Timber iQ August - September 2019 // Issue:45 | Page 45

TALKING TIMBER and treated to meet structural engineering codes. Section sizes are limited as wood is often harvested young. 2. Unsustainable harvest. The need for firewood and charcoal as cooking fuel exceeds the need for construction materials. This practice pollutes the environment and contributes to respiratory diseases. Developing a market for other sources of energy for cooking will increase availability of timber for construction. 3. Unethical practices. Forest law enforcement in Rwanda is very strict. Regionally, however, widespread illegal logging has devastated forest resources, which is especially prevalent in neighbouring DRC. A One Health based agroforestry and silvicultural approach to revamping and reorganising the timber industry in East Africa can provide more value to stakeholders and a measurable benefit to the environment. Strengthening the supply chain relies on all players – from forest managers to building material yard owners – to manage forests, dry, grade, treat and store timber appropriately. Introducing new products, like engineered timber sections and pressed board products, will further increase the usability and efficiency of forest yield. Increasing the number of native tree species cultivated can add resilience to plantation crops. In order to realise a more robust value chain, policy and code can be improved to better support the timber industry and engineers. Codifying requirements with explicit reference to the species available in the region will allow for engineers and architects to confidently specify timber and subsequently the market will demand those standards in products. While great progress has been made in policy at a national level, regional and global policy needs to strengthen to address logging and trade of illegally harvested materials across the region. Strengthening the supply chain will produce more economic value in increased efficiency of yields, innovative products brought to market and more quality control and processing jobs. Beyond the economic benefit, if approached correctly, focus on the supply chain can also harbour substantial ecological benefits. Coupling timber production and processing with a focus on native species will build back biodiversity, soil health and disease resilience. Agroforestry can be introduced at a broader scale to add resilience to the agriculture and forestry industries as well as expand income streams for plantations and cooperatives alike. A diversified timber industry can contribute to a more sustainable construction industry in Rwanda. If designed intentionally to be replicable on a national level as well as with local communities and jurisdictions, advancements can lead to global reductions in air pollution and carbon emissions. REFERENCES 1. Blondel, N, [2014]. Forest Governance and Timber Trade Flows Within, to and from Eastern and Southern African Countries, Rwanda Study [online]. Available from: https://europa.eu/ capacity4dev/file/21147/download?token=UUBuRts_ 2. Republic of Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure, (2015). Energy Sector Strategic Plan [online]. Rwanda: MINIFRA. [Viewed 23/06/19] . Available from: http://www.mininfra.gov.rw/ fileadmin/user_upload/new_tender/Energy_Sector_Strategic_ Plan.pdf 3. Rwanda Energy Group, [2018]. Biomass [online]. Available from: www.reg.rw/what-we-do/biomass/ CAPE 11 - 12 September 2019 | Sun Exhibits, GrandWest Cape Town The MUST ATTEND event for construction professionals in the Western Cape region Book your stand for 2019 Get in touch to get a tailored exhibiting or sponsorship package to ensure that you achieve the maximum benefits from the expo. [email protected] [phone] www.timberiq.co.za www.capeconstructionexpo.com // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019 Organised by: 43