End of the road for dune hooligans

THE Ministry of Environment and Tourism wants the area between the Kuiseb Delta (south of Walvis Bay), and the Swakop River mouth to be proclaimed a park in an attempt to stop the destruction of the sensitive desert environment by offroad drivers.

Permanent Secretary Kalumbi Shangula said a notice would be submitted to Cabinet for the proclamation of this park. The protection status of the National West Coast Recreation Area (NWCA), which consists of the central coastal area, is also expected to increase to that of a national park.It is hoped that these proclamations and the relevant legislation will be in place by June, for full implementation by the end of the year.The Ministry’s stance is in response to the latest reports indicating increased offroad damage within the coast’s protected and sensitive areas.It is alleged that much damage was inflicted during the past festive season – even after a comprehensive public awareness campaign was launched to inform holidaymakers where, and where not, to use offroad vehicles.Aerial footage taken during an inspection by the Ministry and the Coastal Contingency Management Committee (CCMC) in January showed an increase in offroad destruction all along the coast from the Kuiseb to the Ugab River.”An urgent halt has to be called to uncontrolled offroad driving in these areas,” yesterday’s statement read.”The Ministry and its stakeholders have now reached the stage where they need to act accordingly and strongly.”According to the Ministry’s statement, the proclamation of the new parks would not mean the termination of the different forms of land use at the coast, but only better management.Clear zones for different uses and relevant regulations would be developed under the new Environmental Management Act and the Parks and Wildlife Management Bill.Concessions and a permit system, as well as increased staff during peak periods to assist in law enforcement, are all expected to be included in such a proclamation.RESPONSES CCMC member and tour operator in the dune belt, Chris Nel, told The Namibian that the Ministry’s call indicates that urgent action is needed at the top level of Government to address offroad destruction.He said the proposal was not draconian: it would still allow everyone access to the area, but this time with laws regulating their activities.”Everyone can still enjoy our beautiful God-given environment, but now there are rules for those who in the past did not enjoy it responsibly,” he said.James Tromp, who runs a quad-bike operation in the dune belt, said the decision was good and long overdue.However, he said there was uncertainty about what would be expected from tourism operators in the area, adding that proper consultation would have to take place between the operators, the public and the Ministry.”The proclamation and legislation will help if it is enforced,” Tromp said.”It wouldn’t help much if they go through all this trouble and not enforce the law, then nothing’s going to change.”Gregory Flewellen of Swakopmund, who claims to be a responsible quad-bike enthusiast, and whose sentiments are shared by many other private offroad enthusiasts, feels that the proclamation is not such a good idea.”We enjoy the dunes and the beaches.Where would we be able to go then?” he asked.”We do this for fun, and we are responsible, and are fully aware of the negative impact of irresponsible offroad activity on the environment.”He acknowledged the damage caused by offroad activity during the past season, but said this was done by South Africans or those from the interior who were misinformed and careless.Flewellen said a committee representing private offroad enthusiasts was being set up to contribute to the debate.The protection status of the National West Coast Recreation Area (NWCA), which consists of the central coastal area, is also expected to increase to that of a national park.It is hoped that these proclamations and the relevant legislation will be in place by June, for full implementation by the end of the year.The Ministry’s stance is in response to the latest reports indicating increased offroad damage within the coast’s protected and sensitive areas.It is alleged that much damage was inflicted during the past festive season – even after a comprehensive public awareness campaign was launched to inform holidaymakers where, and where not, to use offroad vehicles.Aerial footage taken during an inspection by the Ministry and the Coastal Contingency Management Committee (CCMC) in January showed an increase in offroad destruction all along the coast from the Kuiseb to the Ugab River.”An urgent halt has to be called to uncontrolled offroad driving in these areas,” yesterday’s statement read.”The Ministry and its stakeholders have now reached the stage where they need to act accordingly and strongly.”According to the Ministry’s statement, the proclamation of the new parks would not mean the termination of the different forms of land use at the coast, but only better management.Clear zones for different uses and relevant regulations would be developed under the new Environmental Management Act and the Parks and Wildlife Management Bill.Concessions and a permit system, as well as increased staff during peak periods to assist in law enforcement, are all expected to be included in such a proclamation.RESPONSES CCMC member and tour operator in the dune belt, Chris Nel, told The Namibian that the Ministry’s call indicates that urgent action is needed at the top level of Government to address offroad destruction.He said the proposal was not draconian: it would still allow everyone access to the area, but this time with laws regulating their activities.”Everyone can still enjoy our beautiful God-given environment, but now there are rules for those who in the past did not enjoy it responsibly,” he said.James Tromp, who runs a quad-bike operation in the dune belt, said the decision was good and long overdue.However, he said there was uncertainty about what would be expected from tourism operators in the area, adding that proper consultation would have to take place between the operators, the public and the Ministry.”The proclamation and legislation will help if it is enforced,” Tromp said.”It wouldn’t help much if they go through all this trouble and not enforce the law, then nothing’s going to change.”Gregory Flewellen of Swakopmund, who claims to be a responsible quad-bike enthusiast, and whose sentiments are shared by many other private offroad enthusiasts, feels that the proclamation is not such a good idea.”We enjoy the dunes and the beaches.Where would we be able to go then?” he asked.”We do this for fun, and we are responsible, and are fully aware of the negative impact of irresponsible offroad activity on the environment.”He acknowledged the damage caused by offroad activity during the past season, but said this was done by South Africans or those from the interior who were misinformed and careless.Flewellen said a committee representing private offroad enthusiasts was being set up to contribute to the debate.

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