Community supports ocean conservation in Mtunzini

Local ocean lovers zoned in on Mtunzini on Saturday in support of the national ‘Oceans not Oil’ paddle out.

The event also saw kayakers gather at Durban’s New Point beach, Scottburgh beach, Vaal River, Seaforth beach at Simon’s Town and Clifton beach to protest against exploratory offshore drilling.

This in response to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s approval of applications to drill offshore as part of government’s ‘Operation Phakisa’ oil and gas development programme.

Environmentalists argue that the country’s coastal area has a high amenity value, with between 49.7% and 61.3% of activities undertaken by foreign visitors being beach-related.

They consider it staggering that a cost/benefit analysis has not been done to compare tourism, recreation and leisure industries against offshore drilling – bearing in mind the impact of costly oil spills.

Many feel the minister’s approval does nothing to protect the already heavily compromised sea, nor break down the massive political barriers to decarbonising electricity generation in South Africa.

They also encourage the public to sign the petition: ‘Save South Africa’s Coast & Future’ at https://chng.it/SGtKBvv4p5

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