Challenges and strategies facing forest research and education for the 21st century: A case study from South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has a proud history of forestry research and forest education spanning at least the last 100 years. Exotic tree species (pines, eucalypts and wattle) were introduced in the middle of the nineteenth century to alleviate the demands on indigenous forests for timber. This led to the development of a highly successful, plantation-based forest industry, which is an important source of employment and foreign exchange for the country. Research institutions were established by both government and the private sector. Innovations and research outputs from these has made South Africa a leader in sustainable plantation forestry. Similarly, tertiary education institutions were established in the early 20th Century and have provided the industry with highly skilled professional foresters. Over the past two decades, both the forest industry and the country have undergone significant change that has posed new challenges, opportunities and threats on a number of fronts. Education and skills development are Government priorities. Research and development need to be strengthened and aligned with the developments in the industry and government and should ultimately focus on driving innovation in the sector. Partnerships and collaboration, particularly in cross-sectoral research, should be encouraged and managed within a framework of innovation. This paper presents a brief overview of forest education and research in South Africa and the challenges the industry is facing. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.