Forest Science Symposium 2024 - Ensuring a Sustainable Forestry Sector

Posted 07 January 2026 by NISC under Announcements & Notices • Journal: Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science
Forest Science Symposium 2024 - Ensuring a Sustainable Forestry Sector

Volume 87, issue 4 of Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science is a special issue titled “Forest Science Symposium 2024 - Ensuring a Sustainable Forestry Sector”.

The South African Institute of Forestry (SAIF)/Forestry South Africa (FSA) Forestry Science Symposium has served as a regional platform for sharing scientific progress and applied research to support sustainable plantation forestry. After a suspension of in-person meetings since July 2017 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and an interim FSA–SAIF webinar in 2022, the event successfully reconvened in November 2024 under the theme ‘Ensuring a Sustainable Forestry Sector’. 

The return to face-to-face interaction was received with enthusiasm by the research community, industry, and stakeholders, with 209 delegates in attendance, 51 presentations, and 27 posters. This strong participation highlighted the continued importance of scientific exchange, collaboration and discussion among researchers, practitioners and industry partners. These interactions are vital for enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of the forestry sector in South Africa and beyond.

This special issue of Southern Forests features selected peer-reviewed papers from the symposium, preserving a record of the discussions and shared knowledge. The contributions address the pressing issue of climate change, including innovations in climate prediction and adaptation strategies in plantation forestry (Dovey). Some papers focus on improving the sustainability of plantation management, such as alternatives to glyphosate for vegetation control (Little) and silvicultural methods to reduce mortality in eucalypt plantations (Hechter). 

The genetic improvement of tree species is crucial for the future of forestry, as highlighted in studies on the genetic control of early growth in pine hybrids (de Villiers). The contributions also included aspects of forestry science supporting the development of value-added forest products. 

The papers in this volume highlight the vital role of research in maintaining a productive, resilient, and sustainable forestry sector in the face of growing pressures. By presenting research directly addressing these issues, this special issue under scores the forestry research community’s dedication to supporting the long-term sustainability of one of the region’s most important renewable industries.

The Editorial of this special issue is available to read at no cost here, whilst many of the articles in the special issue have been published as Open Access. 

 

 

 

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