Bark Harvesting for Traditional Medicine: From Illegal Resource Degradation to Participatory Management

Efforts to supplement income for daily livelihood needs have resulted in illegal bark harvesting for traditional medicine from natural forests in South Africa. In the process, genetic resources and forest composition and structure have been severely degraded. A study was initiated in 2000 to address forest ecological problems, social and cultural needs, economic benefits, a legal framework and institutional structures associated with bark harvesting in an integrated way. Opportunities, constraints and critical issues were identified from reviewing available information and evaluating requirements for technology, skills, management practices and partners along the value chain. Studies were conducted on natural resource management and development of alternative resources and institutional structures to resolve critical issues in the short term, mainly through adaptive management research. A harvesters' association was formed and agreements were negotiated between the Forestry Department and the association. The recommendations resulting from these studies were legally implemented in May 2002, through an improved management plan and guidelines for sustainable bark harvesting from the Umzimkulu forests.