Pretoria - Durban is playing host to yet another important international event - the XIV World Forestry Congress - which kicks off today.
This is the first time the congress - which brings together governments, the private sector, foresters, academics and the civil society – will be held on African soil since its inception in 1926.
This event takes place every six years under the endorsement of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
Under the theme “Forests and People: Investing in a Sustainable Future”, the congress will for the next five days see participants discuss ways to unleash the full potential of forests to lift rural populations out of poverty, act as buffers against climate change and inspire new technologies and renewable products.
This will be crucial as the world will be entering a new development era with the adoption of the post-2015 sustainable development goals.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the opening address at the congress later today. - SAnews.gov.za
