This material is part of a series by SADC-JICA’s Project for Forest Conservation and Sustainable Management of Forest Resources in Southern Africa. The objectives of this material are to visualize inputs, processing methodologies and outputs of the SADC’s Regional
Forest Information System.
The Southern African region has a rich natural heritage of global significance to the world’s climate and biological diversity, which can contribute a critical role in the global climate changes. Forest resources have been contributing to the well-being of many communities across
the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It is widely recognized that there are strong links
between local forestry, biodiversity and poverty reduction.
Effective forest management encourages forest resource use in a way that supports longterm poverty alleviation and the protection of biodiversity. Effective management of forest resources across the SADC region requires coordination in utilization and long term enhancement of forest resources.