Release of Section 5.2 (forestry) of the Development Atlas of the Republic

Summary

This paper reports on a long-term cartographic initiative led by the Department of Planning and the Environment of South Africa, which has been underway since 1966. The primary objective is the compilation of a comprehensive national development atlas documenting the Republic's natural resource base. Designed as a loose-leaf publication, the atlas allows for continuous updating and expansion, ensuring the currency of the information provided. The thematic scope is broad, encompassing physical environmental features, social aspects, water resources, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as industry and economic factors. By integrating these diverse data layers, the atlas aims to support evidence-based spatial planning and resource management. The paper highlights the progress of this initiative, noting that several sections have already been finalized. A particular focus is given to the recently completed forestry section. This component consists of two colour maps: one delineating the humidity zones across the country and another illustrating the geographical distribution of forest plantations categorized by wood species. These maps are accompanied by two pages of explanatory text that interpret the spatial patterns and underlying data. The completion of the forestry section demonstrates the atlas's role in consolidating fragmented environmental information into an accessible, visual format. The ongoing compilation of the atlas provides a foundational reference for understanding the spatial configuration of South Africa's natural assets and serves as a strategic tool for sustainable development planning.