LETTERS: Victory for the environment

Last week’s High Court decision to dismiss an application to allow the artificial breaching of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park’s Umfolozi River is a victory for our environment.
This after the river was being artificially breached every time water levels rose above a certain point with the unfortunate effect of emptying precious water from Lake St Lucia – at a time when our province is in the grip of a severe drought.
There can be no doubt that this action was a major threat to the incredible biodiversity in the lake. Isimangaliso Wetland Park was proclaimed a World Heritage site because it is a one of a kind. Not only is it an environmental jewel in KZN’s crown, attracting tourists and supporting jobs in this sector, it is also a major contributor to subsistence livelihoods and small scale fishing.
The environment has no voice or vote. It needs the people of KZN to defend it. We must do whatever it takes to protect our natural resources for future generations.
ANN MCDONNELL, MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on Conservation and Environmental Affairs