This Act makes provisions for the management and conservation of public forests. The purpose of Chapter I is to promote the sustainable management of forests. Section 3 contains principles to guide decisions affecting forests. Chapter 3 specifies special measures to protect forests and trees. Provisions concern natural forests, protected areas, protection of particular trees, and specific measures against deforestation. Use of forests is regulated in Chapter 4. It contains also provisions on the lease of state forests and servitude insisting on state forests. Part 3 concerns community forestry. Chapter 5 makes provision for institutions such as the National Forests Advisory Council and the National Forest Recreation and Access Trust. Also a Panel of facilitators, mediators and arbitrators is established. Other Chapters of this Act are: Administration of the Act (6); Offences and penalties (7); enforcement (8); general and transitional provisions (9).
South Africa · 1998-10-20