National Forests Act (No. 84 of 1998). Country/Territory South Africa Document type Legislation Date 1998 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to reform the law on forests; to repeal certain laws; and to provide for related matters. Subject Forestry Keyword Framework law Forest management/forest conservation Public forest Timber extraction/logging Forestry protection measures Institution Monitoring Community management Geographical area Africa, AFRICA FAO, South Atlantic, Southern Africa Entry into force notes Entry into force on 1 April 1999. Abstract This Act makes provisions for the management and conservation of public forests. The purpose of Chapter I is to promote the sustainable management of forests. Section 3 contains principles to guide decisions affecting forests. Chapter 3 specifies special measures to protect forests and trees. Provisions concern natural forests, protected areas, protection of particular trees, and specific measures against deforestation. Use of forests is regulated in Chapter 4. It contains also provisions on the lease of state forests and servitude insisting on state forests. Part 3 concerns community forestry. Chapter 5 makes provision for institutions such as the National Forests Advisory Council and the National Forest Recreation and Access Trust. Also a Panel of facilitators, mediators and arbitrators is established. Administration of the Act (6); Offences and penalties (7); enforcement (8); general and transitional provisions (9). Full text English References - Legislation Amends Forest Act, 1984. Legislation | South Africa | 1984 Keyword: Forest management/forest conservation, Forestry protection measures, Afforestation/reforestation, Freshwater resources management Source: FAO, FAOLEX