Via Ferrata route in the Berg
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.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
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.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
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.
Please login or register to view the image attached to this post.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
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...
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Just interesting the rationalisations we put to things that we as humans believe are in the best interests of others and or the planet. The justification for being the "highest order" species on the planet.
The logic of putting human technologies into natural areas to make human access easier and increase human traffic to an area, to somehow increase awareness of the natural area and thereby improving its protection/conservation seems rather lacking. ie more people visiting increases the likelihood of litter, erosion, and other human impact on the environment.
At this stage I would suggest that the rationalisations for the VF at this stage are designed to bring justification to the selfish intent of the thrill seekers who this type of climbing route appeals to. Logic holds why else would they have proceeded without due consideration for all aspects... Calls for "try it, you may like it" to "join the club" are also just a deflection and an attempt to "share the guilt"...
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
