Valuing South Africa's savannas: Methodological Issues
- Authors: Ballance, A , Shackleton, Charlie M , Shackleton, Sheona E , Geach, B S , Crookes, D , De Wit, M , Evans, J , von Maltitz, Graham P , Willis, C B , Kelatwang, S , Havemann, J
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182262 , vital:43816 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC33860"
- Description: Natural resource valuation techniques have been applied in recent years to savannas and savanna resources in South and southern Africa. Results from these studies have been used to demonstrate the importance of savannas, and to assist in resource-use planning. Because these studies have been conducted to meet different research objectives a large number of disparities exist between studies. This makes comparison of results difficult and identification of underlying drivers of value is problematic. This paper discusses issues which can lead to differences in estimates of resource value, and makes recommendations for future studies to reduce incompatibilities. In particular, this paper recommends that future studies make full descriptions of the objectives of the study, the background characteristics of the study area (including the social, political, economic, cultural, and biophysical characteristics), the methods used, and assumptions made. In this way, the values reported from case studies may be used in other research and decision-making exercises.
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- Date Issued: 2001
Woodlands or wastelands: Examining the value of South Africa's woodlands paper
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Willis, C B , Scholes, Robert J
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182158 , vital:43805 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC33869"
- Description: The savanna woodlands are the largest biome in the country, constituting one-third of South Africa. They are also home to one-quarter of the population, with 70 % of the former homelands being in the savanna biome. Consequently, they have the potential to make a marked contribution to the national economy, both in the formal and informal sector. They are also valuable on a national scale in terms of the ecosystem services they provide, such as carbon storage, biodiversity and water yield. Until recently the real and potential values attached to South Africa's savannas have not been recognised in policy fora and government institutions. Recent policy changes, especially the National Forestry Action Programme and the National Forest Act, have attempted to remedy this situation. These policies have not filtered down to land owners and managers, nor have they resulted in a redirection of government resources. Thus, large areas remain subject to unsustainable use. It is necessary that the true value of woodlands be determined and acknowledged as a stimulus to government agencies, the private sector and local users to use this valuable resource sustainably.
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- Date Issued: 2001