Forest giant in bid to save endangered trees

The possible extinction of certain plant species because of over-harvesting has prompted forestry giant Sappi to embark on a campaign to save endangered trees.

The Sappi Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Stewardship Programme identified the trees that are in danger and collaborates with industry partners including the Agricultural Research Council, SANParks and KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife to deal with the challenge.

Sappi’s Andre Oberholzer, explained that one such plant is Warburgia salutaris, (the pepper-bark tree or “isibhaha” in isiZulu), which has long been one of the most highly prized tree species in the Southern African traditional healthcare sector, but had been over-harvested.

“In 2014, Sappi joined an initiative to propagate the trees and distribute them to communities living around the Kruger National Park to take the pressure off the few remaining wild trees. We also began using our tree breeding and production expertise to propagate pepperbark trees from cuttings for distribution to rural communities. This project has enjoyed immense success with more than 130 000 seedlings grown up until 2023, with about 95 000 saplings surviving after placement,” he said.

Oberholzer said interest in the project had resulted in assistance being given to Zimbabwe and eSwatini in their attempts to raise the numbers of their trees to a state of sustainability.

Under the programme, trees are supplied at no cost to appropriate communities to protect the few remaining known wild populations, in the hope that the populations would regenerate themselves naturally once not under direct threat and stress from humans.

“The project has allowed for an easy working template for endangered trees that are a challenge to grow, but that play a key role in traditional medicine,” he added.

Oberholzer cited a World Health Organisation report in 2023, which indicated that at least 80% of Africa’s population relied on traditional medicine for their basic health needs. This was one of the reasons they were in consultation with traditional healers, in particular KZN which had a high volume of trade in traditional medicine.

The next phase of the project, after consultation with local communities and conservation agencies, focuses on Prunus africana (African Cherry), Ocotea bullata (Black Stinkwood) and Curtisia dentata (Assegai tree).

KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife CEO Sihle Mkhize said a gathering of traditional health practitioners in Empangeni on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast last week illustrated the commitment to ensure the controlled harvesting of plants used for medicinal purposes.

“Traditional health practitioners safeguard and promote the sustainable use of medicinal products derived from nature, ensuring that indigenous knowledge continues to benefit future generations. As we celebrate Heritage Month in September, it is also fitting to honour the ‘natural lungs’ of our planet ‒ our indigenous trees. This month provides the perfect opportunity to recognise the tremendous efforts of traditional health practitioners across KwaZulu-Natal in conserving biodiversity and promoting cultural heritage,” said Mkhize.

Ezemvelo is entrusted with conserving biodiversity in the province and Mkhize recognised that this responsibility could not be shouldered alone.