ones
shows some important variations in efficiency and
environmental friendliness. Tapping is faster and more
precise with mechanical tools than with manual trimming or
bark peeling. Automation reduces the time and energy
needed for resin extraction, increasing production (López-
Álvarez et al., 2023) [10, 11]. The second method generates
more resin per tree than the first, which uses no chemicals.
The first way is traditional. This strategy maximizes tree use
to boost efficiency.
Controlled wounding technologies like micro-tapping keep
wounds closed longer than traditional approaches. These
treatments prevent tree damage with tiny incisions, making
them essential for pine forest health and productivity.
Winding the trees into coils keeps them healthy and
productive during multiple tapping cycles, making resin
collection efficient and environmentally friendly.
Biotechnological innovations like biochemical modulation
and genetic selection boost resin yields and damage
tolerance in tree species, improving sustainability.
Pine forest ecosystem and biodiversity conservation can be
achieved using modern, ecologically sustainable
technologies. Sustainable harvesting and integrated pest
management are examples (Du et al., 2022) [2]. Resin
collection using these methods will protect forest
ecosystems. Modern methods increase resin extraction
efficiency while practicing sustainability, environmental
friendliness, and resource conservation.
Environmental and Ecological Impact
Tree-ring growth: tapped versus untapped faces
There were clear patterns of growth before resin tapping, as
shown by the mean raw tree-ring width (TRW) and STD of
cores from both the tapped and untapped faces. The TRW of
the two faces began to diverge. Specifically, between 2002
and 2004, the tapped face had much lower values (TRW
decrease) than the untapped face (TRW increase), with the
difference being greater than 2 mm. Nevertheless, the period
was the only one in which the disparity in STD (i.e., STD
increase – STD decrease) was statistically significant
(p<0.05).
Tree-ring growth: tapped versus untapped trees
Here we offer the tree-ring width series together with its
metadata and chronological statistics. There was more age
variability and a little older average age for resin-tapped
trees compared to untapped trees. Yet, 90% of both the
tapped and untapped trees belonged to the mature forest
stage, meaning they were older than 40 years. Therefore,
tree ring growth was unaffected by the age difference
between the two tree species (Lukmandaru et al., 2021) [12].
Although tapped trees had lower AC1 and SNR than
untapped trees, the values of MS, R bar, and GLK were
similar for the two groups. Except for the two years
following resin tapping, STD showed that tapped and
untapped trees exhibited constant inter-annual variability
throughout the research period. During 2000 and 2001, the
STD of tapped trees was considerably lower than that of
untapped trees, according to the independent sample t-test
(p<0.05). Despite this, tapped trees' tree-ring development
eventually returned to normal levels and even exceeded the
same inter-annual fluctuations seen in untapped trees.
Responses to climate variables: tapped versus untapped
trees
During the two periods preceding resin tapping, there were
no discernible variations in the climatic responses of trees
that had been tapped for resin and those that had not.
Furthermore, during the two pre-resin-tapping epochs,
particularly from 1967 to 1982, the associations between
resin-tapped and untapped tree-ring growth and climatic
variables were minimal. In addition, from 1983 to 1999,
there was a slight correlation between the STD of resin-
tapped and untapped trees and February precipitation, but a
negative correlation with the PDSI from February to May.
The tree-ring growth responses of tapped and untapped trees
in the period after resin extraction were different, though. It
showed that drought-related environmental variables were

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more strongly correlated with growth of both untapped and
resin-tapped trees after resin extraction compared to before
resin tapping. Additionally, tree-ring growth in resin-tapped
trees was more affected by these variables. The correlation
between tapped trees and temperature was stronger than that
between untapped trees and temperature (r = − 0.76 and r =
− 0.61, respectively), even though there was a significant
negative correlation between the mean temperature of the
early growing season (May-July) and both tapped and
untapped trees (Garcia-Forner et al., 2021) [21]. Additionally,
during the early growing season (May-July), the tree-ring
growth of tapped trees showed a negative association with
VPD and a positive correlation with the PDSI. In contrast,
the growth of untapped trees did not exhibit a significant
link with either VPD or PDSI. After resin tapping, the
model explained 59.01% of the variation in STD for tapped
trees and 28.81% for untapped trees, according to the
commonality analysis. Over 95% of the total explained
variance was accounted for by the following factors for both
tapped and untapped trees: the pure effects of the May-July
temperatures; the joint effects of temperature and the PDSI;
and the joint effects of temperature, the VPD, and the PDSI
(Zeng, Xiaomin, et al. 2023) [31]. Specifically, for tapped
trees, this was 30.38% of the explained variance, and for
untapped trees, it was 13.26%. While temperature accounted
for more than 95% of the total explained variance, the
similarity analysis between the first-order difference of STD
and the most significant climate variables showed that the
model-explained variances for tapped and untapped trees
were similar (53.9 and 53.59%, respectively). Within the
study period, the STD of tapped trees exhibited consistent
inter-annual changes, except for lower values in 2000 and
2001. Hence, after omitting 2000 and 2001, we proceeded to
compute the correlation coefficients between STD and the
most important environmental factors for the time after resin
tapping. Over the May–July period, the tapped trees' STD
correlation coefficient with VPD and PDSI, respectively,
dropped and were comparable to the untapped trees.
Findings like these suggest that lower STD values in 2000
and 2001 may have influenced the difference in tree-ring
climatic responses between tapped and untapped trees
(Xiaomin, et al. 2021) [31].
Economic and social aspects of resin tapping
Economic importance of resin tapping
Resin tapping is very important to the economies of many
countries, especially those with lots of pine woods, like
China, India, Brazil, and Portugal. Pine tree resin is an
important raw material for many businesses, such as those
that make glues, varnishes, sealants, and many chemical
products. The global resin market has grown a lot because it
can be used in so many different ways. Construction,
medicines, and food processing are just a few of the
industries that are driving demand.
The economy needs to tap resin for more reasons than just
getting money by selling resin (Rodríguez-García et al,
2021) [5] that the business helps millions of people around
the world make a living by giving them work. This is
especially true in the woods and in rural places where there
might not be many other ways to make some cash. The resin
tapping business is important for many jobs. One example is
people who work in forests and cut trees. Some other jobs
involve making and selling plastic goods. By paying for the
building of facilities and public services in places that make
resin, the money constructed from tapping resin also helps
national economies.
Market Demand and Commercial Uses of Resin
Because it can be used in so many ways, pine resin is in
high demand and will stay that way. It is another name for
pine resin and is used to make things like oil and rosin. It is
also used to make paints, inks, and varnishes and as a
solvent. Rosin, on the other hand, is used to make plastic
goods, glues, and stuffing for paper. Resin products are also
used in the drug industry because they can be used to treat
infections and lower inflammation (Soliño et al., 2018) [19].
In the food business, derivatives of pine resin are used to
make things blend better and add taste. They improve the
taste and length of food. Pine resin sales have gone up even
more because more people want natural and eco-friendly
products. Pine resin can be used over and over again and has
less of an effect on the environment than manufactured
resins. As the resin market grows, businesses that tap it stay
in business, and academics are pushed to find new ways to
extract and work with resin.
Socio-economic benefits to local communities
Resin tapping is good for local economies and communities,
especially in places that are farther away and have more
trees. Many people can count on stable jobs at the company,
which helps lower poverty rates and raise living standards.
In resin tapping, there is work for both skilled and unskilled
workers because the job can be done by people with
different levels of schooling and experience. The
community as a whole gain when families pay for things
like healthcare, education, and transportation with the
money they make from tapping resin.
The success of a resin-tapping business can help local
economies in a way called the "multiplier effect." To make
their point clear, resin tappers often shop at local markets,
which helps small businesses and services in the area (Zeng
et al., 2023) [31]. Because these businesses are spread out,
local economies are better able to handle changes like drops
in food prices and other economic problems. Also, people
who work in the resin-tapping business usually support
long-term management and protection of forest resources.
Resin production depends on healthy forests, so groups that
cut down trees for resin have a reason to keep forests
healthy. This could lead to better care for the environment
and protection efforts, which would protect forest areas for
many years to come.
Resin tapping can bring people together and help them keep
their practices alive. It can also be good for business. Many
cultures have used resin tapping, which is a popular method
that has been around for a long time. Rodrigues-Honda et al.
(2023) [16] found that keeping up with this practice helps to
protect cultural history and builds community pride and
personal identity at the same time. Training courses and
cooperatives can make the social benefits bigger by giving
resin tappers education and training and making sure they
work in a safe and fair place. In conclusion, resin tapping is
an important part of the economy because it creates many
jobs and makes a lot of money, has many uses that make it
more popular, and helps nearby towns in substantial social
and economic ways.

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Case studies
1. Finland: Sustainable Resin Tapping in Northern
Europe Finns have been resin tapping for a very long
time, especially in the north where there are lots of pine
trees. There are many eco-friendly ways to get resin
from trees that have been pushed by the Finnish Forest
Research Institute (Metla). For example, Finland has
used micro-tapping to make sure that trees are hurt as
little as possible while still getting the most oil out of
them (Garcia-Forner et al., 2021) [21]. It was possible
because people from the local communities and the
forest businesses worked together. The resin industry
has grown thanks to this method, which also helps the
country's income and keeps the forests' natural beauty.
2. Spain: Traditional Resin Tapping in Mediterranean
Forests Resin tapping has been done for a long time in
Spain, especially in the Mediterranean area where
Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) and coastal pine (Pinus
pinaster) are grown in large numbers. Traditional resin
tapping is still a big way for rural communities to make
money, even though globalization and falling demand
for natural resins are making it harder to do.
Cooperatives and local groups are very important in
places like Andalusia and Catalonia for keeping
traditional tapping methods alive and selling resin-
based goods to specific groups of people. While more
modern methods are slowly being used, Spain's
experience shows how traditional ways of tapping resin
can help rural communities keep their jobs and cultural
traditions alive. (Soliño, Mario, et al., 2018) [19].
Conclusion
The complex process of tapping pine trees for resin affects
ecosystems, businesses, and people. Traditional methods
preserve culture and strengthen communities, while modern
ones boost resin output. Both new and ancient resin
extraction technologies have pros and cons, therefore
environmental, economic, and social aspects must be
considered. For resin tapping to survive, current technology,
conventional wisdom, and ecological considerations must be
used. Resin resources and forest ecosystems must be
preserved by researchers, forest managers, communities,
and legislators working together on successful programs.
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