BRANCH -
FORESTRY MANAGEMENT
(FOM)
SA'S TIMBER PLANTATIONS COVER
hectares, located in five of the nine provinces.
FORESTRY FACTS
COMMERCIAL TREE TYPES AND POPULATION FIGURES
pine | 49%
eucalyptus | 43%
wattle | 7%
There are two dominant commercial tree types in South Africa - pine and eucalyptus - with a small amount of wattle.
MANDATE AND CORE BUSINESS OF THE BRANCH
To provide strategic direction and leadership to the department with regard to the promotion of the sustainable management, use and protection of forests and natural resources to achieve social and economic benefits and to promote development.
FOM SUB - PROGRAMMES:
FORESTRY OPERATIONS
Ensures the sustainable management of state forests and assets (e.g. nurseries) in order to optimise social and economic benefits in rural areas and to promote sector growth in the nine provinces of South Africa.
FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATIONS
Provides leadership, advice and direction in the formulation of forestry development and regulation policies, strategies and frameworks and ensures the effective promotion and development of small-scale and commercial forestry.
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Facilitates development of infrastructure and sustainable use of natural resources through an enabling framework for sustainable management of woodlands and indigenous forests, efficient development and revitalisation of irrigation schemes and water use.
FOM BRANCH STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
Ensure increased production and productivity in prioritised areas as well as value chains.
FOOD SECURITY
Lead and coordinate government food security initiatives.
RESOURCES REHABILITATION
Ensure the conservation, protection, rehabilitation and recovery of depleted and degraded natural resources.
MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION FRAMEWORKS
Ensure adaptation and mitigation to climate change through effective implementation of prescribed frameworks.
FORESTRY VALUE CHAIN
The forestry value chain – from seed to saw and beyond – provides employment for more than 158 000 jobs and contributes R69 billion to our country’s economy each year.
Images and related source: Forestry South Africa.