The alien challenge -
The Airfield Gums (Again!)
There have been positive and negative responses to the cutting down of gum trees near the skydiving club and airfield. A letter to Grocott’s Mail (4 November), “Certain plants – aliens like us – benefit the wildlife”, questioned the wisdom of this action, especially since the trees serve as a nesting place for herons and weavers. Members of Wessa heaved a sigh of relief when some of the trees were spared and the birds returned to breed – although a few weeks later than usual.
Dr Ralph Clark, of The Alien SWAT Team, acknowledges that some alien plants provide benefits to both humans and wildlife. He points out that some 9 000 plant species have been introduced to South Africa, and most of them are benign. However, there is a minority of some 1 400 plant species that are aggressive and cause widespread damage to our fragile ecosystems and biodiversity.
Clark notes the challenges when an alien species is both beneficial and harmful. Black wattle is one of these, being of value as a commercial species, but simultaneously being one of our worst invasive species. Many of our unique fynbos and grassland plants and birds are endangered because of this species. It drains our wetlands and rivers very quickly, and makes wild fires much hotter and more damaging. The same applies to other commercially valuable forestry species, such as pines and gums.
The broader scale implications of these species is often unrecognised by the public, who only see some localised benefits to a small selection of usually common animals and birds, which themselves are perpetually at risk from the next alien-induced fire. When faced with these situations, a complicated set of trade-offs has to be considered. The trade-offs are exemplified in the current Alien & Invasive Species Regulations (published under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act) that lists these sort of species as being Category 2, ie permitted to be retained/grown subject to a permit under controlled conditions.
However, for all invasive species, there is usually a suite of much better indigenous replacement options. Ecologically observant thinkers will recognise that the problem in the case of the airfield gum trees may not be their removal, but the lack of replacement with something better.
More info: thealienswatteam@gmail.com
2016 Environmental Awards – better late than never
The usual Environmental Award celebratory function (scheduled for 29 September) was unfortunately cancelled due to protest action. Nevertheless, winners' efforts to promote sustainability will not go unacknowledged. On 23 November, Rhodes University DVC, Dr Peter Clayton, will present the winners with the unique and beautiful floating trophies and framed certificates at a small ceremony.
In the Individual category, the award is unique in that it is shared by two people – a young RU postgrad researcher and a retired RU Professor who work together as one. The nomination of Professor Brian Allanson and Louw Claassens is based on concrete evidence of meeting all the required criteria, namely: • Good sustainability practice – informed by a social-ecological interpretation of sustainability, and embracing the principles of the RU Environmental Sustainability Policy; • Track record – activities have been implemented for the last 18 months, or longer; • Participation, inspiration and empowerment – educative and can be replicated, and include consistent and effective involvement of peers or community members in plan- ning and making decisions; • Innovative – doing more than what is required by law or duty, and promoting new “green” technologies; • Continuity: Strategies and guarantees are in place to ensure that the practices will continue to be implemented.
In the student society/residence category, Amina Cachalia Residence will take the honours.
This student residence has consistently shown a heart for promoting sustainability and has undertaken environmentally friendly activities for many years. They deserve acknowledgement for their consistent efforts to raise awareness about environmental sustainability.
In the Makana community category, the runner-up in last year’s awards is the deserving winner this year. Children of the Soil (COTS), a non-profit organisation, aims to create awareness regarding environmental issues and contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change by focusing on those who are most likely to be affected – the youth in vulnerable communities.
More info at www. ru.ac.za/environment/ awards/2016awards and look out for the full story and photos in the next edition of Grocott’s Mail!
Find us Online: www.grocotts. co.za/environews
Contacts for Makana Enviro-News:
Nikki Köhly n.kohly@ru.ac.za, 046 603 7205 Jenny Gon j-gon@intekom.co.za, 046 622 5822 Nick James nickjames@intekom.co.za, 082 575 9781 Philip Machanick p.machanick@ru.ac.za, 046 603 8635 Tim Bull timothybull05@aol.com, 076 289 5122; Rod Amner r.amner@ru.ac.za, 046 603 7123.