With all the socioeconomic and environmental positives that come with having a protected space for the animals to live and roam freely — albeit within a fenced area — it is surprising that a proposal to erect a wind farm within the 10km buffer zone of the park was approved by the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment. Though it is being appealed, the fact that the project may interfere with the elephants’ ability to communicate with each other, according to conservation lobby groups, is a cause for concern.
With all the socioeconomic and environmental positives that come with having a protected space for the animals to live and roam freely — albeit within a fenced area — it is surprising that a proposal to erect a wind farm within the 10km buffer zone of the park was approved by the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment. Though it is being appealed, the fact that the project may interfere with the elephants’ ability to communicate with each other, according to conservation lobby groups, is a cause for concern.
Scientists have warned that the low-frequency drone of turbines from the proposed Bayview Wind Farm will most likely interfere with the ability of the Addo Elephant National Park’s jumbos to communicate with each other
A national park that is home to the Big Five, and famous for its elephants — the Addo Elephant National Park — is truly a national treasure.
And the fact that it is on Nelson Mandela Bay’s doorstep means that it is a quick 68km drive for residents to enjoy a beautiful day in nature among herds of the biggest species on land.
Tourists visit the park in droves every year — barring 2020 due to Covid-19 and the travel restrictions.
With all the socioeconomic and environmental positives that come with having a protected …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]Scientists have warned that the low-frequency drone of turbines from the proposed Bayview Wind Farm will most likely interfere with the ability of the Addo Elephant National Park’s jumbos to communicate with each other
A national park that is home to the Big Five, and famous for its elephants — the Addo Elephant National Park — is truly a national treasure.
And the fact that it is on Nelson Mandela Bay’s doorstep means that it is a quick 68km drive for residents to enjoy a beautiful day in nature among herds of the biggest species on land.
Tourists visit the park in droves every year — barring 2020 due to Covid-19 and the travel restrictions.
With all the socioeconomic and environmental positives that come with having a protected space for the animals to live and roam freely — albeit within a fenced area — it is surprising that a proposal to erect a wind farm within the 10km buffer zone of the park was approved by the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment.
Though it is being appealed, the fact that the project may interfere with the elephants’ ability to communicate with each other, according to conservation lobby groups, is a cause for concern.
Other concerns include the failure of the initial assessment to get formal comment from SANParks, according to the organisation.
While alternative energy is needed, and should be supported, it must be weighed up against the need to protect the elephants and other animals at the park.
From the information that is available — in the Coastal & Environmental Services final amended environmental impact report — the Bayview Wind Farm will consist of a maximum 40 wind turbines with a maximum net generating capacity of 140MW.
The report adds that the wind farm will be situated within a critical biodiversity area within 10km of the Addo Elephant National Park.
It states that each turbine will be a maximum 225m high, including the 150m tower and the 75m propeller blades.
When a proposed site is identified, there should be a thorough and transparent assessment of the site and the proposed project.
For all environmental impact assessments, but especially one that is going to affect such a famous and beloved entity like the Addo park, efforts should be made to convey the proposal and the gauging process to ordinary members of the public who may not be able to delve into scientific documents.
Climate change is a huge threat, but so is loss of biodiversity.
So, development of renewable energy is very important but so is protecting nature in all its different forms.
Our rich biodiversity underpins eco-tourism.
In these Covid times there is a growing global realisation about the importance of nature.
We should build on our successful eco-investments, not undermine them.