Losing nature is a big deal

Writer: Dr Anina Lee.

The value of biodiversity is widely recognised in South Africa – both politically and legislatively. There is also growing recognition of the importance of biodiversity to the tourism industry. Research has established that destroying even a small natural area has a large knock-on effect.

If the Hermanus bypass is built according to the present plans, Fernkloof Nature Reserve will lose just over 5 hectares of its 1 800 hectares. Is this a big deal?

Rafnia elliptica

PHOTO: Hermanus Botanical Society

Supporters of the bypass say, “No”. But they are wrong. The bypass will have many negative impacts, even if it is only 5 hectares (remember, this is the finished area – the area of destruction caused by the roadworks will make this much larger). These 5 hectares are also in the most vulnerable part of the reserve – its long, thin tail, situated on a steep slope.

The first impact will be a violation of the principle of protected areas.

Gladiolus grandiflorus

PHOTO: Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 19)