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Participative ForestryProtected Area PlanningNational Forestry ProgrammeBBBEE Forestry CharterSustainable Forestry
 
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY PROJECTS
 
Champion Trees Project

South Africa is blessed with a rich heritage of trees. The Champion Tree Project is aimed at identifying and protecting trees of national conservation importance under the National Forests Act of 1998. Trees can be nominated on the basis of their size, age, aesthetic value, cultural-historic value or importance for tourism.

Only trees of national importance will be protected. In the long run, however, provincial and local authorities will be encouraged to develop their own local Champion Tree lists.

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The largest tree in SA: Sagole baobab, Limpopo
Source: DWAF
 
Protected Trees Project

In terms of the National Forests Act of 1998 certain tree species (types of trees) can be identified and declared as protected. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry followed an objective, scientific and participative process to arrive at the new list of protected tree species, enacted in 2004. All trees occurring in natural forests are also protected in terms of the Act. Protective actions take place within the framework of the Act as well as national policy and guidelines. Trees are protected for a variety of reasons, and some species require strict protection while others require control over harvesting and utilization.

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300 year old Camphor trees at Vergelegen, Cape Town
Source: DWAF
 
Trees of the Year: 2001 - 2015

DWAF endeavours to help increase public awareness of just a few of the 2 000 indigenous tree species in South Africa. Each year the Arbor Week celebration highlights two specific trees, one common and one rare species.

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The Camelthorn tree, Northern Cape
Source: DWAF
 
 
 
 
Related References
 
 
  Champion Trees Poster 
  Champion Tree Nomination Form
  Methods and Procedures for the Selection of Champion Trees in SA, 2003
  Protected Trees Poster 
  National List of Protected Trees, 2007 
  Criteria & Framework for application of Legislation on Protection of Indigenous Tree Species, 2000