Plantation forestry and invasive pines in the Cape Floristic Region: Towards conflict resolution

Brian Van Wilgen

doi:10.17159/sajs.2015/a0114

Abstract

Forests supply important commercial resources in the form of timber for building, furniture and packaging, and pulp for paper products. As human populations grow, the demand for these products is driving substantial growth in plantation forestry. Such plantations are necessary both to meet demand for wood-based products and to protect remaining natural forests from over-exploitation, and they are usually based on fast-growing, alien trees. Globally, forest plantations currently represent 5% of forest cover but they account for 40% of commercial wood and fibre production. As more species of alien trees are introduced and widely planted in novel environments, a proportion become invasive, spreading into adjacent landscapes where they have negative effects on biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services. Among commercial forestry species, pines (Pinus species) are especially problematic, with at least 19 invasive species in the southern hemisphere, where they cause significant problems. The fact that pine trees can simultaneously be useful and harmful in the same region has led to 'schizophrenia' in policy formulation and conflict between land managers.

Highlights

Government’s policy responses to the issue have at best been confused
Dean Muruven of WWF (South Africa) began by outlining their concerns regarding the conservation of critical water source areas, stating that 50% of the country’s water is generated by just 8% of the land,[8] much of it at risk from invasion by pine trees
David Le Maitre of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research reviewed the impacts of alien trees on the hydrological cycle, pointing out that invasive trees could potentially reduce water run-off in the CFR by 37%9 if invasions are allowed to continue unchecked

Summary

Introduction

Government’s policy responses to the issue have at best been confused. In June 2001, the Cabinet approved the conversion of 44 763 ha of pine plantations in the CFR to other land uses, principally conservation, signalling a policy of retreat from plantation forestry in the CFR. WWF (South Africa) convened a meeting of diverse players with interests in the management of pine trees in the CFR.

Results

Conclusion