Africa Geographic December 2008/January 2009 [antikvár]

^ ^ photography has played a pivotal role in showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of wild places, the frailty and irreplaceabillty of endangered species ^ y I an [photographic] images influence the fate of our planet's natural wonders?' asls Christina Mittermeier in the preamble to Climate for Life, t coauthored with her husband Russel, president of the US-based organisation, Conservation International. 'The answer,' she states, 'is a resounding yes. From the creation of the first national parks in the US to the recent establishment of an entirely new protected-area system in Gabon, photography has played a pivotal role in showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of wild places, the frailty and irreplaceabillty of endangered species and the wonder of indigenous cultures." I couldn't agree more. For instance, how could one not be moved by the wonder of the creatures portrayed by Thomas P. Peschak in 'Aldabra cadabra'? And how could one not concur that harm to any part of this special place and the marine life it supports would be unforgiveable. A large part ol Africa Geographic's purpose has been, and will continue to be, the showcasing of outstanding images, often beautiful, sometimes disturbing, that drive home the fact that the loss of even one of Africa's life forms is not only an indictment of our own species, but a direct threat to our very existence. I am astounded, therefore, when I hear well-educated people question the relevance of wild life and wild places. A decade or more ago, I would have been less so, for then people with a deep concern for the earth were readily dismissed as nutcases. But this is no longer so; there has been a rapid shift towards environmental issues becoming mainstream concerns. Today, those folk beginning to worry about their lifestyles and the depletion of tlie planet's resources come from the broadest spectrum of society, from professionals and entrepreneurs to ordinary citizens. Climate change concerns are, of course, giving huge impetus to this groundswell. Some people, a minority unfortunately, are taking the first, tentative steps towards adapting the way they live to a smaller carbon footprint - for instance, buying organic, changing to low-energy light bulbs and recycling domestic waste. However, the same people who now readily acknowledge global warming and sustainability issues often fail to make the connection between wildlife and their urban lives. 'How can you be so concerned about wild animals and plants when there are so many real issues to deal with?' I hear. They fail to understand that the wild creatures that share our world are the true barometers of the environmental state of the planet - without them and the wild trees and plants ttiey need to survive, our world would be in a sorry state indeed. If Africa's great apes don't survive, it means that the tropical forests will liave been lost. And if the forests are gone, the repercussions for the global climate are dire - rainfall patterns around the world will be disrupted, agricultural production will fall and the food in our supermarkets just won't be there, or will be unaffordable for many families. A simplistic example, maybe, but anyone who does not grasp the direct link between gorillas and their own survival hasn't yet understood what we as a species have to face up to. About our magazine environment It consistently advocates the wisest use of natural resources ir people of Africa. Africa Ceographic is published 11 times a year. publishing, e ecotravel, ind, manner that Involves and Is of real benefit to the