From timber to tourism: SA’s forests energise local economies
With sustainably managed planted forests covering thousands of hectares, the sector is playing an increasingly important role in building inclusive, resilient local economies.
Marking this year’s International Day of Forests (21 March), themed Forests and the Economy, Forestry South Africa (FSA) is highlighting the tangible ways planted forests contribute to national growth while supporting communities across the country.
“The economic contribution of forestry is often viewed through a very narrow lens, as a few large companies and obvious forest products, when in reality it’s a vast and diverse sector, and its economic contribution reflects this,” says Dr Ronald Heath, director of research and protection at FSA.
Supporting jobs and livelihoods
From planting and harvesting to transport, processing and manufacturing, forestry provides a stable source of income while sustaining a network of contractors, small growers and suppliers.
Programmes such as Sappi’s Khulisa initiative are expanding this impact. The programme supports more than 4,400 small-scale growers and 1,000 SMMEs, supplying 5.9 million tonnes of timber from 34,000 hectares – creating an estimated R4bn in value.
Skills development initiatives, like Mondi’s Semi-skilled Artisan Initiative, are also creating pathways into employment and enterprise, both within the sector and beyond. Merensky’s Komazi Woodwork Project is equipping unemployed youth with practical skills to start their own businesses, while supporting local schools through the production of desks and furniture.
Strengthening rural economies
Forestry is helping to unlock growth for small businesses in rural areas by improving access to funding, markets and technical support.
Through Mondi Zimele, for example, 24 contracting SMEs secured R29.5 million in funding in 2025, addressing one of the biggest barriers to expansion. In KwaZulu-Natal, the NCT/NTE Wattle Regeneration project is supporting small-scale growers in the Greytown area with seedlings and expertise to establish commercially viable plots – with some participants progressing to become independent growers and local employers.
"This kind of support is critical to unlocking the potential of small enterprises in rural economies," says Heath. "By strengthening small growers and contractors, the sector is becoming more inclusive and resilient."
Growing value beyond timber
In addition to wood and fibre, forestry landholdings are increasingly supporting tourism, recreation and local enterprise. Activities such as trail running, mountain biking and hiking are creating new income streams and jobs in rural areas.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the Sappi Trails Programme has seen visitor numbers increase by 884%, supporting over 500 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect jobs in the uMngeni municipal area. Events such as the Karkloof Classic and Trail Festival generate R6.88m in direct economic impact.
Forestry is also creating value by supporting biodiversity, cultural practices and community well-being. Through the Sappi Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Programme, partnerships with conservationists, traditional healers and local communities are helping to cultivate endangered medicinal plant species that are vital to cultural traditions and primary healthcare.
One such success is the Pepperbark (Warburgia salutaris), which has been reclassified from endangered to vulnerable following the cultivation of more than 140,000 plants distributed to local communities.
“Forestry is about far more than timber,” adds Heath. “It is about how these natural resources are managed to deliver value across economic, social and environmental outcomes.”