SHOULD the proposal for the establishment of a new national park in the virtually "untouched" Wild Coast area in the Eastern Cape eventually be implemented, it will serve as a "particularly good anchor" to open up other tourism development projects in the area.
This is the view expressed by Didi Moyle, special adviser to the Minister of Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Mohammed Valli Moosa. She told Travel Now that plans to develop the Pondoland area - just north of Port St Johns - are still in the "early stages" as the land was still being identified and discussions being held with the Eastern Cape (EC) provincial government.
"We are conducting several feasibility studies in conjunction with the EC government and South African National Parks (SANP). Once that's done, we can begin to map out the area and determine the size of the park. Then land negotiations can begin, in conjunction with the EC government".
"We have not set any deadlines because there are several factors which need to be taken into account, not least of which is the land ownership issue, which - under the former Transkei government - is a fairly complex system."
Moyle says the area - which has been deemed not suitable for agriculture or breeding livestock due to the soil types and the Table Mountain sandstone - has great biodiversity, a "pristine" marine environment and lush, tropical plants, including a large number of palm trees.
"It is also an important breeding ground for vultures."
(Adéle Mackenzie)
