Browsing by Author "Vermeulen, Wessel Johannes"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Itemn Fitososiologiese studie van die Ysternek-natuurreservaat in Suid-Kaapland(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1995) Vermeulen, Wessel Johannes; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of . Dept. of .
- ItemThe sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products from natural forests in the southern Cape, South Africa : development of harvest systems and management prescriptions(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-03) Vermeulen, Wessel Johannes; Esler, Karen J.; Geldenhuys, C. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Conservation Ecology and Entomology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is a growing appreciation of the importance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and the role they play in the socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities and other stakeholders. Harvest systems to ensure sustainable harvesting are largely still lacking and overutilisation is of growing concern worldwide. In this study the science needed to underwrite management for sustainable use of NTFPs was explored. This was done using case studies of three different products harvested from natural forest in the southern Cape, South Africa viz. fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) fronds (leaves) as greenery in the florist industry, medicinal tree bark, and the corm (stem) of the geophyte Bulbine latifolia for medicinal use. The research approach enabled insight into the complexities of developing harvest systems for NTFPs, the input and expertise required to conduct applied research, and the variation in approach required for different products and plant growth forms. The study on R. adiantiformis showed that the adaptive management approach can be followed effectively with the development of harvest prescriptions for a species. Goalorientated, long-term monitoring, assessing harvest impact on the resource and natural fluctuations in population dynamics, are essential to verify that harvest prescriptions are sound and ecologically sustainable. However, if all relevant aspects are covered, the input required to develop and refine harvest systems through such monitoring may be extensive. Experimental stripping of medicinal tree bark showed that species respond differently to wounding, in terms of both bark regrowth and susceptibility to fungal and insect damage. The conceptual model and decision tree developed, demonstrated that tree response to wounding could be used effectively when choosing a management system for bark harvesting, and in informing prescriptions for strip harvesting. The proposed harvest system for the target species, as well as alternative options to meet the demand for bark can be successfully integrated with the existing multiple-use forest management system in the southern Cape. The study of the ecology and dynamics of B. latifolia showed that the species has a complex population dynamics and is abundant on the fynbos/forest ecotone, where it is associated with dry scrub forest communities. Although regeneration is sound, it has a slow rate of renewal in terms of corm diameter and length growth, limiting its harvest potential. The difference between ecotone and forest populations – in terms of population dynamics, plant demography and regeneration phenology – requires that consideration be given to differential harvest prescriptions for ecotone and forest populations. It was concluded that a simple generic process that provides for research to be focused on the relevant fields can be followed effectively with the development of harvest systems for NTFPs. However, sustainability also has a socio-economic and political dimension, further influenced by institutional arrangements. Considering the wide range of NTFPs used, socioeconomic circumstances and the dependence of rural communities on natural resources, a major challenge awaits forest managers in South Africa to develop harvest systems for sustainable use. Policy and decision makers need to appreciate the scientific skills and expertise, and financial resources required to realise this.