Africa Geographic April 2007 [antikvár]

founder's note C C The essence of wilderness is a phantom we conjure to comfort a tired psyche in need of reconnecting with biological origins I suppose that the ultimate conservationist might yearn for a world in which there are far fewer humans and where vast tracts of wilderness remain just that, wild places unadulterated by the human footprint and where the only changes are those brought about by the inexorable processes of natural selection. Well, we've well and truly blown that one; arguably there is no true wilderness at all, anywhere on our planet. The best we can talk about is the relative wild, tor even in the remote wastes of Antarctica, ice cores drilled by scientists reveal the impact of our industry. We have so altered our blue sphere that interfering with and, as a consequence, having to manage almost every ecosystem known, is simply the way it is. And so the essence of wilderness is a phantom we conjure to comfort a tired psyche in need of reconnecting with biological origins. 1 don't intend any cynicism in saying this and certainly I don't believe that the value of the relative wild is lessened in any way. On the contrary, it is even more precious for that reason, with the protection and conservation of national parks, game reserves and other wild places all over the world being issues of vital importance. In the context of this, it is interesting that both of our regular columnists, Ian Michler and John Hanks, deal with the impacts of ecotourlsm, posing the question; 'Is the environmental impact of the industry seriously compromising the very systems it seeks to nurture and perpetuate?' Gas-guzzling 4x4s, posh lodges with manicured lawns fed by sprinkler systems from limited water resources, generators sustaining food- and bar-fridges and powering air-conditioned comfort in tropical climes, 'your own private plunge pool', sewage systems And what of tip-driven guides who push the limits of safety and respect to deliver Africa - up-front and personal? Then there is the really big one: the carbon emissions that spew from the air miles flown to reach pristine Africa. We might argue that our travel dollars directly and indirectly support employment and communities, but hardcore environmentalists would respond by suggesting that, if we really care about the world and poor people, we should send a cheque and stay at home! I must come to the defence of the many operators who do pay meticulous attention to limiting their eco-footprint: for example, I recently had the privilege of spending a few days at Porinl Camp in Kenya's Amboseli National Park, where no-frills but adequate comfort, really good food, warm hospitality and superb guiding converged to provide a memorable experience. The camp, if lifted, would within months show no trace of its existence, such Is the simplicity of its design and consttuctlon. This said, I do agree that the industry has much to answer for and redress. But 1 can't help but come to the conclusion that even the less savoury aspects of the safari industry are preferable to golf estates, degradation through poor agricultural practice, or swathes of monoculture given over to ill-conceived biofuel projects. Regarding the wider-reaching issue of carbon emissions from air miles, I fear that donations to carbon-mitigating projects amount to little more than a panacea. The only real solution is fewer flights. It Is a gloomy prognosis, one that could strike a mortal blow to the safari industry. About our magazine Africa Ceographic is editorialiy and financially independent. It enjoys the support and endorsement of several non-government organisations, but it is not affiliated in any way to these bodies or to any other publishing, environmental or political interest group. Africa Ceographic strives to foster an awareness of wildlife, conservation, eco-travel, indigenous cultures and the general environment. It consistently advocates the wisest use of natural resources in a manner that involves and is of real benefit to the people of Africa. Africa Ceographic is published 11 times a year.