Forestry integral to SA's economy: Pandor

This has come out of a Forestry Symposium currently underway in Durban.

Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor has told delegated forestry products contributed approximately 1,2% to the country's GDP in the last financial year, with R20,7-billion made in sales from primary processing plants. 

Pandor has emphasized the importance of continued research into the industry, because forestry forms part of the country's bio-economic strategy.

''Within the South African context these include technological and non-technological exploitation of natural resources such as animals, plant diversity, micro-organisms and minerals to improve human health, address food security and consequently contribute to economic growth and improve quality of life,'' she said.

(Photos: Anelisa Kubheka)