Save the Wild Coast!
“The Wild Coast bio-diversity, its wildlife and its human culture have co-evolved into a mosaic of singular importance to the world, the strength of which lies in the lively yet delicate intersection of each natural and human component….. Once the treasure is lost, it cannot be recovered.”
One of the most spectacular, understudied, high-biodiversity landscapes in Africa is under threat from mining. The Wild Coast, or Pondoland (so named after the local people) in the Eastern Cape Province, contains not only a high percentage of rare and endemic plants (recognized as a world bio-diversity hotspot) and a landscape of awesome beauty, it also supports a traditional rural culture of native people that have lived there sustainably for many centuries.
View photos and read over-flight reports from Bateleurs – Flying for the Environment in Africa >
WILD recognizes the essential role played by mining and other important developments of natural resources. We also insist that such activities be done in the right place, and in 
an environmentally and a culturally sustainable manner. WILD stands with our sister organization the Wilderness Foundation (SA) and other prominent NGOs in the Sustaining the Wild Coast (SWC) initiative, and with local communities in the affected area, to ask that the South Africa government not allow mining in the Wild Coast.
The Wilderness Network provides assistance and support for efforts protecting this unique and treasured land. For example, in August 2008, the AmaDiba tribal community presented a high level court action in opposition to mining development. This is a notable action because the lead role (legally) is a local, rural, black community. Our Network provided a small amount of funds for legal costs, publicity and conservation guidance to support this community.
To add your voice to this campaign, join WILD and SWC >>>
SWC report from July 2007, by Val Payn
The Pondoland Centre of Endemism, though 
extremely small in geographic terms, is extremely wealthy in environmental terms. It extends from the Mtumvuna River at Port Edward, to the Kei River. Much of its environmental wealth is also highly ‘site specific’ i.e. the particular set of geographic circumstances of the region has resulted in high numbers of endemic species, generally contained in very small populations, making its ecology extremely sensitive to disruption. Although no extensive and comprehensive study has ever been done on the natural assets of the PCE, an area of 1,880 square kilometers, a recent study of the flora of 4 sites in the area, namely Mkambati, Oribi Gorge, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve and Port St Johns revealed 2,253 species of which 196 where endemic. Of the endemics only 16 occur in all four of the above mentioned sites, indicating that each of the investigate sites contains its own specific endemics. The region has been very poorly scientifically surveyed, and new plant species continue to be discovered.
For purposes of comparison, the Kruger National Park only contains 1,400 species as does the whole of the United Kingdom. Read more >>>
WILD Maps: The Wild Coast
The Wild Coast is bounded by East London in the south and Port Shepstone in the North. In the map below, the Wild Coast is marked with the green box.
