The Teak forests of Zimbabwe are protected by the national Forestry Commission, which harvests timber on a strictly rotational basis.
While Baikiaea plurijuga is a slow-growing species endemic to the Kalahari sandvelt ecosystem, the growing stock permits a sustainable yield well above the actual annual offtake.
No logs are allowed to leave Forestry Commission sawmills without being branded and checked. A certificate of origin and authorisation must accompany any transportation of logs within Zimbabwe. Export of raw timber is forbidden and all furniture manufacturers must be able to prove authorisation and origin of tealk timber on their premises. Random inspections are carried out and penalties are high.
Zero Wastage
Baobab Industries donates all the bark peeled from the logs, together with offcuts and sawdust, to charitable organisations. Offcust and bark are delivered to Entumbane Old Peoples's Home in Bulawayo to keep the residents warm with winter fires, and to heat the water boilers. The SPCA is given offcuts for their cooking fires and the sawdust for litter.
