Ecology and management of a remnant Brachystegia Speciformis (Miombo) Woodland in North Eastern Soutpansberg, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The woodland is considered as an important part of the natural heritage of the local clan and has therefore been under a traditional woodland management regime. The involvement of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, with its emphasis on woodland management practices that focus more on economic gains and less on cultural value poses a challenge. Studies in the region have confirmed that traditional management of natural resources fail to guarantee their sustainability when economic value of such resources is emphasised more than their cultural value. The paper therefore recommends that in the interest of sustainability of the woodland, the traditional management regime should be maintained and supported to make it more effective.