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In terms of the National Forests Act (No 84 of 1998) certain
tree species (types of trees) can be identified and
declared as protected. All trees
occurring in natural forests are also protected in
terms of the Act. Protective actions take place
within the framework of the Act as well as national
policy and guidelines. Trees are protected for a
variety of reasons, and some species require strict
protection while others require control over
harvesting and utilization.
Listing and Proclamation
The Department of Water and Sanitation
received a list of proposed tree species for
protection from stakeholders. The final list [PDF] was published by notice in
the Government Gazette and newspapers, after a
public review process.
The criteria used to select tree species for inclusion
in the protected tree list are:
- Red List Status (rare or threatened
species);
- Keystone Species Value (whether species
play a dominant role in an ecosystem's
functioning);
- Sustainability of Use (whether a species is
threatened by heavy use of its products
such as timber, bark etc);
- Cultural or Spiritual Importance (outstanding
landscape value or spiritual meaning
attached to certain tree species); and
- Other Legislation (whether a species is
already adequately protected by other
legislation).
Protection
In terms of the National Forests Act of 1998 protected tree species may not be
cut, disturbed, damaged or destroyed and their
products may not be possessed, collected,
removed, transported, exported, donated, purchased
or sold - except under licence granted by
the Department of Water and Sanitation (or
a delegated authority).
Applications for such activities should be made to
the responsible official in each province. Each
application is evaluated on merit (including site
visits) before a decision is taken whether or not to
issue a licence (with or without conditions). Such
decisions must be in line with national policy and
guidelines. >> more information
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