five reasons why south africa’s forests are worth … · south africa’s forestry industry...

Visit these websites for more information www.forestryexplained.co.za www.forestry.co.za www.thepaperstory.co.za FIVE REASONS WHY SOUTH AFRICA’S FORESTS ARE WORTH CELEBRATING A forest is an area of land dominated by tree species with overlapping canopies that cover at least 75% of the ground they cover. Around 1.7 million hectares – 1.6% of South Africa – is covered by forest. One third of this – half a million hectares – is made up of natural indigenous trees. The remaining 1.2 million hectares are farmed, just like you’d farm maize or wheat. Interestingly, a quarter of SA’s indigenous forests are protected within planted forests. Farmed trees provide a renewable resource. This is because when a mature tree is harvested, a new sapling is planted in its place. FRESH AIR, CLEAN WATER AND CONSERVATION Forests provide a wealth of fun activities for the whole family. South Africa’s forests offer a place for mountain biking, hiking or trail running. We can also explore and enjoy the beauty, animals and plants they have to offer. There is something for everyone in a forest! FUN Poles, pencils, paper, books, wooden planks and cardboard packaging are what initially spring to mind when listing the products made from farmed trees. Cellulose is added as a filler and binder in low-fat yoghurt and cheese, vitamins and cosmetics. It is also used in paint, dissolvable stitches, viscose fabric and LCD screens. The list is endless. Research and technological innovation means we keep making more from wood while ensuring that less goes to waste. THINGS WE USE EVERYDAY Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, which they store to help them grow. They also release oxygen which we all need to survive. They also absorb and store rainwater, removing impurities before releasing it into the ground, and trees prevent soil erosion with their deep root systems. Forests also provide refuge, food and shelter for many plants and animals. SOUTH AFRICA IS HOME TO NATURAL AND PLANTED FORESTS South Africa’s forestry industry employs 158,000 people, and many more if you count all the people that keep forests healthy and productive. If trees, forestry and nature are your passion then there is a place for you. There are also places for tradesmen, nurses, scientists, social development officers, IT consultants, drivers, communication specialists and environmentalists, just to name a few! CAREERS 3 Visit www.forestryexplained.co.za for a teacher’s pack that will help you bring your lesson on forestry and trees to life 1 4 5 2 Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com is licensed by "Creative Commons BY 3.0 CC 3.0

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Page 1: FIVE REASONS WHY SOUTH AFRICA’S FORESTS ARE WORTH … · South Africa’s forestry industry employs 158,000 people, and many more if you count all the people that keep forests healthy

Visit these websites for more informationwww.forestryexplained.co.za

www.forestry.co.zawww.thepaperstory.co.za

FIVE REASONS WHY SOUTH AFRICA’S FORESTS ARE WORTH CELEBRATING

A forest is an area of land dominated by tree species with overlapping canopies that cover at least 75% of the ground they cover. Around 1.7 million hectares – 1.6% of South Africa – is covered by forest. One third of this – half a million hectares – is made up of natural indigenous trees. The remaining 1.2 million hectares are farmed, just like you’d farm maize or wheat. Interestingly, a quarter of SA’s indigenous forests are protected within planted forests. Farmed trees provide a renewable resource. This is because when a mature tree is harvested, a new sapling is planted in its place.

FRESH AIR, CLEAN WATER AND

CONSERVATION

Forests provide a wealth of fun activities for the whole family. South Africa’s forests offer a place for mountain biking, hiking or trail running. We can also explore and enjoy the beauty, animals and plants they have to offer. There is something for everyone in a forest!

FUN

Poles, pencils, paper, books, wooden planks and cardboard packaging are what initially spring to mind when listing the products made from farmed trees. Cellulose is added as a filler and binder in low-fat yoghurt and cheese, vitamins and cosmetics. It is also used in paint, dissolvable stitches, viscose fabric and LCD screens. The list is endless. Research and technological innovation means we keep making more from

wood while ensuring that less goes to waste.

THINGS WE USE EVERYDAY

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, which they store to help them grow. They also release oxygen which we all need to survive. They also absorb and store rainwater, removing impurities before releasing it into the ground, and trees prevent soil erosion with their deep root systems. Forests also provide refuge, food and shelter for many plants and animals.

SOUTH AFRICA IS HOME TO NATURALAND PLANTED FORESTS

South Africa’s forestry industry employs 158,000 people, and many more if you count all the people that keep forests healthy and productive. If trees, forestry and nature are your passion then there is a place for you. There are also places for tradesmen, nurses, scientists, social development officers, IT consultants, drivers, communication specialists and environmentalists, just to name a few!

CAREERS

Visit www.forestryexplained.co.za for a teacher’s pack that will help you bring your lesson on forestry and trees to life

Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com is licensed by "Creative Commons BY 3.0 CC 3.0

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