Two Forestry and Wood Technology students from Nelson Mandela University of the George Campus recently attended the 50th International Forestry Student’s Symposium in Chile. This is one of the world’s prestigious student events in forestry. The main aim of the event was to learn about forestry and the management of natural resources of Chile, with specific focus on the sustainability of the forest sector. Furthermore, the event was aimed at networking and exchanging ideas among different delegates from all over the world.
Delegates from over 30 countries like, to mention a few, Germany, Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia, United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, Slovakia and others attended the event. Avelile Cishe and Ronewa Sathuma represented Nelson Mandela University, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of Venda, Fort Cox College of Agriculture and Forestry, South Africa and Africa in the conference. This was made possible by funding assistance from the Nelson Mandela University, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental (DFFE), South African Forestry Contractors Association (SAFCA), Hans Merensky, and Forestry South Africa (FSA).
Some of the topics that were discussed in the congress include the future of forestry in the world, climate adaptation strategies, forest certification systems, wood science and wood products in support of the green economy, climate-smart forest technologies, forest trade and governance, water quality, and higher education policy and development. These topics are of significant value to the South African forestry industry. “The South African forestry industry plays a positive major role in the climate debate and other global environmental concerns like that of water quality and soil degradation,” says Avelile who presented about the role of forestry in solving major environmental threats.
Source: Avelile Cishe (Nelson Mandela University Forestry Association)