A River Runs Through it …

…and so does the N2.

That just about summarises our dilemma. We live in an area with a very distinct character, rich cultural history, and an established sense of place. But we also crave the comforts associated with development, the availability of resources and the welcome inflow of money associated with these developments.

In addition, a large part of the country is semigrating and permanently relocating to our precious Garden Route. Or at least have every intention to do so. And it seems as if there is a perception that the Garden Route has abundant space and limitless resources to accommodate the newcomers and their associated requirements – which will inevitably put a strain on our resources and poses a real threat to what is precious to the area.

At the heart of environmental management lies this impossible balancing exercise: how to conserve resources and heritage whilst accommodating other human rights such as housing, freedom to be economically active, practice a desired trade, access to clean water and economical demands. We cannot adopt the approach of ostriches burying their heads in the sand. (Which is actually incorrect – the poor ostriches do not ignore reality or threats by burying their heads in the sand, they are merely counting their eggs that were laid in holes made for this purpose! Were you aware that this misconception originates from the Roman era?)

We need to allow development and expansion. As usual, the answer lies in a balanced approach: understand (or identify) what must be preserved and where expansion and development can find a home.

We have only recently begun to understand the importance of managing our natural resources – clean air, clean water, effective waste water management, protection of indigenous and threatened fauna and flora, limiting waste to landfill and to re-use or recycle resources optimally. We still struggle to understand the importance of conserving our precious heritage resources and to maintain an intangible concept such as sense of place.

The question may well be asked what the importance (or even relevance) is of protecting heritage resources – and I am summarising only the most prominent elements:

Heritage defines a society: Where did they come from, and what are the significant events that shaped their current beliefs, values and priorities?

Heritage provides evidence of the development of our society: It helps us understand our traditions and enables us to develop an awareness of a particular nation, country or area.

Heritage helps us define ourselves: It forms our political dispensations and world views and assists us to form policies to manage current and future challenges.

 Heritage is a rich source of knowledge.  A colleague once mentioned that we cannot know where we are going, if we do not know where we came from.

Lastly I would like to remind you that heritage is fragile. Once a heritage source is lost, it is gone forever and we are forever poorer because of it.

Closely linked to heritage is the concept of sense of place. What makes an area special, what are its distinctive features and characteristics, and what evokes distinctive memories about a specific area?  I implore you: guard this element with just as much urgency as we need to protect and conserve our heritage.