Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
FORESTRY WHITE PAPER LAUNCHED 11 MARCH 1996
Prof. Kader Asmal, MP, Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, today launched the White Paper on Forestry. "Sustainable Forest Development in South Africa". The document reflects not only a new approach to forestry matters, but a new approach to the process used to develop policy.
Forestry is a vital sector in the South African economy. People from every walk of life use wood in some way in their daily activities. But forestry is particularly important in the context of rural development. In relation to this, the document reflects a totally new policy position for Government, and places new emphasis on community forestry. In line with international trends, the White Paper is also strong on the need for sustainable forest management and for the sustainable use of forest products, and recommends ways of achieving this.
A participatory and inclusive process was used to produce this document, reflecting the impact of the sector on all walks of life. Two conferences and the dissemination of a discussion document preceeded the White Paper. The two conferences were, in their own right, benchmarks for South Africa because of the conscious inclusion and empowerment of women and representatives of rural communities. This policy is owned by the people most directly affected by the sector, because the voices of all, including the disadvantaged were heard.
Amongst other things, the White Paper emphasises the need for South African industry to add value to wood before it is exported. Such value-adding could substantially increase the amount of foreign exchange coming into the country. It could also result in considerable job creation, particularly in economically depressed rural areas.
The White Paper presents a vision of how to harness the forestry sector, including commercial, conservation and community forestry, in the interests of the whole nation, based on principles of equity and justice.
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