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The Strandloper guide to the Namaqua coast |
by Grazia de Beer
 The idea was not new, but “Strandlopers” as a name and working concept was born in the Port Nolloth Museum. There is a strong need for an eco watchdog body for the Northern Cape’s coastal areas where we are far away enough to be ignored. Projects, groups and informal pamphlets had been distributed over the years to address the issue of ORVs (off road vehicles), litter, dumping, fireworks etc relating to the destruction of flora and fauna and the disruption of peace and quiet especially during the season time. These far flung areas are not adequately policed and a need for information sharing was essential.
Because of the chronic degradation of our costal areas in 2005 and before, it was our wish to produce a proper brochure before Christmas 2006. This wish happened to dove-tail into the Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation’s Provincial Coastal Committee’s newsletter project. The Department joined forces and agreed to donate some funds for printing. The Museum then found more kind donors. We eventually managed to print 8,000 copies of an A3 brochure in two languages.
We decided to call the brochure “Strandlopers – Visitor’s guide to the Namaqua coast” and the result was tasteful, colourful and eye catching. It was widely distributed and read, and caught the attention of the media (television appearances 3 times on Christmas Day 2006!!). The brochure is reasonably timeless. It also has a great map marking sites, gravel roads, distances and above all who to contact in the area in case of any environmental emergencies.
The project, channeled through the Museum’s Port Nolloth Heritage Trust, used any surplus money from the project on relevant eco-signage as well as a simple internal map with tourist and eco information and demarcated roads for ORVs.
Strandlopers came to represent something more than just a brochure. It came to mean the like minded “people” or carers of the coast. Its tentacles spread north and south. Supporters, translators, editors and all sorts of wise advice emanated. It also became a discussion topic on DLIST-Benguela and played its part in hosting an historic meeting in Port Nolloth regarding the Namaqua Coast, its eco problems and need for environmental protection. The mission message is clear: Lawlessness, disease, corruption and crime are sweeping our country. Environmental issues often have to take a back seat. But since many crimes stem from poverty, unless measures are taken to create work and sustainable development, these more “serious” issues will worsen.
 We live in small west coast coastal communities and therefore we believe that we could be prototypes for small Utopias. However, if we do not care for this coast and its natural resources we stand to lose one of the few truly sustainable industries we have - eco-tourism.
This community, and many others along the coast, have grown or existed predominantly through mining (mainly copper and diamond mining), and fishing over the past 150 years. For this reason many of the towns have not been seriously developed in an eco-friendly or attractive manner. We have ignored our real treasures. Now that these resources have dwindled, we have become saddled with an aftermath of scar tissue, and many people have been left jobless and frustrated. Although some strong initiatives are in place, we need to act collectively now, and with urgency, not only to redress the environmental calamities that have occurred, but to ensure a common growth, pride, and economic upliftment – in harmony with our precious natural resources.
Through the October meeting that was attended by 21 persons (representing the RVM – local gov, DTEC, DEAT, MCM, SAPS (local), SAPS (water), Department of Justice, Fisheries, FAMDA, PNHT, JUSTICE, and other coastal stakeholders) STRANDLOPERS caused the government departments to take serious note and thereby dispatch invaluable assistance and policing during the season. Marine and Coastal Management, Department of Tourism, Environment and Conservation and SAPS (including SAPS water police wing – who were responsible for scores of warnings and fines all the way along the coastline) became active together. This was a first…..
You can download the Strandloper brochure from the DLIST Library here and will also find more resources and information about this topic on the upcoming Burning Issue on Impacts from Coastal Tourism.
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