Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
AFFORESTATION PERMIT SYSTEM REVISED PROCEDURE FOR PERMIT APPLICATIONS
6 December 1995
The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Professor Kader Asmal, MP, recently announced a major policy review of the Afforestation Permit System. As part of this review the procedure for processing permit applications has been substantially revised.
The new procedures embody the Department's commitment to openness, transparency and accountability in all its activities, by requiring applicants to publicise their intentions to apply for a permit, and by providing opportunities for the involvement of as wide a spectrum of interested and affected parties as possible in the process of evaluating permit applications. Applicants may also be required to undertake assessments of the environmental impacts of afforestation. The extent and detail of such assessments will be determined by a Review Panel comprising a broad range of local interests, after considering all comments and objections.
Although permit applications will still be channelled through the Department's Regional Forestry Offices, the overall responsibility for administration of the Afforestation Permit System has been transferred from the Forestry Chief Directorate of the Department, to thplication will be considered in detail by the Regional Director, who will recommend to the Manager: Water Resources whether a permit should be granted.
Enquiries: W.S. Rowlston Tel: (012) 299 2377