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South Africa is blessed with a rich heritage of
trees. The Champion Tree Project is aimed at
identifying and protecting individual trees of
national conservation importance under the National Forests Act (No 84 of 1998). Trees can be
nominated on the basis of their size, age,
aesthetic value, cultural-historic value or
importance for tourism.
Only trees of national importance will be
protected. In the long run, however, provincial
and local authorities will be encouraged to
develop their own local Champion Tree lists.
Protection
Once listed as protected by notice, Champion Trees will have special
protected status in terms of the National Forests Act of 1998. No
such trees may be cut, disturbed or damaged without a licence. A
strict approach will be taken to protection, and the issuing of licences
will be issued only under exceptional circumstances, such as a tree
posing a danger to life or property.
Additional protective measures may be necessary for some trees,
such as the erection of fencing enclosures. This project will also aim
at raising awareness about the national tree heritage, and to promote
it as an asset for tourism.
Nomination
Any person or organisation can nominate trees for Champion status. Nominated trees may be indigenous or non-indigenous. Every nomination cycle starts on 1 August of each year, and ends at 31 July the following year. The Proposed List of Champion Trees for 2005 [PDF] has been gazetted and awaits final aproval by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr L Hendricks. >> more information
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