GEORGE NEWS - Growing concern over the extent and pace of development in Wilderness and the negative impact this is having on the environment and local people has moved a resident, Michael von der Heyde, and his wife Romy to start an initiative called "Save Wild".
Their aim is to promote awareness of unsustainable development in the area, a topic that is increasingly dominating in many minds in George these days.
Environmentally conscious individuals and organisations in Wilderness have long been airing their dismay at certain developments being allowed and an alleged lack of active regulation of building activities.
Melissa Dalton, chairperson of Wilderness and Lakes Environmental Forum (Waleaf), says it seems as if there is no consideration of the fact that the Wilderness area falls under a Unesco Biosphere Reserve and adjoins a national park. "Development seems to take priority over biodiversity conservation and our sense of place.
"There seems to be no cognisance and action with regard to climate change mitigation and the heavy construction footprint."
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She says Waleaf is also of the opinion that the George town planning department approves too many relaxations and too much subdivision of property, which increases density and has a higher impact on the environment.
"The municipality fails to enforce compliancy with respect to environmental and town planning regulations. Fines issued in respect of lack of compliancy when enforcement is carried out, are ridiculously low."
She says more often than not, decisions are in favour of the developer and not the environment.
"Environment and town planning laws and regulations should be better enforced in the Garden Route and Wilderness. The Wilderness Spatial Development Framework is not adhered to when decisions are being made regarding developments."
She says biodiversity, especially of wildlife species that are sensitive to disturbance and the presence of people, is only one aspect that is negatively impacted because of barriers to their movement such as fences/walls and even roads.
There are also ramifications for water resources and there is increasing light and noise pollution.
With increased traffic comes associated pollutants. Large development footprints contribute to the loss of indigenous plants including protected species such as milkwoods and yellowwoods.
"Save Wild wants to create awareness around environmentally problematic practices and development plans, and will be working to ensure that all relevant by-laws are enforced," says Dalton.
Save Wild is spearheaded by a group of conservation experts and environmental organisations. They will focus on providing oversight and guidance for development projects and activities in the area.
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