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Many individuals and communities depend on forests for their livelihood. A large number of South Africans still rely on wood as their primary source of energy, forest produce for domestic use and saplings as building materials. In order to prevent the depletion of trees, natural woodlands, forests and other natural resources, DWAF has established numerous woodlots of fastgrowing Eucalyptus (gum) trees, and some indigenous trees such as Umzimbeet (Milettia grandis) and Red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) to provide some of the subsistence needs.
However, the National Forest Act (No. 84 of 1998) makes provision to exempt those living close or around state forests from applying for a licence to collect wood or forest produce such as mushrooms, herbs and fruits for domestic use.
Most forests occur around the rural areas of South Africa. Many rural people rely on the forest resources for their daily survival.
Forest resources provide ample business opportunities, such as:
Medicinal plants trade
Medicinal plants are used by many people in South Africa. Medicinal plants are also processed to produce herbal medicines which
could be bought at herbal shops. If medicinal plants are harvested sustainably they can provide a generous income to harvesters
and traders.
Manufactured timber products
Trees are used to make furniture, coffi ns etc. All these are needed by humans, as such many people buy these products and traders
generate money from selling these products.
The timber pole market
The poles are used to build houses, fencing, fi xed telephone lines etc.
Traders can sell different poles for example Telkom for telephone lines, builders for building of mainly wooden houses etc.
Charcoal production
Charcoal is made from wood. Charcoal is used for barbeques and can be sold in South Africa or Overseas.
Trade in wild fruits
Wild fruits can also be harvested from the forests and sold to local markets or can be taken for processing to generate money.
Employment
The formal forestry sectors employ more than 152 000 people, mostly in the rural areas. The forestry
companies provide housing serviced with electricity, water and sanitation, pre-and primary schools and
clinics. Other key benefi ts associated with formal employment are access to vocational, technical or
academic training.
Others
There are many more forest produce that could be sold for money generation e.g. honey production,
sawmilling, trade of forest ferns and forest mushrooms
Environmental importance of forests
Forests reduce erosion, maintain soil fertility, maintain water quality and harbor
biological diversity.
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