Harbour Threat to Kosi Bay! (6 September, 1996)

The recent revelation that Portnet are investigating the feasibility of using Kosi Bay as a possible small-boat harbour came as a shock to the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa.

For the past 50 years the Wildlife and Environment Society of SA has regarded Kosi Bay (see background articles by George Begg and John Comrie-Greig) as a prime area for protection and conservation. During this period the Society has staved off many threats to this area such as a proposed massive prawn farming project and the incorporation of Kosi Bay and Maputaland into Swaziland so that Kosi Bay could be developed as a port for Swaziland. Many years ago Kosi Bay was also debated as a possible second port for KwaZulu-Natal along with Richards Bay. The final decision went in favour of Richards Bay as Kosi Bay was considered to be too environmentally sensitive and too costly to develop.

Kosi Bay is a unique and superb natural area that has retained its pristine beauty and integrity for hundreds of years. It is now a proclaimed Nature Reserve and a registered RAMSAR site. The local people who live within the nature reserve live in harmony with the environment and are an integral part of the ecology of the entire system. This is a rare and exceptional phenomenon.

The Wildlife and Environment Society enjoys a good relationship with the custodians of the Reserve and the local people. We are helping the locally developed KEN project to establish a successful ecotourism venture. The Society arranges regular safaris to the Kosi Bay KEN Community Camp for naturalists and tourists.

Further detailed information about this area and the Society tours etc. can be obtained from Mr Keith Cooper, Director: Conservation, Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, 100 Brand Road, Durban 4001. Tel: (031) 210-909 or fax: (031) 210-525. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, 5 September 1996.

This issue is of great significance, and will be followed up as a WildNet Africa Hot Wildlife Issue. Keep visiting WildNet Africa to monitor developments.