Forests take part in natural processes of nutrient cycling and water purification, and otherwise help maintain a clean environment. Natural or human destruction of forests alters the nutrient cycles, especially in the case of the nitrogen cycle, where plants play a substantial role.
Forests are important sources of many products. Forestry is the science, art, and technology of managing these forest resources. Forests in South Africa are generally plantation forests which are carefully tended in order to produce the finest quality sawlogs for the Sawmilling Industry.
Our country boasts some of the best pruned Pine plantations in the world and the majority of these plantations are certified with the Forest Stewardship Council ®, which ensures compliance to strict environmental management procedures.
The Conservation of these forests requires the planned management of these natural, renewable resources to prevent their neglect, exploitation and destruction.
The extent of plantation forests in South Africa.
|
AREA OF SAWLOG PLANTATIONS IN HECTARES |
||||||
|
Province |
Pinus Patula |
Pinus Radiata |
Pinus Elliottii (Splash Pine) |
Pinus Teada (Loblolly) |
Eucalyptus Species |
Other Pine Species |
|
Western Cape |
0 |
57 000 |
11 000 |
0 |
4 000 |
24 000 |
|
Eastern Cape |
47 000 |
7 000 |
17 000 |
3 000 |
0 |
11 000 |
|
Kwazulu – Natal |
59 000 |
0 |
44 000 |
10 000 |
6 000 |
5 000 |
|
Mpumalanga |
129 000 |
0 |
59 000 |
25 000 |
18 000 |
7 000 |
|
Northern Province |
16 000 |
0 |
7 000 |
4 000 |
12 000 |
1 000 |
|
TOTAL |
251 000 |
64 000 |
147 000 |
42 000 |
40 000 |
48 000 |
There are few or no sawlog plantations outside of the five provinces listed below. There is only a small area in South Africa which is covered by indigenous forest.