Have your say on the future of the Wild Coast!

There has been heated debate about the future of the Wild Coast recently. The proposed mining of the Xolobeni area and now the extension of the N2, which will supposedly result in socio-economic development in the area but will also have long-lasting, detrimental effects on the environment. Here are various arguments and comments; from Sustaining the Wild Coast, the ‘Wildcoast’ website and a broader overview.

I write this now as the deadline to submit an appeal against the proposed highway is this Wednesday 19th May. All too often, [...]

Xolobeni mining – shady ‘support’ from locals

I have written about the proposed mining of the Xolobeni area. See blogposts here, here and here. The local mining company says that it will bring employment to the area. Those opposed say it will bring destruction. I feel that an area of such biodiversity and uniqueness should be preserved as a heritage site. This will allow for sustained livelihoods and the preservation of the natural environment.

[...]

Xolobeni

I’m sure many people are aware of the proposed mining in the Xolobeni area of the Transkei. Last year I set up an online petition for a group that was opposing it.  This and other efforts have fallen on deaf ears and it seems likely that the mining will go ahead. Oh well, I thought, that is quite sad… And then I read a bit more about how devastating the mining will actually be (various articles here) and what a beautiful and unique area will be destroyed (see photo essay here) – it should be a national heritage site!  Oh well, I then thought, that is really sad…