Ballito resident Kevin Reynolds writes:

Having read with great interest last week’s article (Courier, October 30, ‘Protecting Ballito’s back garden‘) I would like to suggest an opportunity to strengthen the efforts being made to protect our natural environment.

There is already a substantial, largely untapped network of people regularly out and about across the area.

The Holla Trails attract a large community of cyclists, runners, joggers, walkers and dog owners, many of whom use the surrounding routes and open spaces almost daily. Their activities extend across a considerable area, from Tongaat to Prince’s Grant, including the coastline and Glendale.

This active outdoor community could become a valuable additional resource for organisations such as Ihawu Lethu and the Dolphin Coast Anti-Poaching Forum (DCAPF). With some basic guidance, these regular trail and route users could help serve as the eyes and ears of the community, reporting suspicious activities, illegal hunting and environmental offences.

From personal experience, our cycling group has on several occasions encountered young men accompanied by packs of dogs, apparently hunting wildlife in the surrounding areas. We have also witnessed incidents of illegal dumping. These are precisely the types of activities that could be brought to the attention of the relevant organisations if people knew who to contact and how best to report what they observe.

Perhaps Ihawu Lethu and the DCAPF could jointly consider hosting information sessions at Holla Trails. These sessions could raise awareness, explain the correct reporting procedures and encourage greater co-operation between the organisations and the wider outdoor community.

There is already a large group of people regularly accessing and travelling through these areas. Harnessing their presence and willingness to assist could provide an effective, community-driven extension to the important conservation and anti-poaching work already taking place.

Protecting Ballito’s natural heritage is a shared responsibility, and perhaps this is one practical way in which the community can play a greater role.