2009/10/2
THE government believes South Africa’s woodlands and forests cannot keep up with the demand for timber products.
According to the Minister of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Petterson, “The demand … has steadily increased in a way that outstrips the supply. The demand is projected to continue to increase in decades to come.”
Giving a written reply yesterday to a Parliamentary question from Piet Pretorius of the Democratic Alliance, she said that for the period 2005 – 2009, the total timber supply from the 1266194 hectares plantation area is estimated at 20550761 tons, while the total demand is 23249214 tons; representing a deficit of 2698453 tons.”
The shortages can be attributed, but not limited, to a number of issues, she said, including the following: limited suitable areas available for new afforestation; a restrictive regulatory burden that hampers the issuing of licences; and approximately 65% of privately owned plantations being under land claims, which will have an impact on the sector, especially in terms of securing the resource for future operations.
The minister also blamed the impact of fires, (according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation approximately 64000ha of plantation were destroyed by fires in 2007 and in 2008 about 25000ha were lost to fires, causing great financial loss and placing additional strain on the short, medium and long term supply situation).
Joemat-Petterson also said pests and diseases were impacting on timber production.
“For example, in pine stands Sirex cause serious problems,” she said, adding: “Serious problems are also being encountered in stands of Eucalyptus throughout the country as a result of infestation by Thaumastocoris peregrinus. Cold tolerant Eucalyptus nitens is also being attacked by the Cossid Moth.
“During 2007 a new pest by the name of Leptocybe invasa arrived in South Africa, which is considered a major threat to plantations of Eucalyptus. In all, about 15–20% of the entire forestry estate is being impacted upon by various pests and diseases resulting in unaffordable timber losses.”
The minister also blamed climate change, saying extensive research on its impacts should be done in partnership between industry and government.
She said more land for forestry had been identified, mainly in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal, with limited areas in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
A hundred thousand hectares has been identified in this way in the Eastern Cape. |