International conservation bodies have strongly criticised plans to mine heavy metals and build a toll road along part of the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, calling for a rethink before government gives the go-ahead for these proposals.
In a statement on Monday, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said although the region was in urgent need of socio-economic development, the road and mining projects ”pose an inherent threat to the region’s natural environment and its people”.
In a separate statement, the German Nature Conservation Association (Deutscher Naturschutzring, DNR) said it was alarmed by the way local communities were being drawn into a polarised discussion on the best land-use options for the area.
It too recommended ”that neither mining rights nor road construction permits are granted at this point, when the most sustainable land-use option has not yet been identified”.
Plans by an Australian minerals company to extract titanium from dunes in the Xolobeni coastal region of the Eastern Cape are reportedly at an advanced stage.
Perth-based Mineral Resource Commodities (MRC) recently announced details of an empowerment deal with a local black empowerment company, Xolco, to mine the area. MRC currently holds a permit to prospect in the region.
The South African government has remained mum on whether the green light to mine will actually be given, although Environmental Affairs Minister Valli Moosa is on record as saying he is opposed to mining in the area.
However, the government appears to be in favour of the new N2 toll road being built, in spite of the proposed route running through an area earmarked for a new national park.
The plan, which will reportedly cost taxpayers millions, has incensed conservationists, who — while recognising the need for a good road in the region — say there is a much cheaper alternative that does not run through the proposed park.
WWF South Africa director Dr Rob Little said while upgrading existing roads and some new road building was undoubtedly required, it was important to recognise sensitive eco-regions, and to be aware of the large remnant forests and valuable grasslands.
”Acknowledging that the Xolobeni region of South Africa’s Wild Coast is in urgent need of socio-economic development, WWF South Africa maintains that the proposed N2 toll road and heavy metal mining in the region pose an inherent threat to the natural environment and its people.”
Little said an improved transport system could contribute to the sustainable development of the area, provided it was integrated into best practice land-use development plans and conservation initiatives.
”Further, lasting poverty reduction is only possible if the environment is able to provide the goods and services people depend on, and if natural resources are used in a manner that does not undermine long-term and sustainable development,” he said.
In its statement, DNR said the Wild Coast was a biosphere of international importance, and it was greatly concerned about the risk posed by mining and road construction.
”With great concern we have taken note of the ecological threats being imminent to the integrity of the Wild Coast biosphere.
”We are also alarmed by the way local communities are drawn into a polarised discussion as to what the best land use options would be,” it said. – Sapa