Using South Africa s woodlands wisely

The past decade has seen sweeping changes in South Africa, and the period of political transition has had repercussions in the forestry sector, as in many others. The most obvious effect has been a move away from the preservationist policies and a growing emphasis on the sustainable use of forest and woodland resources, especially by rural communities. A valuable forest-based economy has emerged, based on new and traditional areas of resource use, including medicines, foods and handicrafts. The trade in natural forest and woodland products involves a growing number of people, much of it fuelled by South Africa s booming tourism industry. This wide-ranging book examines current research, policies and practices and looks at some of the many challenges for the wise management, use and conservation of the country s forests in the future. A hefty volume, it contains contributions from more than 80 authors from South Africa and further afield. Alongside more generic discussions on issues such as community forestry management and policy frameworks, there are a host of interesting case studies. Among these are basket-making from lianas, the so-called seven-weeks fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) which is exported to Europe as greenery for florists, and, most intriguingly, the woodrose, a flower-shaped outgrowth which forms on mistletoe and which is sanded and varnished before being sold to tourists as ornaments. Indigenous Forests and Woodlands in South Africa: Policy, People and Practice Edited by: H A C Eeley, B G S Geach, M J Lawes & C M Shackleton University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, 2004. 864 pp. ISBN 1 86914 050 8 38 University of KwaZulu-Natal Press Private Bag X01 Scottsville 3209 South Africa Email: books@ukzn.ac.za Website: www.ukznpress.co.zaIn South Africa a valuable forest-based economy has emerged, based on new and traditional areas of resource use, including medicines, foods and handicrafts. The trade in natural forest and woodland products involves a growing number of people, much of i