37 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Maintaining biodiversity NCT maintains 25% of its own area in an unplanted and natural state for biodiversity purposes. This includes 200ha mist-belt forest and a protected Natal cycad colony. Management advice is also rendered to members with areas of high conservation significance The rapid onset of forest-related technology and the need to keep up to date Remaining critically involved in technological advances NCT as a significant player within the global chip industry is obligated to remain at the cutting edge of technological developments. NCT invests in collaborative Industry Research Programmes: • Tree breeding and pest management at the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR) • Tree pathology and entomology at the University of Pretoria. NCT continues to support and sponsor researchers in appropriate fields:- • Genome sequenc ing for Acac i a mearns i i (MSc complete). • Economic impact caused by and control of Gonipterus spp. (Snout beetle) (In progress) • Off-site / off-target fate of common agrochemicals with specific view towards FSC applicable options. (In progress) • Appropriate and sustainable technology-based methodologies for small and medium timber farmers. (In progress) (. . . . From previous page) Eighty small-growers from Zululand and the Midlands participated in Project regen with 189.4ha planted. To date a total of 1262.55ha has been planted via this project.
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