Pretoria – Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana says future policies should consider the important role that forests can play in economic development, food security and job creation.
“Global climate change is a reality and the only way is to look at mitigation and adaptation strategies. International policies are increasingly taking into account forests and their management in relation to climate change,” Minister Zokwana said.
The trend, he added, is that no forest related development and economic undertaking can be launched without justifying its impact on climate change mitigation and/or adaptation.
The Minister was addressing a special Africa Day celebration during the World Forestry Congress, currently taking place at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, in Durban.
In the South African context, as the possible implementation of the carbon tax, the agriculture, forestry and other land uses sector has been given an opportunity to explore mechanisms that will be relevant for this sector.
“This is an opportunity for forestry to showcase the mitigation and adaptation ability that it has. As we celebrate this special event on Africa, it is upon us to ensure that African forestry management needs are discussed and addressed to the best of our ability.”
The Minister also noted that in spite of the growing awareness about the importance of forests, deforestation and forest degradation are still rampant on the continent.
He however acknowledged that deforestation and forest degradation at times occur for very compelling reasons, these include the needs of farmers to extend production for crops and livestock and the need to harvest timber for fuel wood and other livelihoods.
“The only realistic strategy for reducing deforestation and forest degradation is to increase food production outside forest land and develop economically viable and attractive sustainable forest management and conservation practices.
“This could include ensuring that there is optimal land use that will encompass different land uses for the benefit of the communities,” the Minister recommended.
The week long congress started on Monday and ends on 11 September 2015. It is being held under the theme "Forestry and People: investing in Sustainable future”. – SAnews.gov.za
