HERITAGE
LETTER |
The following article is from items published
in the Hout Bay press. The submitted articles are often
shortened and sometimes edited by the publishers, which is their prerogative,
however, articles here appear in full.
D.C. |
| A Millennium Resolution for our Valley |
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As we enter the third Millennium it is opportune to look back at the last century not only to consider man's achievements but at his impact on our environment and what he has invested in our future. The conclusion is frightening. In their recent report "Living Planet 1999", WWF once again reviewed what they call the "LPI" (Living Planet Index) - a measure of the Earth's natural wealth. It has dropped by an astounding 30% since 1970 - in other words, mans impact on our Planet during my children's lifetime has probably been greater than that of the natural processes of nature over the past few million years! Hout Bay is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has also often been described as a microcosm of the rest of our country, its range of rich and abjectly poor inhabitants mirror the situation across the whole of Africa. Hout Bay's Afro Montane forests, which gave it its name, have all but gone, virtually all the lowland fynbos was destroyed by farmers early last century, the palmiet which once stabilised our river has disappeared below Longkloof and only a fraction of our unique and classic dune system remains - lost forever all in the name of "progress"? The chilling truth is that worse will come - unless we do something about it. The Living Planet Index highlights its worst component indicator being that of fresh water ecosystems - rivers and wetlands, which have shown almost a 50% decline since 1970. The water quality in our river's lagoon rivals the worst in the Peninsula, second only to Three Anchor Bay which has a sewage outflow nearby. The e.coli count, which is used as a tell tale indicator, reveals that the river could be capable of transmitting dangerous diseases like Cholera and Typhoid fever, should such organisms be introduced. What is the answer? At the start of the new millennium - we have a chance to make not just a New Year Resolution but a new Millennium Resolution. I believe it is vital that we acknowledge what our generation has destroyed for all time and more importantly, that we take up the challenge to consider what we can do to stop the rot and reverse the trend. 1999 may have closed on an optimistic note - The Hout Bay River Forum finalised the contractual details for the development of a concept plan for the rehabilitation of one of our last remaining and recoverable natural assets - our wetlands. We now have an opportunity to create a wonderful bird sanctuary and wildlife reserve which will be of great value to future generations, however, your support will be vital. A lasting "Millennium Resolution" to correct some of the damage we have done to our Natural Environment could be the greatest investment in our future that our community could ever make. It will happen if we make it happen - if we don't, the chances are the opportunities will be lost forever and our Community the Peninsula and our Country will be the poorer for all time.
Dave Cowley.
Hout Bay & Llandudno Heritage Trust
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