Focus on Forestry 2026: The Value of Forestry in a Greening Economy
As worldwide pressure increases to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, forestry is becoming more central to the green economy. From carbon sequestration and biomass energy to sustainable timber production and rural livelihoods, the sector is no longer seen just as a resource industry but as a climate solution.
Against this backdrop, CMO, Nelson Mandela University and Forestry South Africa will host Focus on Forestry 2026 under the theme: The Value of Forestry in a Greening Economy.
The three-day conference will take place on 21–23 April 2026 at the Karkloof Country Club in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in South Africa.
Rather than dividing audiences by discipline, the conference aims to expose participants to the full operational and environmental context of forestry. Delegates are encouraged to attend both conference days to gain the most benefit.
Knowledge and networking
Focus on Forestry is designed as an industry meeting point rather than a specialised technical symposium. It is ideal for landowners, growers, contractors, and operational managers, and provides valuable engagement opportunities for researchers, consultants, training providers, government institutions and equipment suppliers.
The programme reflects the complexity of modern forestry, encompassing small-scale growers, large industrial plantations, sustainably managed natural forests, and supporting ecosystems.
Focus areas:
- Nursery production
- Silviculture
- Fire and risk management
- Certification and compliance
- Forest engineering
- Biomass harvesting
- Carbon forestry
Day 1: Forest Management & Sustainability
Covers nurseries, silviculture, certification, and fire management, with emphasis on practical risk mitigation and operational efficiency.
Day 2: Engineering, Carbon & Biomass
Explores harvesting systems, forest engineering innovations, and the growing role of forestry in carbon markets and renewable energy.
Day 3: Field Day & Live Demonstrations
Hosted at a Sappi plantation near the venue, offering hands-on demonstrations and real-world operational exposure. The field day bridges the gap between theory and application.
Event details
Venue: Karkloof Country Club, near Howick, KwaZulu-Natal
Dates: 21–23 April 2026
Tickets
- Full (2 days): R3,950 (excl. VAT)
- Single day: R2,950 (excl. VAT)
- Student full access: R2,883.50 (excl. VAT)
Students must provide proof of registration to qualify.
More info: https://cmogroup.io/focus-forestry/
