sustainable forest management community forestry

**South African Communities Bolstered by Sustainable Forest Management Initiatives**

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South Africa has made significant progress in sustainable forest management since the 1996 White Paper on Sustainable Forest Management. The government has shifted its focus to enabling communities to control their forests, promoting community involvement in forestry through the Commercial Forestry Masterplan and transferring 27 plantations throughout the country. Ongoing support is provided to communities by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, ensuring the sustainability of these plantations while empowering local communities. This transfer represents a commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and justice for future generations.

south africa environmental stewardship

South Africa’s Leap Forward in Environmental Stewardship: The Inception of Community Forestry Agreements

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South Africa has launched 19 Community Forestry Agreements (CFAs), marking a significant stride towards community empowerment and sustainable forestry practices. The agreements exemplify the government’s pledge to inclusive growth and efforts to deter plantation crimes such as timber theft. The government will provide continued support through a postsettlement support program to guarantee successful community ownership and management of the plantations. The CFAs lay the groundwork for new market opportunities while catering to the sector’s additional fiber requirements and are aligned with the Forestry Sector Masterplan.