Two Forestry and Wood Technology students from Nelson Mandela University (George Campus) recently attended the 50th International Forestry Student's Symposium in Chile. This is one of the world's most prestigious forestry student events. The main aim of the event was to learn about forestry and the management of natural resources of Chile, with specific focus on the sustainability of the forest sector. Furthermore, the event was aimed at networking and exchanging ideas among different delegates from all over the world.

Delegates from over 30 countries including Germany, Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia, United Kingdom, Canada, Finland and Slovakia attended the event. NMU forestry students Avelile Cishe and Ronewa Sathuma represented South African and African students at the conference. This was made possible by funding assistance from the Nelson Mandela University, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental (DFFE), South African Forestry Contractors Association (SAFCA), Hans Merensky, and Forestry South Africa (FSA).

Some of the topics that were discussed in the congress included the future of forestry in the world, climate adaptation strategies, forest certification systems, wood science and wood products in support of the green economy, climate-smart forest technologies, forest trade and governance, water quality, and higher education policy and development. These topics are of significant value to the South African forestry industry.

"The South African forestry industry plays a positive role in the climate debate and other global environmental concerns like that of water quality and soil degradation," said Avelile, President of the NMU Forestry Students Association, who gave a presentation at the conference about the role of forestry in solving major environmental threats.