General history of the South African Forest Industry: 2003 to 2006

Abstract

The reason for the survival and growth of the Forestry Industry is its ability to adapt to change. The Industry has a proven record of innovation and entrepreneurial ability to meet the challenges of the future. Taking into account the renewable character of forestry and the current positive initiatives and developments, the future looks a great deal better than five years ago. Two of the major events during this period were the growth in processing capacity and the change in the attitude of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) towards Industrial/Commercial forestry. These and other main events in the general history of the forest industry are presented in this paper under: forest law and policy, privatisation of State forests, afforestation, economics, outsourcing, protection, environmental matters, research, education and training and professionalism.

Keywords: Forest industry history, 2003 to 2006

Southern African Forestry Journal Vol. 208, 2006: 79-88