Africa Geographic May 2005 [antikvár]

editorial cc But then comes the polar swing and I feel exhilarated when I hear or read about a new, grand and exciting initiative y J I guess that many would call me an idealist and I am happy with that, but I certainly don't believe in a static Utopian state with everything in benign and perpetual balance. Change, as uncomfortable as it often is, is part of us whether we like it or not. It drives everything from the furthermost reaches of the cosmos to the shallow swill of leftover tea in a cup. Change brings new challenges, anxieties and disappointments certainly, but exhilaration too. My great anxiety about change on our planet, and I know that this is shared by many, is driven by a sense that we, the human species, have collectively become so distanced from our interrelationship with all the other life forms that we seem collectively powerless to slow, let alone halt or even reverse, our rapacious exploitation of the earth. My darker side sometimes says that nothing will work and that all the collective good amounts to nothing more than a fleeting ripple on the surface of the ocean. But then comes the polar swing and I feel exhilarated when I hear or read about a new, grand and exciting initiative on the part of one of the many fine conservation organisations working in Africa. I feel it even more strongly when I meet individuals whose commitment to make the world a better place is such that I am overwhelmed by their passion, and their energy. All the individuals and organisations doing good work around the world need to be supported and encouraged to the hilt. For ultimately our hopes rest with them - they can and do make a difference. I have a fine example of this. Roberts'Birds of Southern Africa has been the leading source of popular knowledge of our regional birdlife since it was first published in 1940. It is an institution in itself, and anyone with even a passing interest in our avifauna will have at least one of the many editions on their bookshelf. About five years ago the tmstees of this worthy tome had the vision to motivate and commission a complete remake. The project was sensibly entrusted to the Percy FitzPatrick Institute for African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town. Under the guidance of three scientific editors led by Professor Phil Hockey, a huge resource of information was gathered with the help of acknowledged experts on each of the 951 species currently known in the region. Our finest artists were also recruited to provide 80 brand-new colour plates to complement the text. The result is a 1 312-page body of knowledge that will remain unparalleled for many years to come. Africa Geographic is proud to be associated, as the publishing consultant, with this outstanding work, which is set for publication in August this year (you can read more about the book on our website). I have no doubt that it will stimulate a huge awareness of our birdlife - and awareness is half the battle. If this awareness inspires only a few people to join those who campaign for the conservation of birds, which are amongst the keenest indicators of habitat health in almost any environment, then that fleeting ripple will have been given some substance. About our magazine Africa Geographic is editorially 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 staves 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 by Black Eagle Publishing, an independent organisation owned by its shareholders and directors; Peter Borchert, Simon Espley and Murray jackson. AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC • MAY 2005