Thinking Ahead
A few years ago a fantastic new 'bouldering' area was discovered on the Cape Peninsula, Red Hill. It lay within the confines of the Table Mountain National Park, and due to its fairly remote location the area had not seen much sporting activity. Nobody really thought to ask too many questions, or create a protocol of how best the land could be used for bouldering but also ensure little disturbance to flora and fauna. We just climbed on the boulders had enjoyed the scenery.
Most South African climbers like to think of ourselves as being environmentally sound, and avid nature lovers. Most of us will pick up other people's litter, and feel we are not harming the environment by scrambling over a couple of rocks... after all it is actually quite exciting bashing your way through thick undergrowth to find yet another piece of amazing overhanging sandstone that no one has ever climbed... ever in the entire history of the human race! It is a true voyage of discovery.
I did wonder though how long our somewhat hedonistic pleasure would last when one day I noticed clear paths criss-crossing to bare patches beneath large boulders which had once been obscured by fynbos foliage.
Now bouldering is prohibited in this area, and to a large extent justly so. It is a pity because this area yields some of the most exciting rock formations which have attracted international attention and if managed differently could have contributed to development of eco-tourism in the Cape Peninsula.
It is a bit late to argue now, after legislation has been passed and a president set. There is an ongoing battle to try and establish a working solution. However so far great efforts have been made, and all have been in vain. In this instance, as in many, the events can stand to serve a purpose.
Rather than focusing retrospectively on an unhappy outcome, we can use the knowledge gained prevent repercussion. Here it would be to look at environmental management of areas, and become involved in the process and planning prior to legislation being established; to have a view from various perspectives and see the pitfalls before they occur, and work to prevent them. Your package of ideas has to be attractive to everyone, not just yourself. It takes collaborative and creative thinking to achieve.
Studying other success stories, like the British CROW initiative in management of public land by multiple users can create a good starting point to develop a plan. Redhill Boulderingban
Most South African climbers like to think of ourselves as being environmentally sound, and avid nature lovers. Most of us will pick up other people's litter, and feel we are not harming the environment by scrambling over a couple of rocks... after all it is actually quite exciting bashing your way through thick undergrowth to find yet another piece of amazing overhanging sandstone that no one has ever climbed... ever in the entire history of the human race! It is a true voyage of discovery.
I did wonder though how long our somewhat hedonistic pleasure would last when one day I noticed clear paths criss-crossing to bare patches beneath large boulders which had once been obscured by fynbos foliage.
Now bouldering is prohibited in this area, and to a large extent justly so. It is a pity because this area yields some of the most exciting rock formations which have attracted international attention and if managed differently could have contributed to development of eco-tourism in the Cape Peninsula.
It is a bit late to argue now, after legislation has been passed and a president set. There is an ongoing battle to try and establish a working solution. However so far great efforts have been made, and all have been in vain. In this instance, as in many, the events can stand to serve a purpose.
Rather than focusing retrospectively on an unhappy outcome, we can use the knowledge gained prevent repercussion. Here it would be to look at environmental management of areas, and become involved in the process and planning prior to legislation being established; to have a view from various perspectives and see the pitfalls before they occur, and work to prevent them. Your package of ideas has to be attractive to everyone, not just yourself. It takes collaborative and creative thinking to achieve.
Studying other success stories, like the British CROW initiative in management of public land by multiple users can create a good starting point to develop a plan. Redhill Boulderingban
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