Attempts to sustain livelihoods and to reduce poverty whilst maintaining species diversity are two major global challenges. Natural woodlands are a home to over 9.2 million South Africans, with the poorest majority dependent on the woodlands for their livelihoods. Woodlands have the highest plant endemism in South Africa, with several biodiversity hotspots - yet only 5% of these woodlands are sustainably managed.

This project looks at plant diversity, utilisation and conservation, and will focus particularly on the economics of resource use, ethnobotany and patterns of vegetation change. The project will lead to publication of a strategic guideline document with indicators for sustainable resource use and woodland conservation, and it is hoped that a wide range of interest groups will benefit from the work done.