Via Ferrata route in the Berg
It does not spoil any scenic routes.
True, it was done without permission. But done professionally.
It is a very thin line between getting permission and justifying it afterwards rather. It is not easy to bolt anything in the Berg.
But, as examples ...
The bolts up Cathedral peak help leaders take inexperieced groups up the summit.
The pitton near Roland's Cave provide "safety" along the ledge for people uncomfortable at height...
In the end, I am glad those were there. Same with the VF.
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- Why they did not ask permission to put up the VF ?
- Why did they place it specifically there ?
- where their intentions to make money ?
- Was it done to a very high standard ?
- What did it cost the guys to do it ?
I don't like to see the guys getting crucified by the climbing community, without understanding the reasons behind the project.
If you have considered all sides, then throw your stones as you see fit.
This thing seems to be getting bigger. Different MCSA sections, different Rescue sections, mountain guides, different Mountain Areas and Park's Board, etc etc ... and each have a different feeling to it.
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On the other hand this should been considered beforehand. I think it unwise to undertake something like this in the Berg without proper consideration and consultation.
Whatever the motives where, they are now clouded by the permission issue. Whether or not a via ferrata belongs in a wilderness area, and how well via ferratas are accepted by various schools of thought, are smaller issues in comparison. They can be worked through and tolerated if the approach is correct. The end does not justify the means in this case. Quite possible the incident has ruined chances of this ever being done legally in the future, as already pointed out earlier.
It would set a risky precedent in the Drakensberg if this is left unchecked.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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The Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) notes with concern that a Via Ferrata Route has been constructed in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site apparently without the management authorities of this protected area having been consulted or made aware. (Ezemvelo press release refers)
The Mountain Club was not aware of this activity until it had been completed and it shares the concern of Ezemvelo that the construction of this route could be in conflict with National Environmental Management and Nature Conservation legislation and that it might have a negative ecological impact.
The Mountain Club further notes, still with concern, that a press release by Ezemvelo makes mention of a joint Fixed Protection Policy between the MCSA and Ezemvelo and that the construction of this Via Ferrata appears to be in conflict with that agreement which was drawn up with conventional climbing in mind. Via Ferratas are somewhat different from protection fitted for conventional rock climbing, but authorisation should still have been obtained from Ezemvelo before its construction even by persons who are not aware of this agreement..
The mention of this joint agreement confirms a long standing policy in the Mountain Club which recognises that there are clear ownership rights in South Africa, even in undeveloped mountain terrain, and that prior consultation is required between those who wish to access and to use such land and its owners. Such prior consultation and respect for property is always expected of MCSA members, whether they are on private land or in a protected area. In all such consultation the Mountain Club has actively promoted the protection and conservation of mountain wilderness areas and of activities which have as low an impact on the environment as possible.
Ezemvelo may rest assured that internal investigations are under way within the Mountain Club, beginning with those Sections closely involved in the area, to determine how this Via Ferrata came to be constructed and for what purpose.
It may be useful to record that the Aims and Objects of the Mountain Club of South Africa, inter alia, include the following:
1. Procure and Protect Real Rights in and Access to Mountains and Mountain Areas
and
2. Initiate and Support Actions towards Protecting the Natural Beauty and Wilderness Character of Mountains and to Promote their Effective Conservation Management.
Dave Jones - National President MCSA
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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www.climb.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7964&p=42686#p42686
and now i'd like to respond to the "aims and objectives of the MCSA" point (2) Initiate and Support Actions towards Protecting the Natural Beauty and Wilderness Character of Mountains and to Promote their Effective Conservation Management. i believe that the VF does exactly this. both times i have done the route, there have been 25 people or so doing it that day. by 2pm there's no trace there was a single person there. the types of people who have done the VF are "take only photos and leave only footprint" types - wilderness lovers. i even saw someone picking up some cigarette butts on the contour path below the sentinel. i would like to suggest that the MCSA apply for a period of temporary permission - say 6 months to see what happens. if there are some unnerving incidents - rescues or litter or human waste issues or something that damages the spirit of wilderness, then we can re-evaluate. but my guess is that the impact and traffic will be no more or less than the chain ladder route, which is by definition, a less extreme/exposed via ferrata itself. not all via ferratas are wrong, otherwise the chain ladders would have been removed. they are not bolted climbing routes (therefore do not contravene the no bolting policy) - they are extreme hiking routes, and if understood, add value to the preservation of our beautiful mountains.
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caveman wrote: by 2pm there's no trace there was a single person there. the types of people who have done the VF are "take only photos and leave only footprint" types - wilderness lovers. i even saw someone picking up some cigarette butts on the contour path below the sentinel.
Um there are metal bolts and a steel cable on the side of the mountain...not quite part of nature...pretty much a permanent "trace" that humans were involved in altering the natural landscape...
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