Ethical considerations are often involved, such as protecting endangered species, potential for depletion of commonly held resources, and in the context of private property, preventing theft of valuable plants, for example, ginseng.
These were examined during a four year study called The StarTree Project which assessed the wildcrafting of non-timber forest products across 14 regions of Europe to explore best practice and commercial opportunities.
A case in point is Arnica, a medicinal species made into homeopathic remedies and highly popular first aid creams for bumps and bruises.
[9][full citation needed] The collection of Arnica for medicinal purposes has also caused disappearance or reduction in the size of several European populations.
[10] The pressure on natural sources of this plant is alleviated by a suitable use of Arnica supply in the European region, where flower heads are harvested.