Indigenous Forests and Woodlands in South Africa: Policy, People and Practice

This book represents a defining synthesis of the use and socio-economic value of timber and non-timber resources from indigenous forests and woodlands in South Africa. It provides an up-to-date review of current research and thinking on policies and practices affecting these two biomes. Since 1994 there has been a paradigm shift in the approach to the management of forest and woodland resources, with a move away from former ‘preservationist’ policies and an increased emphasis on the sustainable extractive use of natural resources, particularly by rural communities. A growing recognition of the potential value that these resources hold for local economies and livelihoods has been accompanied by the restructuring of national institutions governing forests and woodlands, and a number of new policies for integrated management. Contributions are included from over eighty authors with broadly different perspectives, expertise and interests including biologists, economists, sociologists, academics and practitioners. “”Indigenous Forests and Woodlands in South Africa”” will prove useful to researchers, scientists and post-graduate students in southern Africa and further afield, as well as to non-governmental organisations, government officials, policy-makers, development practitioners, and those involved in managing and conserving our indigenous forest and woodland heritage.