There is an information gap regarding designation of indigenous forests however, the Department is in the process of developing a conservation plan in accordance with the IUCN categories. The proposed plan is due in 2004. Woodlands designation was done by Barley et al in 1999, but this database is yet to be updated.
The government recognises challenges that are currently threatening the ecosystem, health and vitality of forests. Challenges such as woodlands degradation, bush encroachment, overexploitation of medicinal plants, pests and diseases are being addressed by policies and programmes which are being implemented to curtail trends that are not in the national interest. Theses measures are enshrined within section (8) and 17(3) of the National Forest Act. These sections allows and gives the Minister powers to declare certain forests as protected forest areas and intervene urgently to prevent deforestation and to rehabilitate deforested areas.
Great strides have been achieved in term of development of criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management. Incorporating these Criteria and Indicators into management plans will enhance promotion of livelihoods of communities, improve economic contribution of the forest sector to the economy and peak the environmental management standards of South African forest to that of national and international environmental requirements.
